The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·11V157000·Announced 2011-03-07

Kenworth Trucks Recalled for Potential Brake Component Fracture

PACCAR is recalling certain Kenworth trucks because a casting defect in the brake slack adjuster housing could cause it to fracture, increasing stopping distances or causing the vehicle to pull during braking.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect in the braking system that could lead to loss of brake function and increased crash risk, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

PACCAR Incorporated is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, T800, T660, W900, and C500 vehicles manufactured between October 18, 2010, and January 28, 2011. The recall involves a defect in certain cast iron slack adjuster housings, which transmit braking force from the brake chamber push rod to the brake cam tube.

Due to an error during the casting process, some housings may include a flow notch in the handle portion. This notch may reduce the effective cross-section structure of the housing, potentially causing it to fracture. If the slack adjuster housing fractures, the wheel brake to which it is attached would no longer function. This could increase vehicle stopping distances and, if mounted on the steer axle, could cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect and replace the slack adjuster housing as necessary at no charge to the owner. The safety recall began on March 30, 2011. Owners may contact Kenworth at 425-828-5440 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KENWORTH T270, T470, T440, T370
Brand
KENWORTH
Manufacturer
PACCAR INCORPORATED
Category
Vehicle — Heavy-Duty Trucks
Hazard
Affected units
280

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (9)

  • T270
  • T470
  • T440
  • T370
  • T170
  • T800
  • C500
  • W900
  • T660

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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