Thousands of Opel cars may be recalled following a number of incidents involving the car brand's Zafira B model.

The company has confirmed that it is investigating after a number of fires - the latest of which happened in Cork yesterday.

Opel says it will work with authorities to find out what caused a vehicle fire in Passage West yesterday.

The company says it has had complaints of 'thermal incidents' in the area of the heating and ventilation system some of the model.

But the model, which was launched in 2005, does not include the current Zafira Tourer.

The company says if any drivers are concerned about operating their vehicle or if they notice any unusual characteristics with the heating and ventilation system - such as a squeaking noise from the dashboard - they should contact their Opel dealer and arrange an inspection.

There will be no cost to have the vehicles inspected.

Opel has stressed that customer safety is their 'number one priority', adding: "Our investigations to date have found that a number of incidents have occurred due to previous repairs being performed improperly or using certain non-genuine parts".

Neil Briscoe is motoring journalist with the Irish Times, and he spoke to Newstalk Breakfast.