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Suspension, steering, brakes and wheels

Problems with the handbrake: symptoms, cost and affected models

We have documented 66 faults with the handbrake in 65 cars. The most important by severity and frequency: recalls for the rear brake hose and the sealing of the handbrake cable (Audi A4 B6), the electric parking brake could apply inappropriately (Audi Q2) and corrosion of the parking brake shaft and failure of the rear caliper automatic adjustment (Mitsubishi ASX I). At an independent garage, the repair costs from €250 to €550 depending on the engine or car.[1]

Documented faults
66
39 of high or critical severity
Cars analysed
65
with at least one fault on this part
Affected models
65
car generations in our database
Garage repair
€250–€550
Depending on engine and car, including VAT

5 sourcesHow we work

How it works and why it fails

Handbrake and parking brake

The handbrake can be mechanical, with a lever and a cable that pull on the rear calipers or shoes, or electric, with a button and motors on the calipers. On the former, the cable, the adjustment and the lever ratchet are what mainly fail; on the latter, the motors, the wiring and the software, and a caliper that does not fully release is a known fault on some models.

What to do

If the lever travels very high, the car is not held securely on a slope, the parking brake warning appears or the brake will not release, take it to a workshop. On electric systems, to change the rear pads the calipers have to be put into service mode with the diagnostic machine or from the car's menu.

General explanation by MotorFiable. The specific faults of each engine and car, with their sources, are on the linked pages.

Common symptoms

The symptoms that come up most often in the documented faults with the handbrake. Open each one to see what other faults cause it.

Problems with the handbrake by car

Faults documented on specific cars, which occur with any engine. From most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi A4 B6Recalls for the rear brake hose and the sealing of the handbrake cableThe A4 B6 had two Audi recalls: in 2002, over a sealing problem in the handbrake cable sheath, and in summer 2003, over a fault in the rear brake hose, according to fiches-auto.fr.Repair: €0
  2. 2Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi Q2The electric parking brake could apply inappropriatelyIn October 2018, Audi recalled 3,650 Q2 cars built between January 2017 and June 2018 because the electronic parking brake could apply inappropriately while the car was moving.Repair: €0
  3. 3Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMitsubishi ASX ICorrosion of the parking brake shaft and failure of the rear caliper automatic adjustmentMitsubishi recalled the ASX because the anti-rust coating on the parking brake shaft can flake off, let water in and rust the shaft and the rear caliper, and because the automatic pad adjustment might not work. In the worst case, the handbrake does not hold the parked car.
  4. 4Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMitsubishi Outlander IIICorrosion of the parking brake shaft and failure of the rear calipers' automatic adjustmentMitsubishi recalled the Outlander and Outlander PHEV because the anti-rust coating on the parking brake shaft can come off, let water in and rust the shaft and the rear caliper, and because the automatic pad adjustment might not work. In the worst case, the handbrake does not hold the parked car.
  5. 5Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Corsa DHandbrake failure due to a manufacturing defectYes: Opel recalled Corsa D cars from 2010 and 2011 in two separate notices because the handbrake mechanism could lose its ability to hold the car, with a risk of it moving while parked.
  6. 6Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Scénic II2010 recall for risk of the electric parking brake lockingIn June 2010 Renault recalled around 695,000 Scénics built between June 2003 and June 2005 because of the risk that the electric parking brake could apply by itself while driving and lock the rear wheels.Repair: €0
  7. 7High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW X6 E71Electric parking brake lock-up on the X6 E71According to fiches-auto.fr, the X6 E71's electric parking brake appears in at least 5 mentions out of 128 testimonies, with brakes stuck on or inoperative (one case at 105,000 km, 2010 model) because of the module, actuator or cable.
  8. 8High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFiat TalentoParking brake cable and its connection to the rear caliperFiat has two recalls in the EU over the Talento's handbrake: in 2019 over the cable and adjustment ring on the 2018 Talento, and in September 2019 over the connection of the cable to the rear brake caliper, which could fail.
  9. 9High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHonda Civic VIIIRecall for weak handbrakeYes: Honda recalled Civics of this generation built in 2006 and 2007 (around 79,000 units in Europe) because the handbrake lever could fail when pulled at the same time as the release button is pressed.
  10. 10High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHyundai Ioniq 5Recall for possible unintended release of the electric parking brakeHyundai recalled Ioniq 5s built between 10 September 2020 and 3 May 2022 because a fault in the software that manages the electric parking brake could cause it to release unintentionally while the car was parked, with a risk of the car moving on its own. In France it affected around 4,000 units; it is fixed with a free intervention by the manufacturer.
  11. 11High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHyundai TrajetPremature wear of the handbrake cableYes: in 2004 Britain's DVSA registered a campaign to replace the Trajet's handbrake cable with an improved design, because premature wear could leave the handbrake not working. It affected 5,869 vehicles in the UK and does not publish manufacturing dates.
  12. 12High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHyundai Tucson IBadly made handbrake ratchet that can stop the lever engaging (2005 batch)In 2005 Hyundai recalled a batch of Tucsons (1,150 cars in the UK, built between 29 March and 20 May 2005) because the handbrake ratchets were badly made and the lever might not engage. They were replaced with parts of verified quality.
  13. 13High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHyundai VelosterHandbrake that does not fully release because of water in the rear caliperYes: a 2013 Safety Gate alert records that, on Velosters built up to February 2012, water getting into the rear brake caliper can stop the handbrake from fully releasing, with a risk of an accident. The remedy is inspection and repair at an official Hyundai service centre.
  14. 14High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia EV6Electric parking brake faultThe fiches-auto.fr entry records two reports of parking brake faults and cites a campaign over unintended deactivation on 2021-2022 units; we have not been able to confirm it from another source.
  15. 15High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia Soul IIThe Soul EV can move while charging if the parking brake is not appliedIt affects only the Soul EV: a 2024 alert (Kia campaign 231127) covers 39,606 cars built between November 2013 and November 2018 that can move while charging if the parking brake is not applied by hand, even if the selector is in P.
  16. 16High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Sprinter 907Handbrake cable bracket fixingAccording to Autofácil, a Safety Gate alert (Mercedes campaign 4293009) warns that the fixing of the handbrake cable bracket can come loose and leave the parking brake inoperative. It affects cars built in Germany between 25 August and 13 September 2023.
  17. 17High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Combo EHandbrake mechanism failureOne source documents a handbrake mechanism failure that stopped it engaging properly in units built between September 2017 and February 2019, the same period in which the Peugeot Rifter and the Citroën Berlingo III had an official campaign over a component of the mechanism being out of specification.
  18. 18High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Vivaro BDefective parking brake cableThe Vivaro B has two EU campaigns on the handbrake: in 2015 for a cable that could come loose, and in 2018 for the cable and its adjusting ring, which could weaken the hold of the parked vehicle.
  19. 19High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Espace IVElectric parking brake failure (actuator, cable and sensor)According to the testimonials collected by fiches-auto.fr, the Espace IV's electric parking brake suffers repeated lock-ups: motor, cable or sensor faults, sometimes with a degraded mode caused by control unit errors. There is no exact count and no known campaign.
  20. 20High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Master IIIFaulty rear right parking brake caliper (campaigns 0DM1 and C0173)In 2021 there were two campaigns over the rear right parking brake caliper on the Master III: one for an incorrect caliper on vehicles built in February (0DM1) and another because an internal part could break when the brake was applied on vehicles built from May to July (C0173). Both are limited to specific production windows.
  21. 21High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Trafic IIISecondary parking brake cable faultTwo recalls notified in the EU (2018 and 2019) affect the Trafic III handbrake: one over the end fitting of the secondary cable and another because the brake might not engage when the lever is pulled. They affect only certain manufacturing windows.
  22. 22High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat AronaThe electric parking brake actuator can failA specialist automotive mechanics publication documents faults in the electric parking brake actuator on the rear calipers of Arona cars from 2017-2018 batches: it fails to apply, activates by itself or shows a fault message in the instrument cluster. We have not found an official manufacturer campaign for this fault.Repair (garage): €250–€550
  23. 23High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda KaroqThe electric parking brake could release unintentionallyIn November 2018, Škoda recalled part of the Karoq production run because the electric parking brake could release unintentionally, with the risk of the car moving while parked.Repair: €0
  24. 24High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSmart ForfourHandbrake: the lever gains travel because of the cable adjustment and may not hold the carYes: a Safety Gate alert (39/2017) covers type 453 Forfours built between November 2014 and October 2015 because the cable adjustment part of the parking brake weakens and the lever gains travel, so the brake may not apply the necessary force. It is checked at an official dealer.
  25. 25High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSmart FortwoHandbrake: the lever gains travel due to cable adjustment and may not hold the carYes: a Safety Gate alert (39/2017) covers type 453 Fortwos built between November 2014 and October 2015 because the parking brake cable adjuster weakens and the lever gains travel, so the brake may not apply the necessary force. It is checked at an official service centre.
  26. 26High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki SX4Incorrectly fitted parking brake cables that can come loose or prevent the brake from releasingThe first SX4 vehicles (built from late 2005 to 2007) were recalled in 2007 because the parking brake cables could have been incorrectly fitted: according to the sources, the end of the cable could come loose and leave you with no handbrake, or the brake might not release.
  27. 27High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki SX4Poor service brake and handbrake effectiveness in TÜV inspectionsIn the TÜV reports, SX4 vehicles from the most recent production years of the series fail on the operation of the service brake and the handbrake, and AutoScout24 cites a braking effectiveness that declines over time.
  28. 28High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V60 IThe parking brake can release by itself on V60 manual gearbox cars from 2011 to 2015A European alert from March 2015 (A12/0303/15) warned that, under certain conditions, the parking brake can release unintentionally on Volvo V60 (and S60, S80, V70, XC60 and XC70) cars with a manual gearbox from model years 2011 to 2015. A German guide mentions a similar software fault in units up to 2014.
  29. 29Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonCitroën C5 ICitroën C5 electronics and BSI module faults (ESP, airbag, parking brake)The C5 I had reliability problems because of the integration of its electronic multiplexing (French Wikipedia). According to fiches-auto.fr, 82 of 447 reports cite electronic and BSI faults: ESP, ASR, airbag, power steering, parking brake and display.
  30. 30Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonKia Ceed IIWear of pads, discs and the parking brake systemThe same German periodic inspection analysis points to recurring problems with brake pads and discs, as well as with the service and parking brake systems, as another weak point of this generation.
  31. 31Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonKia Picanto IIIMechanical handbrake losing effectiveness on older carsThe German inspection (TÜV/HU) flags the Kia Picanto III's mechanical handbrake as a common fault from the third inspection onwards, when the car is around 7-9 years old, according to T-Online.
  32. 32Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonRenault Scénic IIIPremature wear of the rear brakes due to the electric parking brakeOn Scénic IIIs with the electric parking brake, a faulty release can leave continuous friction on the rear brakes and wear the pads out much sooner than normal, according to Caradisiac.
  33. 33Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonVolkswagen Passat B6The electric parking brake does not always apply or release properlyYes: gebrauchtwagenberater.de describes the Passat B6's electric parking brake as unreliable, and fiches-auto.fr collects several owner reports in which the system refuses to apply or release properly.
  34. 34Critical severityRareFrequency: RareOpel Corsa EDefective handbrake ratchet mechanismAccording to Auto Express, Opel recalled the Corsa in March 2017, the same month as the airbag one, because some handbrake levers had a defective ratchet mechanism.
  35. 35Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C3 IABS faults from sensors or wiring, and parking brake recall (late 2009)On the first-generation C3, ABS warning light faults have been documented due to faulty wheel sensors or corroded wiring, and Citroën issued a campaign in late 2009 to check the parking brake system for a defect that the source does not describe technically.
  36. 36Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia Ceed IIIElectric parking brake and Auto Hold function faultsSeveral Kia Ceed III owners describe the electric parking brake staying locked and not releasing, and the Auto Hold function cutting out intermittently when stopping; there is no official recall for this problem.
  37. 37Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMazda 6 IBrake calipers and handbrake that seizeAccording to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the brake calipers on the first-generation Mazda 6 appear with 8 mentions out of 206 reports, with cases of calipers seizing several times and of a stuck handbrake (one case at 156,000 km).
  38. 38Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 3008 IElectric parking brake failureThe electric parking brake can show a fault or stay locked; fiches-auto.fr describes it as a known failure mode of the 3008 I's braking system, linked to the motor, cables or position sensors.
  39. 39Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Laguna IIElectric parking brake fault warningsSome Laguna IIs with an electric parking brake show the warning «Handbrake fault» or «Check handbrake», and fiches-auto.fr also separately describes a parking brake mechanism that does not release properly; we have not confirmed what percentage of cars have it fitted, nor an official Renault campaign for this fault.
  40. 40Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalTesla Model SModel S parking brake failure (2017 campaign)In April 2017 Tesla inspected 53,000 of the 76,000 Model S and X cars sold in 2016 for a parking brake fault (Brembo bore the cost), around 5% of the units; the repair took about 45 minutes.
  41. 41Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalTesla Model XModel X parking brake failure (2017 recall)In April 2017 Tesla recalled 53,000 Model S and X cars sold in 2016 over a parking brake fault; Wikipedia cites around 53,000 of 76,000 vehicles and the repair took about 45 minutes.
  42. 42Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Passat B7The electric parking brake does not always release properlyAccording to Auto Express's used car buying guide, the Passat B7's electric parking brake 'doesn't always release as it should', a known problem of this generation with no further published detail on its exact technical cause or its real frequency.
  43. 43Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S80 IIVolvo S80 parking brake module: the software could release the brake when moving the gear leverIn 2015 Volvo recalled (R/2015/040 in the UK) cars of several models, including the V70, XC70 and S80, with a manual gearbox and start/stop system: the parking brake module software could release the brake when the lever was moved with the engine running. The remedy is a software update.
  44. 44Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V70 IIIVolvo V70 parking brake module: the software could release the brake when moving the gear leverIn 2015 Volvo recalled (R/2015/040 in the UK) cars of several models, including the V70, XC70 and S80, with a manual gearbox and start/stop system: the parking brake module software could release the brake when the lever was moved with the engine running. The remedy is a software update.
  45. 45Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo XC70 IIIVolvo XC70 parking brake module: the software could release the brake when moving the gear leverIn 2015 Volvo recalled (R/2015/040 in the United Kingdom) cars of several models, including the V70, XC70 and S80, with manual gearbox and start/stop system: the parking brake module software could release the brake when the lever was moved with the engine running. The remedy is a software update.
  46. 46High severityRareFrequency: RareCitroën Berlingo IIHandbrake mechanism component out of specification (2017-2018 production)A 2019 campaign (ref. r2019133) covers vehicles built between 7 November 2017 and early January 2019 with a handbrake mechanism component that did not conform to its specification. Within the Berlingo II, it affects those built up to the end of that generation, in 2018.
  47. 47High severityRareFrequency: RareCitroën Berlingo IIIHandbrake mechanism component out of specificationA 2019 recall (ref. R2019133) covers vehicles built between 7 November 2017 and 8 January 2019 with a handbrake mechanism component out of specification; that window spans the end of the Berlingo II and the start of the Berlingo III.
  48. 48High severityRareFrequency: RareFiat Punto IIIBrake recall campaigns: brake servo connectors and handbrake (2013)In 2013, Fiat recalled Punto cars over the brake servo connectors (February) and over a handbrake fault on around 1,000 cars (4 December), in two independent campaigns.
  49. 49High severityRareFrequency: RareNissan Leaf IElectric parking brake jams or fails to engageSome owners report that the Leaf I's electric parking brake can jam or fail to engage properly, with warnings on the dashboard and no way to apply or release it normally.
  50. 50High severityRareFrequency: RareNissan Leaf IIParking brake failure due to a weld defect (November 2020 campaign)Nissan recalled Leaf IIs over a weld defect in the parking brake actuator plate that could prevent the brake from locking when the car is put in the «Park» position.
  51. 51High severityRareFrequency: RarePeugeot 2008 IHandbrake that may not hold the car (2013 production)Yes: a December 2014 campaign (ref. r2014186) covers vehicles built between 29 January and 29 August 2013 in which the handbrake might not hold the car completely.
  52. 52High severityRareFrequency: RarePeugeot Partner IIIElectric parking brake that locks or has a gear failureThe Berlingo 3 entry cites a case of a locked electric parking brake that immobilised the car, and the Rifter entry lists a June 2021 campaign over a handbrake actuation failure. Two entries, with no figures for units.
  53. 53High severityRareFrequency: RarePeugeot RifterHandbrake mechanism component out of specificationA 2019 recall (ref. r2019132) covers Rifters built between 8 November 2017 and 20 December 2018 with a handbrake mechanism component that did not meet its specification.
  54. 54High severityRareFrequency: RareRenault Scénic IVElectric parking brake and rear calipers that seizeOwner testimonies describe electric parking brake faults and motorised rear calipers that seize, along with the odd case of braking that was less effective than expected; there are no official campaigns or specialist press to confirm it for the Scenic IV.
  55. 55High severityRareFrequency: RareRenault ZoeElectric parking brake failure (2016 and 2018 campaigns)Renault recalled Zoe cars built between October 2016 and March 2018 because the electric parking brake could suddenly stop working, and units built before February 2016 because the 'Park' function actuator could break.
  56. 56Medium severityRareFrequency: RareAudi Q3 IElectronic parking brake that is hard to releaseSome Q3 owners report difficulty releasing the electronic parking brake with the dashboard button, needing to press the brake pedal and pull the button up to release it; no official campaign exists for this issue.
  57. 57Medium severityRareFrequency: RareDS DS 4 IElectric parking brake faultSeveral testimonies in the DS4 profile describe problems with the electric or automatic handbrake going out of service, along with one case of a gear lever locked in P because of an electrical fault.
  58. 58Medium severityRareFrequency: RareFord S-Max ISeized or broken parking brake cable or actuatorFour or more S-Max I testimonials cite the parking brake: a cable or actuator that seizes and leaves the brake applied; one owner cites €400 (in France) for a broken cable at 60,000 km.
  59. 59Medium severityRareFrequency: RareFord S-Max IIElectric parking brake faults and ABS/ESP warnings caused by wheel sensorsAmong 24 owner reports for the second-generation Ford S-Max, fiches-auto.fr documents control faults or unexpected release of the electric parking brake, along with one case of an ABS/ESP warning caused by wheel sensors giving inconsistent readings.
  60. 60Medium severityRareFrequency: RareMercedes-Benz Clase S W221Electric parking brake failureThe fiches-auto.fr page records several reports of electric parking brake faults on the S320 CDI, between 140,000 and 300,000 km. We have found no official recall or frequency data.
  61. 61Medium severityRareFrequency: RareOpel Vectra CParking brake recall (2002-2006 cars)The manufacturer recalled Vectra C cars built between 2002 and 2006 over a problem found in the parking brake, according to fiches-auto.fr, which does not detail the exact part affected.
  62. 62Medium severityRareFrequency: RareRenault Mégane IVFault warnings on the parking brake and braking systemSome Megane IV owners with the electric parking brake describe handbrake fault messages or «STOP» braking system warnings that often disappear when the car is restarted. There is no confirmed official campaign, and most owners commenting in the same thread have never experienced it.
  63. 63Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalDacia Duster IABS/ESP and handbrake warning lights coming on for no reason, and an erratic fuel gaugeFiches-auto.fr records cases on the Duster I where the ABS, ESP and handbrake warning lights come on intermittently for no apparent reason, and others where the fuel gauge shows a wrong level, especially when stopping on a slope.
  64. 64Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Meriva BCentral locking, electric window and electric parking brake faultsThe electrical system is the most cited category on the fiches-auto.fr Meriva B page (27 of 238 testimonials): central locking, electric windows, interior lights, intermittent warnings on the instrument cluster and an electric parking brake that releases by itself.
  65. 65Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V70 IIParking brake (handbrake) problemsGebrauchtwagenberater records that quite a few owners of the second-generation V70 (2000-2007) complain of handbrake problems. The source does not specify which part fails or at what mileage.
  66. 66Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo XC70 IIVolvo XC70 handbrake problemsGebrauchtwagenberater reports that quite a few owners of the second-generation V70, of which the XC70 is the crossover version, complain of problems with the handbrake. The source does not specify which part fails or at what mileage.

Problems with the handbrake by make

Problems with the handbrake in your car

1 car has several documented faults with the handbrake. Choose yours to see only the ones that affect it, by engine and by year.

Suzuki 1

How much it costs to repair a fault with the handbrake

Sorted from the most expensive repair to the cheapest. Prices in Spain including VAT (parts and labour); what each figure includes is on its page.

How we calculate costs · The most expensive repairs across all engines

Frequently asked questions

Which cars have problems with the handbrake?

Among those we have analysed: Audi A4 B6 (recalls for the rear brake hose and the sealing of the handbrake cable), Audi Q2 (the electric parking brake could apply inappropriately), Mitsubishi ASX I (corrosion of the parking brake shaft and failure of the rear caliper automatic adjustment), Mitsubishi Outlander III (corrosion of the parking brake shaft and failure of the rear calipers' automatic adjustment), Opel Corsa D (handbrake failure due to a manufacturing defect), Renault Scénic II (2010 recall for risk of the electric parking brake locking), Suzuki SX4 (incorrectly fitted parking brake cables that can come loose or prevent the brake from releasing) and BMW X6 E71 (electric parking brake lock-up on the X6 E71). In total, 65 cars with documented faults with the handbrake.

How much does it cost to repair a fault with the handbrake?

It depends a lot on the engine or car. At an independent garage, from €250 to €550; at a dealer, from €0 to €0, including VAT, based on the 5 faults with a documented cost. The most expensive is the electric parking brake actuator can fail (Seat Arona).

What symptoms does a fault with the handbrake cause?

The most frequently cited in the documented faults: electric parking brake warning, intermittent electronic warnings or sensor faults, esp warning light on or flashing, squealing or metallic grinding when braking, abs or esp warning light on and brake or handbrake warning light on.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. 1.Problemas Seat Arona | Fallos y averías más frecuentesTotal Renting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. 2.Fiabilité Audi A4 (2001-2007)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. 3.Used Audi Q2 reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. 4.Renault ScénicWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. 5.Used Skoda Karoq reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026