The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·15V271000·Announced 2015-05-08

Kenworth Trucks Recalled for Wiper Motor Water Leak and Fire Risk

PACCAR is recalling 2011-2016 Kenworth trucks because water may leak into the wiper motor, causing wiper failure and potential electrical fires.

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 where water intrusion into the wiper motor can cause electrical shorts and fires, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

PACCAR Incorporated is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, C500, C540, C550, T660, T800, W900, and 963 trucks manufactured between November 1, 2010, and April 6, 2015. The recall involves approximately 104,807 vehicles.

In the affected trucks, water may leak into the wiper motor. As water leaks in, the wiper may cease to function on the 'intermittent' setting, which reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, the water may cause corrosion which, over time, may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

PACCAR is still developing and testing a remedy for this issue. The recall was expected to begin in July 2015, with an interim letter sent to owners on July 2, 2015. The recall officially began on September 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KENWORTH 963, T470, T440, T370
Brand
KENWORTH
Manufacturer
PACCAR Incorporated
Category
Vehicle — Heavy-Duty Trucks
Hazard
Affected units
104,807

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 (11)

  • 963
  • T470
  • T440
  • T370
  • T270
  • C550
  • C540
  • T660
  • T800
  • C500
  • W900

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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