The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·25V181000·Announced 2025-03-24

Peterbilt and Kenworth high voltage contactors can open cutting drive power

PACCAR is recalling certain 2021-2025 Peterbilt 520, 579 and Kenworth T680 trucks because the high voltage contactors may open, causing a sudden loss of high voltage and drive power.

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: Rubric level 4 covers structural vehicle defects: contactors opening produce a sudden total loss of drive power in a heavy truck, and the remedy includes replacing the electrical harness.

Plain-English summary

PACCAR Incorporated is recalling certain 2022-2025 Peterbilt 520 and 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T680 trucks. About 238 units are potentially affected.

The high voltage contactors may open, causing a sudden loss of high voltage and a loss of drive power.

NHTSA states that a loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Dealers will update the software and replace the electrical harness free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2025. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 or Kenworth customer service, or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KENWORTH, PETERBILT T680, 579, 520
Brand
KENWORTH
Manufacturer
PACCAR Incorporated
Category
Vehicle — Propulsion system
Hazard
Affected units
238

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)

  • T680
  • 579
  • 520

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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