Vauxhall Signum, Vectra C Recall R/2008/014: Handbrake May Partially Release, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 7 Apr 2008
- Launched
- 236,284
- vehicles in the UK
- 08R002
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Vauxhall recalled Signum, Vectra C vehicles built between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2007. Following a small number of complaints of Vauxhall Vectra and Signum vehicles rolling away due to allegedly defective handbrakes. The dealer will fit in line with it's priority of continuous improvement recalled vehicles with a modified handbrake mechanism to reduce the possibility of a partial release. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Following a small number of complaints of Vauxhall Vectra and Signum vehicles rolling away due to allegedly defective handbrakes. Vauxhall engineers in conjunction with consultants and other bodies have conducted rigorous testing and found that provided the handbrake is applied correctly without depressing the release button the handbrake is perfectly safe.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: HANDBRAKE MAY PARTIALLY RELEASE Defect: Following a small number of complaints of Vauxhall Vectra and Signum vehicles rolling away due to allegedly defective handbrakes. Vauxhall engineers in conjunction with consultants and other bodies have conducted rigorous testing and found that provided the handbrake is applied correctly without depressing the release button the handbrake is perfectly safe. Remedy: In line with it's priority of continuous improvement recalled vehicles will be fitted with a modified handbrake mechanism to reduce the possibility of a partial release.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: handbrake may partially release.
The Fix
The dealer will fit in line with it's priority of continuous improvement recalled vehicles with a modified handbrake mechanism to reduce the possibility of a partial release.
Are You Affected?
Signum, Vectra C built between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2007 may be included. Vauxhall estimates 236,284 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 campaign code 08R002 or the DVSA reference R/2008/014. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astra H, Astra J, Cascada, Meriva B and 4 moreVauxhall cross carline driver’s airbag: takata | Urgent | R/2025/511 | |
| Vectra CHeated washer nozzle may short circuit | Urgent | R/2006/088 | |
| Vectra CRear seat centre belt might not restrain the seat occupant in a frontal impact | Urgent | R/2006/050 | |
| 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 |
This is one of 300 Vauxhall recalls in DVSA’s data. The Vauxhall recall launched before it was R/2007/166 on 20 Dec 2007, for steering may fail. The one launched after it was R/2008/053 on 22 May 2008, for risk of fire. You can also see every Vauxhall recall and all recalls launched in 2008.
Source: DVSA recall R/2008/014, launched 7 April 2008. 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.