Kenworth and Peterbilt Trucks Recalled for Trailer Brake Timing Delay
PACCAR is recalling certain 2020–2024 Kenworth and Peterbilt commercial trucks. Delayed trailer brake release can create trailer instability and increase crash risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: This is a structural vehicle safety defect (brake system failure to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121) that presents a risk of serious harm (crash and trailer instability). No injuries or deaths are reported, placing it in the High category rather than Severe.
Plain-English summary
PACCAR Incorporated is recalling certain 2021–2024 Kenworth T280, T380, 2020–2024 Peterbilt 548, 536, 2024 Peterbilt 537, and 2020–2024 Kenworth T480 trucks. The timing of the trailer brake release may be delayed, causing these vehicles to fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
A delay in the trailer brake release can create instability to the trailer and increase the risk of a crash.
Owners affected by this recall may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov. Dealers will replace the fittings and hoses in the affected valves free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 15, 2024.
The recalled product
- Product
- PETERBILT, KENWORTH 536, T380, 548, T280
- Brand
- PETERBILT
- Manufacturer
- PACCAR Incorporated
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 254
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 (6)
- 536
- T380
- 548
- T280
- T480
- 537
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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