Kia Picanto Recall R/2012/138: Corrosion May Affect Handbrake Performance, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 3 Dec 2012
- Launched
- 7,334
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2012/138
- DVSA reference
Kia recalled Picanto vehicles. As a result of water ingress and attendant corrosion in the rear calipers the parking brake may not hold the vehicle on a hill when normal force has been applied to the parking brake lever. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to either clean the axle and housing and fit new seals or where necessary replace the rear calipers. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
As a result of water ingress and attendant corrosion in the rear calipers the parking brake may not hold the vehicle on a hill when normal force has been applied to the parking brake lever.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: CORROSION MAY AFFECT HANDBRAKE PERFORMANCE Defect: As a result of water ingress and attendant corrosion in the rear calipers the parking brake may not hold the vehicle on a hill when normal force has been applied to the parking brake lever. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to either clean the axle and housing and fit new seals or where necessary replace the rear calipers.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: corrosion may affect handbrake performance.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to either clean the axle and housing and fit new seals or where necessary replace the rear calipers.
Are You Affected?
Picanto may be included. Kia estimates 7,334 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Kia, 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 Kia.
- Book with any franchised Kia dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2012/138. See how to get a Kia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PicantoKia Picanto possible under bonnet fuel leak | Urgent | R/2026/251 | |
| PicantoKia Picanto ISLA upgrade | Low | R/2024/367 | |
| PicantoKia Picanto EGR valve | Urgent | R/2024/317 | |
| PicantoSome vehicles do not have an audible warning when the rear fog lamp is left switched on | Book soon | R/2022/122 | |
| PicantoFuel filler neck rubber hoses may crack over time | Urgent | R/2018/246 |
This is one of 87 Kia recalls in DVSA’s data. The Kia recall launched before it was R/2011/030 on 3 May 2011, for shift lever may not engage. The one launched after it was R/2013/055 on 1 Jun 2013, for brake lights may malfunction. You can also see every Kia recall, the Kia Picanto recall history, all recalls launched in 2012 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2012/138, launched 3 December 2012. 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.