We’ve received many emails since our report (14.05.99) on the problems caused by a small idler wheel disintegrating in the Astra, Frontera, Cavalier, Omega, Vectra and Calibra built between September 1993 to September 1996.

Vauxhall admitted to Watchdog that this small part worth about £20 may disintegrate. If the wheel breaks, it can cause the engine to seize up, and with it the power steering and brakes. The result could be £3,000 worth of damage.

Vauxhall warned dealers about the problem last October, but customers were left in the dark until our report last week. Dealers and car owners have never been warned that this wheel, which can be faulty, can also be found in Tigras and Corsas made between September 1993 and September 1996.

Vauxhall has now alerted Watchdog to a problem with 12,000 2 litre Omega and Vectra P and R reg cars ( the 1997 models).

Edwina Arkell, from Looe in Cornwall, drives a 1994 Corsa 1.6. Her engine seized up when the car was travelling at 60 miles per hour on the busy A38 near Bodmin, causing £3,000 worth of damage.

Michael Boachee, from Sittingbourne in Kent, also drives a 1.4i Corsa. In March, he was in the overtaking lane of the M25 when his engine shut down, but he managed to make it to the hard shoulder. Mr Boachee's mechanic said a disintegrating GF-50 idler wheel was to blame.

In March, Ian Shepherd, a design engineer, was driving his 1995 1.6i Tigra on the A1 at 60 miles per hour when his idler wheel shattered. His engine seized too.

The Vehicle Inspectorate Executive Agency are anxious to hear from any Vauxhall owner who has been having problems with this idler wheel. You can call on 0117 954 3300, or email on mroberts@via.gov.uk.

Last week, Vauxhall told us they will only issue a full recall where there is a fault affecting "prime safety'. That's brakes and steering.

The RAC disagree, saying that " Loss of power steering and servo brakes due to engine failure is a serious safety issue especially at high speeds". The AA also support that view. They say failure of the cambelt assembly "is a potential hazard if it happens on a motorway". They add that "the hard shoulder can be as dangerous as being on the motorway itself".

Vauxhall says it wrote to the owners of cars fitted with 1.4 and 1.6 16 valve ECOTECH engines in 1997 to warn them of the idler wheel faults. Vauxhall owners with concerns can call the Support Centre on 01582 427200.