PACCAR Issues Recall Warning for 5,919 Peterbilt, Kenworth Trucks

PACCAR Recalls 5,919 Peterbilt and Kenworth Trucks

PACCAR is recalling 5,919 model-year 2027 Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks because oil contamination inside an electrical power distribution box could cause several major systems to stop working.

The defect may lead to a loss of engine power, antilock brake system function, exterior lighting, windshield wipers, or windshield defrosting. Any of those failures could raise the risk of a crash, especially at night or during poor weather.

The PACCAR recall covers 12 Peterbilt and Kenworth models. Most of the affected trucks were built between June 9 and July 13, 2026.

PACCAR Electrical Defect Could Affect Several Systems

The problem involves the truck’s power distribution center, often called the PDC. This part sends electrical power to several systems throughout the vehicle.

According to PACCAR’s recall report, oil may have contaminated printed circuit boards inside certain PDC boxes during the supplier’s production process. A damaged air compressor filter allowed oil to enter the soldering operation.

If the contamination interrupts an electrical connection, a driver could lose power to the engine, ABS, lights, wipers, or defrost system.

The range of possible failures makes the recall more serious than a problem involving one small electrical feature. The PDC serves as a central point for several systems that drivers rely on while operating a commercial vehicle.

Most Failures May Happen Without Warning

PACCAR identified an ABS malfunction warning light as one possible sign of the defect. However, the company said no warning is expected for the other possible failure modes.

That means a driver may not receive advance notice before losing engine power, exterior lights, windshield wipers, or the defrost system.

A sudden loss of wipers or defrosting could sharply reduce visibility during rain, snow, or cold weather. Loss of exterior lighting could also make a truck harder for other motorists to see.

Engine power loss could create another hazard if it happens in traffic or at highway speed. NHTSA said the loss of lighting, wipers, ABS function, or drive power could increase the risk of a crash.

Peterbilt and Kenworth Models Included

The PACCAR recall covers the following model-year 2027 trucks:

Kenworth Models

• T680: 1,451 trucks
• T880: 1,221 trucks
• W990: 105 trucks
• T280: 87 trucks
• T380: 82 trucks
• T480: 81 trucks

Peterbilt Models

• 567: 1,123 trucks
• 579: 989 trucks
• 589: 524 trucks
• 548: 109 trucks
• 537: 76 trucks
• 536: 71 trucks

The Kenworth T680, Kenworth T880, Peterbilt 567, and Peterbilt 579 make up most of the recall population. Together, those four models account for 4,784 of the 5,919 recalled trucks.

Production dates vary by model. Most highway tractors were built from June 9 through July 13, 2026. Several medium-duty models were built during shorter periods beginning June 22 or June 23.

PACCAR Expects Few Trucks to Have the Defect

PACCAR estimates that 0.3% of the recalled population may contain the oil contamination.

That estimate means only a small share of the 5,919 trucks may have a defective PDC. Still, all trucks in the recall population must be checked because PACCAR needs to compare each PDC serial number with a supplier list of suspect parts.

The affected trucks may contain PDC part number P27-1297-0101 or P27-1298-0101.

The recall does not mean every listed truck has a contaminated electrical box. Instead, the trucks were built during the period when suspect PDC units may have entered production.

Dealers Will Inspect PDC Serial Numbers

Peterbilt and Kenworth dealers will inspect the PDC serial number on each recalled truck. If the serial number matches the supplier’s list of suspect units, the dealer will replace the PDC box.

The inspection and any needed replacement will be completed free of charge.

PACCAR said trucks with PDC serial numbers confirmed to be free of contamination will not need a replacement. The replacement part is not described as a redesigned component. It is a PDC unit confirmed to be free of oil contamination.

The company began holding suspected trucks for inspection and replacement on July 14. PACCAR also identified that date as the production clean point, when corrective steps were in place.

PACCAR Owner Letters Expected in September

Interim owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on September 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent when the final remedy becomes available.

The recall documents describe the repair process as phased. Some fleets or owners may therefore receive an initial safety notice before all parts or dealer arrangements are ready.

Owners who already paid to repair the same problem may be able to seek reimbursement through PACCAR’s general reimbursement process. Repair orders, receipts, and other records may be needed to support a claim.

Peterbilt owners may contact customer service at 1-940-591-4220. Kenworth owners may call 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR’s recall number is 26PACD, while NHTSA’s campaign number is 26V485.

No Crashes or Injuries Reported

As of July 27, PACCAR had received no warranty claims and no reports of related failures involving trucks in the field.

The company also reported no deaths or injuries connected to the defect.

PACCAR opened its investigation on July 13. The next day, the company began holding suspected Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks for inspection.

Possible safety-related functions were identified on July 15. On July 21, PACCAR determined that a federal safety noncompliance existed.

What Fleets and Drivers Should Watch

The PACCAR recall is most relevant to fleets and drivers using newly delivered model-year 2027 Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks.

Fleet maintenance and safety departments may need to identify affected vehicles, arrange dealer inspections, and plan for possible downtime. Drivers should also report any unexpected loss of power, ABS warnings, lighting problems, wiper failures, or defrost issues.

The trucks fail to meet federal requirements covering windshield defrosting, windshield wiping, and exterior lighting. Possible loss of ABS function and engine power adds further safety concerns.

Although PACCAR expects the number of defective PDC units to be low, the affected component can control several critical truck systems. That makes timely inspection important for fleets operating trucks included in the recall.