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The horn that doesn't warn?

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Elham Rizi | 19:58 UK time, Thursday, 22 April 2010

Updated Vauxhall statement, Sept 2010:

Vauxhall has carried out an extensive test programme relating to the problem of Astra/Zafira horns not working when the lights are switched on. This programme of work, which included a rigorous review of a significant number of vehicles in service, has identified a potential fault within the electronic steering column module (the CIM). Although the fault is of low incidence, following discussions with VOSA, Vauxhall will soon contact customers to ask them to visit their local Vauxhall Dealer where the CIM unit will be repaired free of charge. Affected vehicles are Astra and Zafira from Model Year 2004 to Model Year 2010. The new generation of Astra is not affected. We will provide Watchdog with more details when the campaign is actioned and the first letters are in the hands of customers. Vauxhall is appreciative of Watchdog's support and cooperation on this issue.

Update: Vauxhall have set up a freephone number for any owners who have the problem described in our report - 0800 026 4970.

Watchdog has discovered a fault with the UK's third best selling car, the Vauxhall Astra. We've heard from some Astra owners who say that their horns don't work when the headlights are turned on.

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Kathryn Morton bought her 2005 plate Astra two years ago. She discovered the fault when she was approaching a busy intersection on a motorway, at night. She told us:

"I could see another car was heading into my lane, so automatically my response was to hit the horn to let them know I was there. Nothing happened; there was no sound at all."

Kathryn looked online and found that other Astra drivers had experienced the fault and many of them at night, when their headlights were turned on.

Safety issue
Automotive engineering expert Mark Brown says this is a potentially dangerous fault that would cause an MOT failure, and told Watchdog:

"The horn is an audible warning device that every vehicle should be fitted with. Its function is to warn other road users of the driver's presence, for example, a pedestrian who might be just about to step off the curb.

"If the horn doesn't work, the car would fail its MOT test which technically means it's not roadworthy."

Calls to Vauxhall dealers
To find out whether Vauxhall know about this problem, we called 10 Vauxhall service centres to book a fictitious Astra in for repair work. All of them were aware of the fault with the horn.

But Vauxhall aren't telling customers about the problem and many drivers might not know their car has this fault. Mark Brown told us:

"The MOT tester won't necessarily test the horn with the headlights on, so the first time the driver will know there's a problem is when they come to use the horn, in an emergency situation, when of course, it's too late".

This fault also affects Zafiras. If you find your car has this fault, Watchdog wants to hear from you...

Vauxhall statement:

"In June 2007, Vauxhall became aware via reports from its retail network of a very small number of incidents. An investigation was launched and the root cause was found to be an intermittent connection within the pin connectors of a wiring harness linking the steering wheel audio controls and the main vehicle harness. A Technical Service Bulletin was provided to the Vauxhall retail network in December 2007 advising that in the event of a customer describing this particular failure mode, the wiring harness should be replaced using a new wiring harness. This new part was incorporated into vehicle production during 2007.

"Only vehicles with audio steering wheel controls are potentially impacted, these are not standard on all models. The number of reported cases is extremely low; the population of potentially affected vehicles includes Astra (built from 2004 to 2007) and Zafira (built from 2005 to 2007).

"As Watchdog is already aware, Vauxhall takes quality issues very seriously, as soon as cases were reported, investigation was undertaken and a solution found. No proactive customer action was undertaken due to the very low number of cases.

"Any failure attributed to a manufacturer defect and reported within the vehicles warranty period will be covered under our existing warranty program. A failure of the horn that is found to be a result of this particular wiring harness will be paid for by either the Vauxhall warranty program or under its goodwill policy program even if the warranty or mileage periods have expired.

"Most customers have had the work done to resolve these issues under warranty. However, customers that have had their vehicle repaired and have been charged for either of the two issues described, and are able to provide a suitable invoice, will be fully reimbursed through our goodwill policy programme by contacting our customer assistance centre.

"Customer Assistance Contact details:

"Tel: 0845 090 2044 (Watchdog Note: you may be charged for these calls)
Email: vauxhall.customerassistance@vauxhall.co.uk

"We will be manning the Customer Assistance Centre telephone lines following the programme, so any affected customers are advised to call to discuss their case with a Vauxhall adviser."

Comments

Page 1 of 2

  • Comment number 1.

    I own a Vauxhall Astra 06 plate. My horn does not work when the head lights are on.

  • Comment number 2.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 3.

    The horn on my 05 Astra doesn't work at all, with or withot headlights on.

  • Comment number 4.

    I have a Vauxhall Astra 55 plate and my horn only works occasionally with headlights on or off

  • Comment number 5.

    I own a Vauxhall Zafira Design 55 Plate and I also have the same problem with the horn not working when the lights are switched on.

  • Comment number 6.

    i own an 06 plate astra my horn doesnt work when lights are on

  • Comment number 7.

    I spoke to Vauxhall in Stoke on Trent last year about this fault and they said they had never heard of it but they had an idea how to fix it but it would cost between £400 - £600 well i was not spending that so i found if you thump the steering whell very hard 3 o4 times then both the horn and te lights worked together. But now i will be calling Vauxhall again and getting them to make this repair FOC

  • Comment number 8.

    I have a 05 Astra and it has had the wiring repaced only in Nov due to a differnt fault.
    Your right I still have the horn problem

  • Comment number 9.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 10.

    I also drive the astra, but mine is 58 plate ( 2008 ), i`am lucky as my horn works with the head lights on, 1 year after the problem

  • Comment number 11.

    I am a mot tester and noticed this fault 2 years ago, at a recent mot seminar I raised the question about astra horns not working with the lights on and was told in not uncertain terms if the horn works pass it even though when your most likely to need it you have no horn. I also mot bikes and during a bike test you must check the horn with the lights on and off

  • Comment number 12.

    id like to thank watchdog for making this problem known, weve just tried our horn and it doesnt work we wouldnt have known otherwise, have just rang vauxhall customer assistance and they were very helpful, sorting it out asap! thanks for bringing it to our attention and making sure we know where these faults are.

  • Comment number 13.

    I own a 54 plate astra, the horn does not work when the lights are on...

  • Comment number 14.

    I have an 04 astra and my horn dosent work when the lights are on also one time i used my horn when someone cut me up i pressed the horn and [removed for legal reasons].

  • Comment number 15.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 16.

    One assumes that when you have your head lights on,,it is dark.

    Its against the law the sound your horn between certains time at night...

  • Comment number 17.

    I have a 54 Astra and my horn does'nt work when the headlights are on!!

  • Comment number 18.

    I have an 07 Astra withI have just checked and found it to have this fault . It was serviced at the main dealer yesterday and they did not check for this .

  • Comment number 19.

    I purchased an 06 Astra just last week and I informed the dealer the next day that the horn didn't work at all. He asked me to check again if it worked with the headlights on which I thought at the time was a strange request but I tried it again and it still didn't work. It was in the garage all day yesterday where they had to replace the whole steering wheel module. The dealer told us that this had cost him £200 so I am glad that I took it back straight away especially after watching the programme tonight. I have just tested it again and thankfully it now works with the lights on and off !

  • Comment number 20.

    I have an 06 Astra and have had an intermitant fault with my horn. Went outside and tried it with my lights on and it did not work, worryingly thou it now does not work at all!!!

  • Comment number 21.

    I too have this problem with my 04 plate astra. Began late last year when it wouldn't work at all ( also problems turning radio up/down with steering controls, no seat belt buzzer, no lights left on buzzer ) very well known problem amongst astra owners ( problem associated with CIM module, located in the steering shroud ) altho this last week or so, has been back to normal intermitently !! In reference to Chris Wildey post,it is NOT against the law to sound your horn at any times of the day IF it is being used to warn other road users to your presence

  • Comment number 22.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 23.

    Have just seen programme. Have 2004 Astra Design (automatic)- just checked horn - it doesn't work at night. Our son says it only works intermittently during daylight! Hadn't told us so will book it in to be corrected! THANKS WATCHDOG FOR POINTING THIS OUT TO US>

  • Comment number 24.

    Ok guys and gals....I have this fault and have come across a tempory fix while we all wait for vauxhall to fix it properly!!! :) if you turn down the dial illumination a touch the horn should work with the lights on....weird I know!!!

  • Comment number 25.

    I brought my `55 plate Astra in Feb 09 & have had a problem with horn & volume on steering wheel controls ever since.Two weeks after purchase a clever driver pulled out in front of me on a dark evening on a roundabout my obvious reaction was to lean on the horn & nothing happened!.Took car back to garage who tried twice to repair. After the second time apparentley the CIMS unit was replaced.This worked for about 5 months (intermitently) then gave up the ghost in October 09.Contacted Vauxhall head office via e-mail during November 09 who eventually told me they could not do anything about this problem as there was only minimal amount of vehicles being affected.Had car looked at again. Wiring harness was replaced (this did not work)finally CIMS unit replaced again!.This was only last week, so just waiting for it to go again!.A couple of interesting new problems developed during this time; the horn did not work at all, but if pushed the volume would increase on the cd player!!.

  • Comment number 26.

    I have a vauxhall Zafira 56 plate, which I bought July last year. I didnt really notice till about 1 month ago that the horn wasnt working correctly,checked fuse etc obvious now thanks to watchdog I know what to do.

  • Comment number 27.

    I also own an Astra 05 plate, and have had the same problem. Unfortunately I paid to get this problem fixed and have now contacted Vauxhall Customer service to inquire about a refund, after watching Watchdog this evening. They explained that they would contact the repair centre who fixed the fault and will get back to me tomorrow (does not sound too promising) hopefully I will be reimbursed for this error made by Vauxhall.

  • Comment number 28.

    I have a astra 04 plate and the horn does not work when the headlights are on.

  • Comment number 29.

    Yes Chris one would assume you use your lights at night! But unfortunatley there is no telling when you will get cut up by another vehicle or experience someone walking out infront of you and needing your horn.

    Thank you watchdog as I have a 57 plate Astra which also has the same fault!! A horn is a safety feature which should be working at all times. I will be contacting Vaxhuall in the morning.

  • Comment number 30.

    I did find that my horn didn't work, but the workshop never knew what the problem was as it worked when they tried it. Tried it tonight with and without the lights and you're right. Can I take it to any Vauxhall dealer to be repaired?

  • Comment number 31.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 32.

    Vauxhall need to check their statement ref. only occurring on models with steering wheel audio controls. My model: 06 Astra 1.7tdi with conventional dashboard controls has suffered the fault intermittently with/without lights on.

  • Comment number 33.

    I have a Vauxhall Corsa 04. I was driving down the motor way one evening when the horn started blaring. I started to press the button believing it to be stuck. This did not resolve the issue. I pulled over on to the hard shoulder to turn the engine off and then back on again the problem seem to go. The next day I used my car and again the horn just continued to sound. I pulled over with the engine running pressing the horn button to see I was stuck and it continued eventually it just died out. I tried to replace the fuse and each time the horn would sound and blow the fuse. This cause a constant drain on my system (I have only discovered this). I've had breakdown cover out saying it's the glow plugs, the engine management system, I've had my fourth battery in this car. I called Vauxhall this morning and they said as it's not the Astra it's not the same issue. I know it's a manufactures fault as I've taken it into loads of mechanics and even a Vauxhall specialist with computer diagnostics and they still could not find the problem. I've spent hundreds of pounds on getting this battery drain problem solved and it's all to do with this stuck horn. Vauxhall don't care there cars are so disappointing. I've lost my job and have little money to repair this and annoyance me that these faceless corporations don't give a crap.. I knew this won't get resolved with our with out your help. I just destined to have constant bad luck with everything. I just thought i would try and make other Corsa drives aware.

  • Comment number 34.

    I have an 05 Astra. I noticed that the horn didn't work, but then it started again. I have tried it this morning again after watching the programme last night. it worked when the lights were off, but didn't when they were on, turned the lights off again and it didn't work!!!!!!!!!!! Will have to get in touch with Vauxhall today!!!!!!

  • Comment number 35.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 36.

    I owned an Astra from new with an 07 plate registered in June 07. The horn failed to to work twice over 18 months and was repaired by Vauxhall. The third time when it failed to work I booked it in with the Vauxhall dealer. When the horn started working again I called them and informed them it was now working and they agreed it wasnot worth bringing it in as it was now working. They should have informed me that it was a nowm fault and recalled the car to have the problem fixed for once and all. You could nor reliy on it working.

  • Comment number 37.

    I own a vauxhall Astra, 55 plate. I've owned it from new and tested the horn last night. It works without the lights on but not with them on?!
    Thank you for making me aware of this problem-a case that unless I'd been in the sitation where I had needed to use it, I wouldn't have known!

  • Comment number 38.

    I currently own an Astra Twintop 07 plate. I have had constant problems with the horn, and have been told by Vauxhall that they couldn't find any problem with it whatsoever, despite it's irrational behaviour. I'm really pleased Watchdog have run this, as it's good to know I'm not alone! I'll be onto Vauxhall yet again...

  • Comment number 39.

    I have a 55 plate Astra and had the problem occur in August 09. I went to the dealership and they replaced the wiring harness which cost me £105.69.
    After watching the article on Watchdog I have contacted Vauxhall who couldn't have been more helpful and they are going to refund the full amount!

    Good work Vauxhall and Thanks WD!!

  • Comment number 40.

    I have a 54 plate and the horn does not work with or without headlights!!!!

  • Comment number 41.

    i have a 05 astra sxi i have had this problem two times the first was a year ago when i had a new cim replaced which fixed the problem great and under warranty but 13 months later again same fault but this time hard to start with no horn at all again cim replaced but cost me £300 also fellow sxi owners may know about the other fault about clutch judder on cold mornings so had new cluth fitted but under warranty still good car but which they would openly admit faults they clearly have toyota can why not vauxhall

  • Comment number 42.

    I checked my Astra Sport 2006 model last night after seeing this and also found the horn does not work when my headlights are on. I bought the car new from Vauxhall, and it has full service history with them since that date. I also had MOT done last July when this was a known defect yet they failed to check it out at that time or even mention it.This is a serious safety concern and renders your car unroadworthy and could result in your insurance invalidating any claim if present on the vehicle at the time of the accident. I have owned Vauxhall's for years due to reliability and their safety record however this is almost as bad as the Toyota scandal. I spoke to my dealert today and they do not know what Vauxhall want them to do, nor do they sound too concerned. If they carry on this way they will be when they lose customers. I have also wrote to Vauxhall on this matter and will update you when they respond.

  • Comment number 43.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 44.

    I bought a 06 Zafira 1.9cdti Design in Feb of this year. Within two weeks the horn refused to work when the headlights were on, and the steering wheel audio controls froze. This only came to light when I hit the horn as a car pulled out on me unexpectedly at 70mph- a very dangerous incident. Playing with the dimmer switch to lower the brightness of the radio and speedo displays seems to work. However, the problem still recurs intermittently and usually without warning, needing more twiddling of knobs and dials. I initially researched the fault on internet forums, and was put off reporting the fault to Vauxhall because the horrendous charges that were being reported to rectify a fault that dealers seemed to be denying was even there. On the basis of a friend telling me about Watchdog’s investigation I will be contacting Vauxhall at the next available opportunity!

  • Comment number 45.

    I own a vaxuhall astra 06 plate which I bought in a private sale, I noticed the horn did not work and had it fixed by an auto electrician not part of vaxuhall, the horn worked but was not very loud and you had to press quite hard on the steering wheel. It has gone again now, I had to take it to a dealer as other diagnostic machines could not diagnose it. I have paid £58 pound to be told what the problem is, they have ordered the parts and quoted me a further £230 to complete. I have informed them of the programme on watchdog and they have advised me that they will see if I can receive some help towards the cost.

  • Comment number 46.

    I have an 08 plate Astra Elite. My car has been in with this problem twice. Luckily, it now works in all lighting conditions. It has also been in for the steering wheel remote control as well. I couldn't believe the horn was a common fault on the model, I just assumed that they hadn't fixed it correctly.

  • Comment number 47.

    I have astra 1.7 54 plate and the horn is not reliable it only works sometimes, as many times ive tried to use the horn it do not work ,with lights on or off

  • Comment number 48.

    I have an 06 astra and my horn do not work with my headlights on either.

  • Comment number 49.

    I have a 2004 astra sri and after watching watchdog did the horn test and the horn worked with the lights off but with the lights on the horn did not work and the radio volume went up louder , but now the horn seems to have stopped working altogether , car is booked in to local vauxhall dealer on the 27.04.10 to try and solve this problem.

  • Comment number 50.

    If what lensman888 says is true then it would appear to be scandalous and deserves proper investigation.


    On other makes/models - [car make removed] models have a nasty tendency to fracture the wiring at the sounders' connectors due to vibration and a too-short flylead - this leads to intermittent/weak sounding before finally giving up. Thankfully fixing is very easy (splice in 75mm of extra wire to allow for flexing)

    The same models are also prone to water getting into the rear lamp cluster connectors and corroding the ground return pin, which severely messes up indicators, brake, fog and reverse lights _AND_ also affects cruise control and emissions controls due to stray voltages appearing on sensor inputs - again it's a simple fix (clean the affected pins and fill the connector with petrolatum so that water can't get in) but some garages are charging a fortune for unnecessary repairs to cruise controls and ignition system computers. ([company removed] original recall for these does _not_ fix the problem permanently as service agents are simply told to clean the connector pins, with no steps taken to prevent water getting back into it again)

    An average car has 20-30,000 parts. That so few of them go wrong is testimony to how reliable modern designs really are - and most electronics failures come down to mechanical aspects of wiring or plugs.

  • Comment number 51.

    I have been testing my horn with the lights over the last 24hrs on on my 07 plate Astra and the horn works about 50% of the time.I rang my dealer who told me to ring the number you have given out for Vauxall Customer Care but was re-directed to the AA as it was after 5.0pm (5.10pm).I was told to ring back tomorrow when someone would be available.I have to go to work tonight in this car.Don,t think Vauxall can be taking the issue to seriously as it is a 9am to 5pm problem to them.Barry

  • Comment number 52.

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

  • Comment number 53.

    Thanks Watchdog, I owm a 06 plate Astra Elite and after watching your programme I have checked the horn and it does'nt work with the lights on. So I will be ringing my dealer to find out if they will fix it! I will let you know of any problems.

  • Comment number 54.

    Horn works but not if the dashboard dimmer switch is on full.

    I have a 54 plate astra design with auto lights.
    Using either auto or manual setting the horn works with the lights on.
    If i then turn the dashboard dimmer up to full the horn stops working,
    HOW WIERD IS THAT ?

  • Comment number 55.

    My daughter rang me to tell me about your article on Astras. I purchased my 05 Astra in February this year. I checked the horn which didn't work. Last Friday I visited my local Vauxhall dealer who was aware of the programme's feature but said they had received no directive from Vauxhall on carrying out the repair.They took my details and promised to get back to me. I've so far had no message. I have now e-mailed Vauxhall direct hoping to get this sorted. Thanks BBC!

  • Comment number 56.

    I have an a Vauxhall Astra Design 04 plate
    After watching W/Dog I checked my horn, it works during the day
    with lights off and on, but at night with the lights on it doesn't.
    Contacted GM and was advised to take the car in to my local V/Hall
    dealer. Called them the next day and they were unaware of the
    watchdog programme, I explain to them and my car was booked in.
    I have just dropped the car off at the garage so now waiting for them
    to call back when it's fixed. After reading some of the comments
    I'm a little worried in case I get the car back with any problems,
    ie volume buttons on steering wheel not working as everything was
    working fine before I put the car in..here's hoping
    I'll update you if I have any hassle.

  • Comment number 57.

    Just heard from a third party re Watchdog programme last week. I too have this fault on my 04 Astra - the horn does not work with the headlights switched on. Will contact Vauxhall direct and see what they can do to put this fault right. Thanks Watchdog I will be tuning in to the programme in furture.

  • Comment number 58.

    I have a 2005 Astra SRI. After seeing your programme I checked my horn and it worked with the lights both on and off. I may be one of the lucky ones or it may be that in 2006 I had problems with the alarm going off. This resulted in a new wiring loom, alarm module, fuse box then finally a new CIM which cured the fault. This CIM module seems to be the cause of quite a few electrical issues affecting the Astra which could be why mine is ok.

  • Comment number 59.

    I have an Astra 2.0 Turbo 54reg. Mostly the horn doesnt work full stop, sometimes it works fine and sometime it won't work if the lights are on.
    More Bizarrely when the horn doesnt work it turns my stereo up and the volume control on the steering wheel starts to seek through radio channels!!!

    I was starting to think the car was Possessed!

  • Comment number 60.

    Thank you Watchdog, saw your show last Thursday. Checked my horn on my 55 plate Astra, lights on and lights off not a sound! Rang the Vauxhall customer service line Friday morning got booked in Tuesday and I have a fully functioning car! All for the grand total of £o.oo
    Thank you Watchdog where would we be without you!!!!

  • Comment number 61.

    I have a '04 Astra (old shape) with wheel radio controls and have never had a lack of horn prob. as far as I know BUT every 14 months, almost to the day, my alarm sounder/siren....IE horn has kept going off. Three times the problem has been diagnosed as low voltage input and three times have replaced siren unit to the tune of £170-180 every time. Has anyone else had this problem? We know of another newer style '04 that also has had to have siren unit replaced twice now. I called Vauxhall customer services, 2/3 weeks ago but got no joy.(He didn't inform me about the horn dilemma either!?!?)

  • Comment number 62.

    We have an 04 plate vauxhall astra elite.. like most others we have had problems with the horn not working at times even if the lights are on or off.. we spoke to greenhouse vauxhall in hanley stoke on trent and they wanted hundreds of pounds to fix this problem.. which we had to do with the mot been due.. however were led to believe this was just a fault with our car :(

  • Comment number 63.

    My horn hasnt worked for 1 year now i thought it was just mine, but sometimes my controls dont work on my steering wheel either from time to time a machanic i know said it is a fault and he has had a few in with the same problem im having.
    just dropped my car in and was told i wont be charged anything over the phone, he said well we will charge you £45 to take steering wheel apart, i told him to call vauxhall and check out this site as hundreds of people are having the same problem, told him not to take it apart without calling me.
    hopefully it comes back stating its a know error and gets fixed.

  • Comment number 64.

    yep just got a call from the garage £45 to take my steering wheel apart, but stated oh yes its a common problem but it hasnt been recalled.
    why not because this is a safety requirment, other half now ringing them to see what they are playing at.

  • Comment number 65.

    Anyone with the problem and try to egt charged please ask for the recall number and give them a call.
    my partner called them and they called the dealership repair centre my car was in today and told them they should not be charging customers for this and advised them to send the invoice to them and not me.

    yey problem solved thank you watchdog

  • Comment number 66.

    What happened about giving us some feedback on this weeks show as said last week. We feel short changed, who do we complain to.....watchdog....ohhh. Thanks for bringing it to our attention anyway.

  • Comment number 67.

    I have a Zafira 07 plate and noticed this problem about 1 year ago. It was still under warranty and my local Vauxhall dealership repleced the horn unit free of charge. This solved the problem for a while but not long ago I noticed again the horn didn't work when the headlights were on. Furthermore, the internal comfort light came on and could not be switched off. The only solution was to remove the bulb. Think I'll give the customer care number a ring.

  • Comment number 68.

    I have an 04 Astra; the horn has worked only intermittently (approx. 40%) of the time) for the last 3 years. It has been into the Vauxhall dealer for the problem while still under warrantly and several times afterwards. Vauxhall could not find the problem and did not admit that there was a problem.
    After seeing Watchdog a week ago, I immediately contacted Vauxhall Customer Care who told me to book the car in for repair as soon as possible. I took it in today and have just has a call from the garage saying that it is a faulty CIM unit and that I would have to pay £309 for it to be replaced! I have referred it back to Customer Care saying that it was a problem that occurred under warranty that Vauxhall could never fix.
    FYI: After the last service when Vauxhall were asked to look at the horn, the seat belt warning, indicator warning and lights left on warning did not work. This is an Astra where the horn not working is independent of the lights being on and it does not have the steering wheel controls.

  • Comment number 69.

    I HAVE AN ASTRA 06 MY HORN DOES NOT WORK AT ALL.BROUGHT IT TO VAUXHALL TO BE TOLD IT WOULD COST ME £50 PLUS VAT JUST TO LOOK AT. THEN PAY FOR THE PROBLEM TO BE FIXED

  • Comment number 70.

    I have heard from Vauxhall Customer Assistance this morning that the only fault that they are prepared to acknowledge and repair is where the Astra has steering wheel controls. So are some dealerships repairing the 'other' horn problems as a goodwill gesture?

  • Comment number 71.

    Thanks to Watchdog, I have a 2005 Astra and every now and again my horn didn't work, I never would have associated it with my lights being turned on. I contacted my Vauxhall dealer the next day and the car was taken in, checked and I am taking it back tomorrow to have a new wiring Harness fitted.

  • Comment number 72.

    58 plate zafira, my horn works intermittently regardless of lights being on, it never works when i need it to work! somehow it always work when i hit it by accident (very frustrating) i have had it in 5 times to vauxhall then gave up, they just kept saying it was fine and working. i realise just how dangerous not having a horn is after almost crashing earlier. hope i get it fixed and good luck to everyone else!

  • Comment number 73.

    I fitted an after-market stereo; bought an after-market connector so I could connect the steering wheel audio controls to it and have never suffered from this problem.

    The connector cost £25 (but it was necessary for the JVC head unit to work with the controls) and took me 10 mins to fit.

  • Comment number 74.

    I was informed by a friend at work about the horn which does'nt work when lights are on. I have just tried it on my Vauxhall zafira 06 plate and mine does not work on side lights and full beam but works when they are off

  • Comment number 75.

    I have an O6 Astra SRI and My horn also intermittently works whether lights are on or off.. I tried to get it sorted whilst in Warraunty and the Vauxhall Dealership in York told me it was wear/tear and i had to pay for it.. they wanted to charge £600 for a new CIM pack. Thank god for this publication as now maybe Vauxhall will do something about making my car legal and raod worthy.

    Can live in hope, but im sure im going to be disappointed and some charges will come in somewhere i.e. "inspection charges"

  • Comment number 76.

    I own a zafira club 07 plate, my horn works one minute then the next(usually when i need it!)doesnt, this is regardless of the headlights being switched on or off.
    I have had this in for the same problem at my local vauxhall dealership 4 times now and they claim to have changed numerous parts but every time i get it back the car horn stops working again and only works occasionally, the last time this was repaired was just a few days ago when they said they where going to change the wiring harness from the steering audio (only because i mentioned watchdog and the harness problem) this has STILL NOT RECTIFIED THE PROBLEM! as the following day i needed to use my horn (again in an emegency!)and it did not work ,needless to say i have booked the car in again today (6th may 2010)
    i will post again to let you know the work carried out and if im still having the same problem...

  • Comment number 77.

    Just got my zafira back after three and a half hours only to be told that the horn was working when they tried it and they are not prepared to replace any parts until they find it not working again, so basically I have been fobbed off and left with a dangerous car yet again!
    Why is Vauxhall not informing these dealerships about the problem and the parts they need to rectify the faulty horns??

  • Comment number 78.

    [Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator]I do not think that this problem is limited to Astra's. I have a [car make & model removed] 2008 reg and the horn does not work with the lights on. I did not know about this problem until it was highlighted on watchdog.

  • Comment number 79.

    my horn doesnt work on my 06 plate astra.
    its coming up to the MOT so i know it will fail. i have been quoted £200 for a new cim unit to have it repaired.

  • Comment number 80.

    I bought a 56 plate Astra from new and have always had intermittent issues with the horn whether the lights were on or off. It was never picked up in any service or the mot. I think i will get onto them now i know it was nothing i had done!

  • Comment number 81.

    I purchased a 56 plate astra sxi in feb10 and my horn does not work with or without the lights on......Also from time to time my volume and channel buttons dont work either. I was told of the record that if i was to thump the wheel it will wake the system up, but would only be a short term fix.

  • Comment number 82.

    I found this problem with the horn almost a year ago when my lights are on the horn did not work and the sound on the radio actualy increased the problem is also when the lights are not on. I have a appointment with my Vauxhall garage this week lets hope the problem is resolved

  • Comment number 83.

    I have an Astra 55 plate ,which I purchased last month and noticed the horn only works when it wants to.It seemed to be when it was wet that it didnt work but now I am going to test if it is when the lights are on or not. Whatever the case,Vauxhall need to sort this problem out immediately and recall any cars that maybe affected and repair for free!

  • Comment number 84.

    I first discovered the issue with My Astra 54 H 1.6SXI around two weeks ago. I went on the internet [comment edited] but I could cope with it so I just left it as I had heard that the parts to fix the horn issue would cost around £600. Since watching Watchdog I have phoned Vuaxhall and they have booked my car in for inspection today, so at the moment I am waiting for the final result. I was told that if a fault was found on inspection I wouldn't have to pay anything but if they couldn't find anything, which I don't know how they can't find anything as my horn doesn't work at all when the lights are on, then I would have to pay for the inspection which I am guessing will be around £50-£70. I will report back when I get the end result. Good look to evryone else having the same issue.

  • Comment number 85.

    I've got a VXR 08 plate Astra with this problem. I only recently noticed the problem and it's been looked at 3 times since, 2 different Vauxhall garages and still not working correctly, I am awaiting a call with a new booking date from Vauxhall to replace something else.

  • Comment number 86.

    I have a 2004 astra, and the horn will not work at all, regardless of whether the headlights are on or off! I have heard it could be a loom issue or a faulty module in the steering wheel, i bet they will find some way of getting money out of me!

    Vauxhall needs to fix this issue fast, its a safety concern, perhaps by means of a recall?

  • Comment number 87.

    I have a 54 plate on my Astra SXi. I've noticed a couple of times that when going to use my horn, it hasn't worked. I thought it was me not pressing it centrally on the wheel, until I saw this report. I used my car last night and, with light on, put it to the test. It didn't work at all the 4 times I tried. When I got to my destination, I turned off the lights and hey presto....the horn worked. If this is a factory fault, surely Vauxhall should be recalling cars to put them right for safety?

  • Comment number 88.

    I have had this problem for the last 10 months, on my 54 plate Astra quoted over £300 from a independent garage where a vauxhall mechanic had done a diagnostic, no mention of the fault from him. Phone Vauxhall BEWARE unless you phone the main customer service number your local dealer may try and charge you for the diagnostic test, however the main customer service team has arranged it for Tuesday 11th so hopefully they will agree to fix it FOC. Thanks Watchdog for letting us all know.

  • Comment number 89.

    Monday 10/05/201 just been to my local vauxhall agent with astra horn problem,They tried to charge me £66 plus vat.saying my car was out off warranty.I refused to pay and told them about whatchdog,they came back after a chat and said there would be nothing to pay. Thank you whatchdog for raising this issue. horn now working with lights on.

  • Comment number 90.

    I have a 2005 Astra Estate with the same problem, the horn intermittently works and never at the right time! I brought this up with my local dealership(where we originally purchased the car from) back in 2008 on it's last service just before the warranty expired and suprise suprise it worked when then pressed it, so they wouldn't investigate any further. The car failed the MOT last June because of the horn and straight away I went back to Vauxhall and complained about the safety issue and asked was it a manufacturing fault as I had read alot of bloggs on the internet from people with the same problem, they said no. They advised they could have a mechanic have a look but this would be at a cost, I declined as I knew it would probably cost hundreds to fix. Luckily the horn started working again when I took it back to the MOT garage but I was dreading the MOT this year as the horn has completely stopped working. Thank you Watchdog for bringing this to my attention I am booked in tomorrow at Vauxhall so I'll let you know what happens......

  • Comment number 91.

    Tested my horn last night with the lights on and did not work. Tried it again today however with the lights off and is now not working at all. I have booked it in on tuesday to get sorted. Fingers crossed it will get done. Thank you watch dog as i would not have known about this with out watching the show. :-)

  • Comment number 92.

    I own an 07 Zafira SRI and I have checked the horn with the lights on and it does not work, also found that the volume control also does not work with the lights on.

    I have contact the e-mail address provided, see if I get a response!!!

  • Comment number 93.

    I own a Astra 2005 reg. The horn did not work when the lights were on. I went to my local Vauxhall customer services and told them about the problem, and they told to take my car to the local vauxhall dealer. He checked that the horn did not work. This was because the CIM was faulty.

    I then asked the vauxhall services to fix the fault free of charge, they refused!
    After watching Watchdog i follwed there steps and they agreed to refund my money (£230).

  • Comment number 94.

    Could vauxall inadvertantly comply with laws about noise after dark?

  • Comment number 95.

    i have had a 54 plate astra where the horn didn't work with the lights on. I took it to my local vauxhall dealership and after 4 visits they finally acknowledged a problem and fixed it. I then bought a 56 plate astra which had the same problem. This also took 8 months to get repaired by the same Vauxhall dealership. I now have an 08 astra and again i have the same problem but now i go to a further away dealership and they have acknowledged and fixed it within 2 days. i may have to travel 40 miles to it but at least it gets fixed.

  • Comment number 96.

    I have an 06 reg Astra sport hatch and noticed the problem with the horn working intermittently shortly after I bought it. I had it looked at by Vauxhall on 3 ocassions to try to get it fixed (under warranty thankfully). I even worked out that it was just when the lights were on and told them this. They said they had fixed it each time e.g. new circuit board, new wiring etc etc(obviously untested) and yet it still doesn't work when the lights are on - 4 years later!! I had given up on the issue, but now I have fresh hope. Going to get back onto them now - glad I'm not alone!

  • Comment number 97.

    My boyfriend bought a 56 plate astra this time last year and noticed the horn didnt work when it was dark. Not thinking it had anything to do with the headlights when taking it back to the place he bought it from (silverlink) they hadnt heard of any faults like this before and said the horn worked fine and couldnt test it when it was dark!! I think this is disgusting that its a fault vauxhaul have known about and didnt make it priority to ask astra owners to check their horns and for them to recall all the faulty ones back to fix.

  • Comment number 98.

    I own a '57 Reg Astra and the horn doesn't work at all with or without lights on and never has in the year i've owned it. I've reported this time and again to the dealer and nothing has been done/offered. I took it for it's MOT and service today and was told there was a problem with the horn and to catch 'Watchdog' tonight on tele to find out more!!!! Vauxhall Pah...... Never again!!!

  • Comment number 99.

    I own a 08 Astra i have had problems with the horn only working intermitantly and hashad the contacts changed twice.My car dos,nt have audio controls on the steering wheel.and my horn sometimes fails to work even with the lights off.overa year ago the garage admited they knew there was an issue with the horn

  • Comment number 100.

    I have a 09 plate Astra sports hatch sxi. The horn and steering wheel volume control only works now and again (intermittent).

 

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