Fuel Hose Defect Causes Fire Risk: New PACCAR Recall

Kenworth, Peterbilt Recall 26,729 Trucks Over Stall Risk

PACCAR has issued a recall of 26,729 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks due to a fuel hose defect that could cause an engine to stall or diesel fuel to leak. The problem could raise the risk of a crash or fire.

The recall covers certain Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks from model years 2022 through 2027. It involves fuel hoses connected to engines supplied by Cummins.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists the recall under campaign number 26V700000. PACCAR reported the issue on October 21, 2026.

Owners will receive recall notices beginning December 20, 2026. Dealers will replace the affected fuel hoses at no cost.

What Caused the Fuel Hose Recall?

The problem involves hoses attached to a remote fuel filter on certain PACCAR PX9 engines.

According to PACCAR’s recall report, the hose connectors may not have been crimped tightly enough during production. This means a hose may not stay firmly attached to its fitting.

If a hose comes loose, diesel fuel could leak from the connection. The engine could also lose fuel pressure and stall.

An unexpected engine stall could put a truck driver at risk in traffic. A fuel leak could also start a fire if the diesel comes into contact with an ignition source.

PACCAR says drivers may notice the smell of diesel fuel or see a leak. A low fuel pressure warning may also appear.

However, the report does not say that every truck will show these signs before a hose separates.

Which Kenworth and Peterbilt Trucks Are Affected?

The recall includes nine Kenworth and Peterbilt models. The affected trucks cover several model years, but not every vehicle built during those years is included.

According to PACCAR’s recall report, the affected models include:

• Peterbilt:
  • 548: Model years 2022–2027, with 9,265 trucks potentially affected
  • 537: Model years 2023–2027, with 3,562 trucks potentially affected
  • 536: Model years 2023–2027, with 618 trucks potentially affected
  • 567: Model year 2025, with eight trucks potentially affected
• Kenworth
  • T480: Model years 2023–2027, with 8,074 trucks potentially affected
  • T380: Model years 2023–2027, with 4,351 trucks potentially affected
  • T280: Model years 2022–2027, with 824 trucks potentially affected
  • T370: Model years 2022–2023, with 25 trucks potentially affected
  • T270: Model years 2022–2023, with two trucks potentially affected

Most of the affected trucks fall into four models: the Peterbilt 548 and 537, along with the Kenworth T480 and T380.

Together, these four models account for 25,252 trucks, or about 94% of the recall population.

PACCAR estimates that only 3% of the recalled trucks may actually have the defect. Still, all vehicles included in the recall are covered by the free repair.

Truck owners can use their vehicle identification number (VIN) to check whether their truck is affected.

What Has PACCAR Reported About the Fuel Hose Problem?

PACCAR’s investigation began after its safety and compliance team received notice of the problem on September 17, 2026.

The company worked with Cummins to identify affected engines. Cummins supplied engine serial numbers, which PACCAR then matched to truck VINs.

On October 15, PACCAR’s Safety Committee decided to issue a safety recall.

As of that date, PACCAR reported no related warranty claims, no reports involving trucks in service, and no reports of deaths or injuries linked to this recall.

Although no such incidents were reported, the company determined that the fuel hose defect created a safety risk that required action.

How Is the PACCAR Fuel Hose Recall Connected to Cummins?

The problem is linked to a separate Cummins safety recall, identified as NHTSA campaign 26E066.

The PACCAR report states that the affected fuel hoses were installed on certain PX9 engines. It also identifies Cummins as the component supplier.

The Cummins recall involves fuel hose connections that may not hold securely. This can allow a hose to separate, leading to fuel leaks and engine stalls.

The connection matters because PACCAR is addressing a defect involving engine equipment supplied by another manufacturer.

It also explains why PACCAR used Cummins engine serial numbers to identify the trucks included in its recall.

The PACCAR and Cummins recalls are related, but they should not be treated as separate groups of vehicles that can simply be added together. Their affected populations may overlap.

What Does the Fuel Hose Recall Mean for Truck Drivers?

For drivers operating affected trucks, the main concern is an unexpected loss of engine power.

An engine stall could create a dangerous situation on a busy highway, at an intersection, or while traveling through heavy traffic.

The possibility of a diesel fuel leak adds another safety concern.

Drivers should be aware of the warning signs listed by PACCAR, including a diesel smell, visible fuel leakage, or a low fuel pressure warning.

Any signs of a fuel leak should be reported to the carrier’s maintenance department or a qualified service technician. A truck with a suspected fuel leak should not remain in service until the safety concern has been addressed.

The recall may also affect daily operations for some drivers.

Company drivers could face changes to truck assignments while affected vehicles receive repairs. Owner-operators may need to schedule time away from work to have the fuel hoses replaced.

For motor carriers, the recall could require maintenance planning across several trucks. Fleets may need to identify affected VINs, arrange dealer visits, and track completed repairs.

The recall documents do not provide an estimated repair time or details about possible downtime costs.

When Will Fuel Hose Recall Repairs Begin?

PACCAR says dealers will replace the affected fuel hoses free of charge.

The replacement hoses have an improved design intended to provide a stronger connection between the hose and its fitting.

Owner notification letters are scheduled to begin going out on December 20, 2026.

That date marks the start of the notification process. It does not mean that every truck must be repaired by December 20.

The recall documents do not provide a confirmed date when replacement parts will be available at every dealership.

Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888.

PACCAR’s internal recall number is 26PACJ.

Truck owners can also check for open safety recalls through the NHTSA recall website using their VIN.

What Happens Next for Affected Trucks?

PACCAR’s recall covers thousands of trucks used in commercial operations. While the company estimates that only a small share may contain the defect, the possible risks include an engine stall and a fuel leak that could lead to a fire.

The immediate concern for truck drivers is knowing whether their equipment is included and watching for possible signs of the problem.

For fleet operators and owner-operators, the next steps involve checking affected vehicles and arranging the free fuel hose replacement.

PACCAR plans to begin notifying owners in December. In the meantime, drivers and maintenance departments can use the recall number and vehicle information to determine whether their trucks may need repairs.