Mercedes-Benz T1 Recall R/1996/031: Restricted Movement Of Handbrake Pawl, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 23 Feb 1996
- Launched
- 1,647
- vehicles in the UK
- R/1996/031
- DVSA reference
Mercedes-Benz recalled T1 vehicles built between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 1994. As a result of insufficient lubrication at the initial assembly the handbrake pawl operating rod may not have sufficient movement. The dealer will inspection of the handbrake unit and lubrication of the pawl mechanism. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
As a result of insufficient lubrication at the initial assembly the handbrake pawl operating rod may not have sufficient movement. This could inhibit its correct engagement in the teeth of the of the handbrake ratchet.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: RESTRICTED MOVEMENT OF HANDBRAKE PAWL Defect: As a result of insufficient lubrication at the initial assembly the handbrake pawl operating rod may not have sufficient movement. This could inhibit its correct engagement in the teeth of the of the handbrake ratchet. Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles for inspection of the handbrake unit and lubrication of the pawl mechanism. Any damaged parts will be replaced at the inspection.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: restricted movement of handbrake pawl.
The Fix
The dealer will inspection of the handbrake unit and lubrication of the pawl mechanism.
Are You Affected?
T1 built between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 1994 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 1,647 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Mercedes-Benz, 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 Mercedes-Benz.
- Book with any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1996/031. See how to get a Mercedes-Benz recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
No other recalls for this model in DVSA’s data.
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/1994/083 on 22 Nov 1994, for road wheel security. The one launched after it was R/1996/035 on 29 Feb 1996, for fracture of metal brake pipe. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall and all recalls launched in 1996.
Source: DVSA recall R/1996/031, launched 23 February 1996. 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.