Ford Mondeo Recall R/2003/083: Modification Of Handbrake Lever, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 4 Aug 2003
- Launched
- 72,682
- vehicles in the UK
- 3C883
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Ford recalled Mondeo vehicles. The handbrake may not hold the vehicle stationary when parked if it is not applied as directed in the owner literature. The dealer will fit a revised handbrake assembly with an improved leverage ratio. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The handbrake may not hold the vehicle stationary when parked if it is not applied as directed in the owner literature.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: MODIFICATION OF HANDBRAKE LEVER Defect: The handbrake may not hold the vehicle stationary when parked if it is not applied as directed in the owner literature. Remedy: Fit a revised handbrake assembly with an improved leverage ratio.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: modification of handbrake lever.
The Fix
The dealer will fit a revised handbrake assembly with an improved leverage ratio.
Are You Affected?
Mondeo may be included. Ford estimates 72,682 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Ford, 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 Ford.
- Book with any franchised Ford dealer, quoting the campaign code 3C883 or the DVSA reference R/2003/083. See how to get a Ford 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus, Galaxy, Kuga, Mondeo and 2 moreMulti vehicle line (MVL): telecommunications control module (TCU) loss of function software update | Book soon | R/2026/181 | |
| Ecosport, Edge, Explorer, Fiesta and 11 moreRear-View camera software update | Low | R/2025/359 | |
| B-Max, Cmax, Ecosport, Fiesta MCA and 9 moreX-Car powertain control module (PCM) software update | Low | R/2025/094 | |
| Edge, Galaxy, Mondeo, S-MaxBrake hose leak | Urgent | R/2026/076 | |
| Galaxy, Mondeo, S-MaxTakata air bag inflator may rupture on deployment | Urgent | R/2020/013 |
This is one of 378 Ford recalls in DVSA’s data. The Ford recall launched before it was R/2003/090 on 26 Jul 2003, for rear brake hose may chafe. The one launched after it was R/2003/155 on 6 Oct 2003, for incorrect deployment of curtain airbag. You can also see every Ford recall and all recalls launched in 2003.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/083, launched 4 August 2003. 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.