47,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt units recalled by Paccar

Paccar is recalling over 47,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks of various models, due to possible loss of steering control.

Paccar is recalling over 47,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks of various models, according to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is because certain steering gears may have been assembled with fewer recirculation balls than required, which could lead to loss of steering control.

When a steering gear has fewer recirculation balls than necessary, it can cause the gear to bind under load, especially if the balls are clustered on one side of the helical shaft. As a result, internal parts of the gear can fracture, leading to loss of the vehicle’s steering capability. This situation increases the risk of an accident, and there is no evident warning signal for this defect.

This Paccar recall stems from a previous equipment review conducted by component manufacturer R.H. Sheppard on December 18, 2023. Following this review, Paccar initiated inspections at all affected production plants. On January 18, the truck manufacturer determined the existence of a safety-related defect.

To date, Paccar has not received any warranty claims or reports of any trucks in service that may be related to this issue. Likewise, there have been no reported deaths or injuries related to this problem.

Paccar is recalling the following Kenworth models from 2024-2025: L770, T280, T380, T480, T680, T880, and W990. Meanwhile, Peterbilt requires the inspection of the following models from 2024-2025: 389, 520, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, and 589.

Paccar issued a recall for an additional 47 units due to a problem that could cause oil leaks. In some 2024 Peterbilt 389, 520, 567 trucks, and Kenworth T880 trucks, the bearing spuds may not be correctly seated in the steering knuckle assemblies, hindering proper installation of the wheel end hub assemblies. This causes the axle spindles to loosen or fracture, increasing the risk of an accident.

Paccar dealers will inspect and replace steering gears free of charge as necessary. Notification letters for owners of affected trucks are expected to be sent out on March 25.

For further information, contact Peterbilt at 940-591-4220 with recall number 24PBC. Contact Kenworth at 425-828-5888 with recall number 24KWC.