PACCAR Recall: Steering Cross-Shaft May Fail

PACCAR Issues Steering Recall Covering Kenworth and Peterbilt Trucks

A new safety recall from PACCAR Incorporated affects a limited number of heavy-duty trucks used across the commercial trucking industry. The recall addresses a steering component that may fail under certain conditions, creating a serious safety risk for drivers operating the affected vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue involves the steering cross-shaft on specific Kenworth and Peterbilt models. If the part fails, the driver could experience a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Trucks Included in the PACCAR Recall

The recall applies to certain model-year vehicles manufactured by PACCAR under its Kenworth and Peterbilt brands. In total, 219 trucks are included.

Affected vehicles include:

• 2025 Kenworth L770
• 2024–2026 Peterbilt 520

All recalled trucks are equipped with a right-hand stand-up (RHSU) cab configuration. These vehicles were built between October 2023 and August 2025 and are commonly used in vocational and refuse operations.

Of the total population, PACCAR estimates that about 9.1 percent of the trucks may have the defect.

What Is the Steering Cross-Shaft Issue?

The problem centers on the steering cross-shaft, a critical part that transfers steering input from the steering wheel to the steering gear.

NHTSA documents explain that misalignment in the bearing mounting holes of the steering cross-shaft can place added stress on the RHSU configuration. Over time, this stress may cause the cross-shaft to crack or fail entirely.

If the steering cross-shaft fails, steering control on the right-hand side of the vehicle may be lost. NHTSA warns that a loss of steering control significantly increases the risk of a crash, especially in heavy-duty trucks operating in tight work zones or urban environments.

How the Problem Was Discovered

PACCAR identified the issue through a combination of warranty data, field reports, and internal investigations.

The company began reviewing the issue in late October 2025 after safety and compliance teams were notified. Engineers examined production records, supplier data, and maintenance records related to a drilling robot used during manufacturing.

Investigators determined that the drilling robot was not consistently locating passthrough holes for the steering cross-shaft. This inconsistency led to misalignment in some trucks, which increased stress on the steering component.

By January 12, 2026, PACCAR’s safety committee concluded that the issue met the criteria for a safety defect and approved a formal recall.

Reports From the Field

As of January 12, 2026, PACCAR reported receiving:

• 12 warranty claims
• 6 field reports
• 13 trucks potentially showing related issues

These reports occurred between July 2024 and December 2025. Importantly, no crashes, injuries, or deaths related to the issue have been reported to date.

While no warning signs were identified that would alert drivers before a failure occurs, PACCAR and NHTSA emphasized that proactive repairs are necessary to reduce risk.

PACCAR Repair Plan and Remedy

PACCAR dealers will inspect the steering cross-shafts on all affected trucks. If misalignment is found, dealers will correct the alignment. Any cross-shafts that are damaged or broken will be replaced.

All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge.

Repaired trucks will have properly aligned steering cross-shafts, eliminating the added stress that could lead to failure.

PACCAR also confirmed that changes were made in production on September 24, 2025. These changes included adding a fixture to help properly locate drilled holes, switching to manual drilling, and allowing additional flexibility during steering column installation. Trucks built after these updates are not included in the recall.

Owner Notification Timeline

Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on March 20, 2026. The recall will be handled in phases.

Owners who paid out of pocket for repairs related to this issue before receiving the recall notice may be eligible for reimbursement under the existing PACCAR reimbursement plan.

VIN lookup information is expected to become available through NHTSA once the notification process begins.

Contact Information for Truck Owners

Truck owners with questions about the recall can contact the manufacturers directly:

• Peterbilt Customer Service: 1-940-591-4220
• Kenworth Customer Service: 1-425-828-5888

PACCAR has assigned recall number 26PACA to this campaign.

Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit NHTSA’s website for additional recall information.

Importance of this Recall

Steering systems are critical to safe truck operation, especially for vocational trucks that operate in crowded areas, make frequent stops, and maneuver in tight spaces. Even a small number of affected vehicles can pose serious risks if defects go unaddressed.

This recall highlights the importance of prompt inspections and manufacturer communication when safety-related defects are identified. Truck owners and fleet managers are encouraged to review their equipment and respond quickly once recall notices are received.

Staying informed about recalls helps reduce downtime, prevent crashes, and protect drivers working behind the wheel every day.