Paccar has announced a major recall involving over 56,000 trucks from the Kenworth and Peterbilt brands. This move comes after the identification of several lighting-related defects that could pose potential safety hazards. According to official documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall encompasses a wide range of models and years, though only a small percentage—approximately 0.3%—of the recalled vehicles are believed to be affected by these issues.
What’s Behind the Recall
The lighting issues involve several key components, including the tail brake lights, headlights, reverse lights, and turn signals. Additionally, the lift axles’ functionality may be compromised under certain conditions. For instance, the signal warning lights in affected trucks may cause the lift axles to either revert to a raised position when lowered or oscillate unpredictably. This instability adds to the risk of accidents and injuries when operating the affected vehicles.
A key concern is the insufficient illumination provided by the headlights, which may interfere with the driver’s ability to see the road clearly. Reduced visibility can significantly heighten the chances of an accident. Likewise, brake lights failing to provide adequate illumination could prevent other drivers from anticipating vehicle movements, creating further hazards on the road.
Affected Models
The recall impacts a comprehensive list of Kenworth and Peterbilt truck models manufactured over several years. Below is a breakdown of the models affected:
Kenworth Trucks:
- L770 (2025-2026)
- T180 (2025)
- T280 (2025-2026)
- T380 (2023-2026)
- T480 (2024-2026)
- T680 (2023-2026)
- T880 (2023-2026)
- W990 (2024-2026)
Peterbilt Trucks:
- 520 (2023-2026)
- 535 (2025)
- 536 (2024-2026)
- 537 (2024-2026)
- 548 (2023-2026)
- 567 (2023-2026)
- 579 (2023-2026)
- 589 (2024-2026)
Root Cause of the Problem
The recall stems from a misconfiguration in the vehicle control unit (VCU) software. This issue impacts the way the vehicle’s electronic control unit communicates critical messages, leading to the aforementioned lighting faults. The problem is subtle, as there are no obvious warning signs to alert drivers. However, some operators might notice changes in headlight behavior over time.
Paccar has acknowledged the problem and is taking steps to rectify it. The company plans to update the vehicle control unit software free of charge for all impacted vehicles. However, a timeline for sending recall notifications to vehicle owners has not yet been published by the manufacturer.
Reported Claims and Risks
Despite the recall’s extensive scope, Paccar has not reported any injuries or fatalities related to the defect so far. The company did confirm it had received 201 warranty claims and 25 additional reports involving the lighting issues by June 17. These reports suggest nearly 200 trucks in use may exhibit problems tied to the software misconfiguration.
Next Steps for Affected Truck Owners
Paccar has made it clear that correcting this issue is its top priority, and it has advised affected vehicle owners to contact their respective brands’ customer service channels for guidance. For inquiries related to the recall, customers can reach Kenworth at 425-828-5888 or Peterbilt at 940-591-4220. When calling, owners should reference recall number 25PACF to receive detailed assistance.
The NHTSA has also assigned a recall number, 25V436, which drivers can use if they wish to contact the administration directly for further information. Vehicle owners are encouraged to address this issue as soon as possible to ensure their safety and that of other road users.
Image Source: Shipacarinc
Source: Land Line Media
