Vauxhall Astra Recall R/2008/053: Risk Of Fire, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 22 May 2008
- Launched
- 33,639
- vehicles in the UK
- 08c003
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Vauxhall recalled Astra vehicles built between 1 March 2003 and 31 December 2005. Fitted with the Z16XEP engine the upper oil pressure switch might release oil onto the exhaust manifold heat protection shield which could result in self ignition. The dealer will replace the upper oil pressure switch by a screw plug. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Fitted with the Z16XEP engine the upper oil pressure switch might release oil onto the exhaust manifold heat protection shield which could result in self ignition.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: RISK OF FIRE Defect: It has been identified that on vehicles fitted with the Z16XEP engine the upper oil pressure switch might release oil onto the exhaust manifold heat protection shield which could result in self ignition. Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the upper oil pressure switch replaced by a screw plug. Additionally a modified oil pressure switch will be fitted in a lower position.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: risk of fire.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the upper oil pressure switch by a screw plug.
Are You Affected?
Astra built between 1 March 2003 and 31 December 2005 may be included. Vauxhall estimates 33,639 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Vauxhall, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Vauxhall.
- Book with any franchised Vauxhall dealer, quoting the campaign code 08c003 or the DVSA reference R/2008/053. See how to get a Vauxhall recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astra, Combo, Corsa, Crossland and 3 moreVauxhall DV5R engines camshaft chain | Low | R/2025/245 | |
| Astra, GrandlandVauxhall Astra Grandland fuel pipe leakage | Urgent | R/2025/055 | |
| Astra, Meriva, Mokka, ZafiraFront seat side airbag may deploy incorrectly | Urgent | R/2017/027 | |
| Astra, MerivaFront passenger airbag may not deploy as intended | Urgent | R/2016/274 | |
| AstraPossibility of vehicle fire | Urgent | R/2016/023 |
This is one of 300 Vauxhall recalls in DVSA’s data. The Vauxhall recall launched before it was R/2008/014 on 7 Apr 2008, for handbrake may partially release. The one launched after it was R/2008/068 on 10 Jun 2008, for braking performance may be reduced. You can also see every Vauxhall recall, all recalls launched in 2008 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2008/053, launched 22 May 2008. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.