On January 25, 2024, PACCAR Incorporated announced a major safety recall affecting certain Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks from model years 2024–2025. The issue involves steering gear assemblies that may have been improperly assembled, potentially leading to a loss of steering control.
The recall, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under Campaign Number 24V044000, impacts an estimated 45,887 vehicles across the United States.
Affected Vehicles
| Brand | Models | Model Years | Units Affected | Component | Recall Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenworth | T280, T380, T480, T680, T880, L770, W990 | 2024–2025 | Included | Steering | NHTSA 24V044000 |
| Peterbilt | 389, 520, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, 589 | 2024–2025 | Included | Steering | NHTSA 24V044000 |
Total Vehicles Affected: 45,887
Details of the Fault
According to PACCAR, certain steering gear assemblies may have been assembled incorrectly during production, missing some of the required recirculating balls within the steering mechanism.
Technical Description:
- Steering gears rely on recirculating ball bearings to reduce friction and ensure smooth steering movement.
- Missing or incorrectly installed balls can lead to internal binding, increased steering effort, or loss of steering control.
- The defect stems from a manufacturing error by a component supplier during gear assembly.
Risks and Safety Concerns
A defective steering gear poses a serious safety risk, as it may cause:
- Loss of steering control, increasing crash likelihood.
- Sudden changes in steering response, particularly at higher speeds.
- Potential vehicle damage or injury if failure occurs during operation.
To date, PACCAR has not reported any accidents or injuries associated with this issue.
What Owners Should Do
PACCAR will inspect and replace defective steering gears in affected vehicles free of charge.
Steps for Owners:
- Check if your truck is affected using your VIN (see below).
- Schedule a service appointment with an authorized Kenworth or Peterbilt dealer.
- Avoid operating the vehicle if unusual steering resistance or play is noticed.
Contact Information:
- Kenworth Customer Service: 1-425-828-5888
- Peterbilt Customer Service: 1-940-591-4220
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236
- Recall Reference: NHTSA Campaign 24V044000
How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected
Owners can verify whether their truck is part of this recall by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at:
Official Sources
FAQs
Q1: Which trucks are affected by this recall?
Select 2024–2025 Kenworth and Peterbilt models, including T680, T880, W990, 579, and 389, among others.
Q2: What is the defect?
The steering gear may have been assembled with fewer recirculating balls than required, which could lead to loss of steering control.
Q3: How many vehicles are affected?
Approximately 45,887 trucks are impacted.
Q4: How will PACCAR fix this issue?
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear assembly free of charge.
Q5: What should I do if I notice steering issues?
Stop driving immediately and contact your dealer for inspection and repair.
Disclaimer
This recall summary is for informational purposes only. Please verify details directly with PACCAR Incorporated, Kenworth, Peterbilt, or the NHTSA before taking any action.