Paccar Recalls Peterbilt and Kenworth Trucks Due to Fifth Wheel Defect
Paccar is recalling specific 2011-2013 Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks because the fifth wheel locking mechanism may fail, potentially causing the trailer to detach.
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 locking mechanism failure) that could lead to trailer detachment and a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Paccar Incorporated is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Peterbilt 579 and 587 trucks and 2011 Kenworth T700 trucks. The affected vehicles were manufactured between September 21, 2010, and December 5, 2012. These trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors.
The recall is due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, which may cause the mechanism to fail to operate or properly engage. If the mechanism fails, the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.
Paccar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000.
The recalled product
- Product
- PETERBILT, KENWORTH 579, T700, 587
- Brand
- PETERBILT
- Manufacturer
- PACCAR Incorporated
- Category
- Vehicle — Truck
- Affected units
- 290
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 (3)
- 579
- T700
- 587
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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