Kenworth T700 Recall: Fifth Wheel Coupling Defect
PACCAR is recalling 2011 Kenworth T700 trucks with specific fifth wheel assemblies that may not fully lock, risking trailer separation.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (fifth wheel coupling) that can lead to trailer separation and crashes, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
PACCAR Incorporated is recalling certain model year 2011 Kenworth T700 vehicles equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT model fifth wheels manufactured between October 5, 2010, and October 13, 2010. The recall addresses a defect in the trailer coupling process where the fifth wheel may partially close around the trailer kingpin without being fully engaged and locked.
A partially coupled fifth wheel may result in the trailer unexpectedly separating from the tractor, which increases the risk of a crash. The source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities associated with this defect.
Repairs have already been completed to all affected chassis by the equipment supplier, Fontaine. Consequently, an owner notification campaign is unnecessary and is not planned. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 for further information.
The recalled product
- Product
- KENWORTH T700
- Brand
- KENWORTH
- Manufacturer
- PACCAR INCORPORATED
- Category
- Vehicle — Truck
- Affected units
- 10
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 (1)
- T700
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · KENWORTH
- High
- Severe
- HighKenworth trucks display system may fail to show critical warnings
NHTSA · 2025-09-02
- HighKenworth and Peterbilt trucks with lighting and axle control defect
NHTSA · 2025-06-26
- Severe
Same manufacturer · PACCAR INCORPORATED
See all →- SeverePeterbilt Recalls 2027 548 Trucks Due to Brake Valve Size Issues
NHTSA · 2026-09-01
- Severe
- High
- HighPETERBILT 579 Tractors Recalled for Air Brake Valve Installation
NHTSA · 2026-07-08
- SeverePeterbilt 567 and 589 Trucks Recalled for Brake Air Tank Defect
NHTSA · 2025-11-17
Same hazard · trailer separation
See all →- High
- Severe
- Severe
- High2022 Volkswagen Atlas trailer hitch bolts may loosen and separate
NHTSA · 2022-08-31
- SevereCross Country Recalls 2022 Trailers Due to Improperly Welded Couplers
NHTSA · 2022-05-24
Similar recalls
- SeverePaccar Recalls Peterbilt and Kenworth Trucks Due to Fifth Wheel Defect
NHTSA · 2015-10-09
- Severe
- SevereKenworth Recalls 2013 Trucks Due to Driveline Fastener Torque Defect
NHTSA · 2012-08-20
- HighKenworth Recalls 2011 T660 and T700 Tractors for Hood Latch Defect
NHTSA · 2010-12-22
- SevereKenworth Recalls 2018 T270 Trucks Due to Front Wheel Hub Defect
NHTSA · 2018-05-11
- SevereKenworth Trucks Recalled for Potential Brake Component Fracture
NHTSA · 2011-03-07