The combustible Corsa: 200,000 Vauxhalls are recalled over fault

It follows several cases of owners describing cars bursting into flames on their driveways.

An earlier recall failed to remedy the problem - a short-circuit in the anti-locking brake system - and more than 200,000 cars are now to be brought back in for further repairs, beginning next month.

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The fires, described by the car manufacturer as "thermal incidents", have struck a generation of Corsas produced between 2003 and 2005, which has since been superseded by another model.

After a spate of reports - and exposure on the BBC's Watchdog programme - engineers found that water could get into the cars' ABS anti-lock brake systems unit, causing a short circuit and potentially a fire.

The first recall took place in March last year and concerned Corsa model Cs, Tigra Bs and Combo Cs with registrations beginning 53, 54 or 55.

However, many owners claimed they never received a recall notice and in April this year, following yet more complaints, Vauxhall decided that more action was needed to replace key parts.

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Rosemary Dent, 51, saw her £8,500 Corsa go up in flames on her driveway just after midnight on October 25 last year after celebrating her birthday at a local restaurant.

The blaze spread to her husband Neil's £15,000 Saab 9-5, which was also parked on the driveway.

Mrs Dent, from Blacko, Lancashire, said: "It was horrific. The first we knew was when we saw flames shooting higher than the house from the bedroom window. My car was completely ablaze.

"My husband had just put £50 of petrol in his car and we were frightened it would explode. Fortunately it didn't. But it was very frightening. If the car had been in the garage, our whole house could have gone up - with us in it."

A spokesman for Vauxhall said: 'The safety and quality of Vauxhall products remains our highest priority. We therefore consider any fault unacceptable. Further design improvements have been identified to address this condition.

"Vauxhall will contact all owners at the earliest opportunity recognising that a recall of this size must be completed in phases to ensure proper care of its customers, who are advised to continue using their vehicles in the normal manner."