Official bulletin from HUK regarding Handbrake recall!!!

[FWH]

Originally Posted by Eleven

He also said that I should only apply the handbrake using the release button, rather that the ratchet...

If I am reading you right, it sounds like the dealer got it wrong.

You should NOT use the button on the Civic handbrake.

Not sure if your car is affected, but it probably is.

[robbo51]

Correct.
08 VIN numbers already have the upgrade

[angie4m]

Originally Posted by robbo51

Correct.
08 VIN numbers already have the upgrade

Well thats supposedly how its meant to be, but seems that some poor sod had just bought a Civic in last couple of weeks and has had the handbrake fail. See this The Civic Story

I am assuming that as they say brand new they mean exactly that, even if its not then I would have assumed that the dealer should have told them about this issue?

[Eleven]

Thanks for the replies. I was just feeling confident until Angie's update. Perhaps it's worth a call to Customer Services to check the VIN after all ... or should I just keep ratcheting!!

[angie4m]

Originally Posted by Eleven

Thanks for the replies. I was just feeling confident until Angie's update. Perhaps it's worth a call to Customer Services to check the VIN after all ... or should I just keep ratcheting!!

I would say that we wait to see what the reply from the person in the post has to say. If they confirm that there's is a 08 Vin then it would seem that we have a problem. All Honda UK would say is that all 08 vins have the upgraded handbrake and they may not or maybe they are aware of 08's failing? and would tell you not to worry and apply the handbrake as you would do?

It could just be that they didn't apply it properly and by that I mean didn't really pull it up enough. I'm sure your handbrake will be fine and would apply it the way you should. It could be a simple reason after all.

[NH Dan]

Originally Posted by angie4m

I would say that we wait to see what the reply from the person in the post has to say. If they confirm that there's is a 08 Vin then it would seem that we have a problem. All Honda UK would say is that all 08 vins have the upgraded handbrake and they may not or maybe they are aware of 08's failing? and would tell you not to worry and apply the handbrake as you would do?

It could just be that they didn't apply it properly and by that I mean didn't really pull it up enough. I'm sure your handbrake will be fine and would apply it the way you should. It could be a simple reason after all.

Brand new could still be an 07 my just a late registration (1.4 SE + for instance are all 07my's). If its an 08 MY then it will have ahd the new handbrake fitted at build.

There is then the issue of handbrake application. Has it been applied properly in the first place? or is it a case of the pads/discs cooling issue??

[dave525]

Since the handbrake issue I will always leave my car in gear, end of problem

[Kremmen]

I'm surprised they didn't decide to make the upgraded handbrake lever a different colour or some other obvious change.

Any dealer (or us here) could simply ask the vital question.

A completely black lever would have been quite acceptable, considering the light grey paint scratches off.

Even a chrome effect button would have been easy to spot.

[angie4m]

Originally Posted by NH Dan

Brand new could still be an 07 my just a late registration (1.4 SE + for instance are all 07my's). If its an 08 MY then it will have ahd the new handbrake fitted at build.

There is then the issue of handbrake application. Has it been applied properly in the first place? or is it a case of the pads/discs cooling issue??

Still waiting to find out if the car was brand new but as its not the 1.4 SE+ and was purchased about the 9th of May I would think that its a MY08. The first handbrakes had an issue and who's to say that a small amount of the new ones don't? Its a chance with everything.

I would have thought that it was maybe not applying the handbrake properly because at least when you pull it up and hear the ratchet then you know its in place, whereas holding the button in you could still miss a notch and then if your pads and disks are hot then would cause the car to roll.

Before I got my CTR my Dad had said about the pads and brakes with the CTR and that its always best to leave it in gear, which is something I have always done. I even do that to cars where I don't apply the handbrake

[robbo51]

Originally Posted by dave525

Since the handbrake issue I will always leave my car in gear, end of problem

You should always leave your car in gear anyway.
OR
End of

[snowcat]

Yeah, but why must one go through that. I think the handbrake of a car should do the job of keeping it secure and motionless

[dave525]

Originally Posted by snowcat

Yeah, but why must one go through that. I think the handbrake of a car should do the job of keeping it secure and motionless

I agree but it takes no effort just to leave it in gear.I would rather be safe than sorry

[Marc W]

Mine has just been done at the same time as my first service and I was amazed to find that the handbrake now feels completely different to operate. It feels a lot more sprung now with a softer action.

[Opelguy]

Originally Posted by FWH

You should NOT use the button on the Civic handbrake.

Or any car for that matter.