Vauxhall Vectra Recall R/1998/016: Failure Of Parking Brake Cable, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 17 Feb 1998
- Launched
- 195,000
- vehicles in the UK
- R/1998/016
- DVSA reference
Vauxhall recalled Vectra vehicles built between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 1998. Insufficient diameter of the handbrake cable may cause the handbrake to fail prematurely. The recall notice describes the fix as: affected vehicles are being recalled to have the handbrake cable replaced with a modified larger diameter version. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Insufficient diameter of the handbrake cable may cause the handbrake to fail prematurely.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: FAILURE OF PARKING BRAKE CABLE Defect: Insufficient diameter of the handbrake cable may cause the handbrake to fail prematurely. Remedy: Affected vehicles are being recalled to have the handbrake cable replaced with a modified larger diameter version.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause the handbrake to fail prematurely.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: affected vehicles are being recalled to have the handbrake cable replaced with a modified larger diameter version.
Are You Affected?
Vectra built between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 1998 may be included. Vauxhall estimates 195,000 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Vauxhall, 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 Vauxhall.
- Book with any franchised Vauxhall dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1998/016. See how to get a Vauxhall 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signum, VectraRear axle hub may not be to specification | Book soon | R/2005/166 | |
| Signum, VectraRear exhaust pipe may move backwards slipping off the front pipe | Low | R/2004/148 | |
| VectraFixing bolts of the rear seat belt may not have been torqued according to specification | Urgent | R/2004/062 | |
| VectraSecurity of fuel pipes | Urgent | R/1997/042 | |
| Astra LVSM software missing AEB telltale in case of blind camera | Urgent | R/2025/544 |
This is one of 300 Vauxhall recalls in DVSA’s data. The Vauxhall recall launched before it was R/1997/042 on 5 Jun 1997, for security of fuel pipes. The one launched after it was R/1997/098 on 22 May 1998, for possible fire risk. You can also see every Vauxhall recall, all recalls launched in 1998 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/1998/016, launched 17 February 1998. 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.