Renault Espace Recall R/2003/085: Potential Lack Of Handbrake Efficiency, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 18 Jul 2003
- Launched
- 359
- vehicles in the UK
- 0AB5
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Renault recalled Espace vehicles built between 1 January 2003 and 4 March 2003. The handbrake may not be fully effective when the vehicle is parked. The dealer will reprogramme the parking brake computer software. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The handbrake may not be fully effective when the vehicle is parked.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POTENTIAL LACK OF HANDBRAKE EFFICIENCY Defect: It is possible that the handbrake may not be fully effective when the vehicle is parked. Remedy: Reprogramme the parking brake computer software.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: potential lack of handbrake efficiency.
The Fix
The dealer will reprogramme the parking brake computer software. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
Espace built between 1 January 2003 and 4 March 2003 may be included. Renault estimates 359 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Renault, 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 Renault.
- Book with any franchised Renault dealer, quoting the campaign code 0AB5 or the DVSA reference R/2003/085. See how to get a Renault 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EspacePotential of an odour and smoke emission from the dashboard | Urgent | R/2005/031 | |
| EspacePotential emission of smoke from dashboard vent into the cabin | Urgent | R/2004/021 | |
| EspacePossibility of emission from the dashboard vents into the cabin | Urgent | R/2004/020 | |
| EspacePossible loss of spare wheel | Book soon | R/2002/115 | |
| EspacePossible unscheduled deployment of air bag | Urgent | R/2002/065 |
This is one of 196 Renault recalls in DVSA’s data. The Renault recall launched before it was R/2003/003 on 31 Jan 2003, for brake servo may fail. The one launched after it was R/2003/097 on 11 Aug 2003, for possible breakage of front suspension arm. You can also see every Renault recall and all recalls launched in 2003.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/085, launched 18 July 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.