PACCAR Recalls 310 Trucks Over Faulty Bunk Restraints

Kenworth, Peterbilt Recall: Sleeper Bunk Safety Risk

PACCAR has issued a recall for 310 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks due to a problem with their sleeper bunk restraints. The defect could put a person resting in the sleeper at greater risk of injury during a crash.

The recall covers certain 2027 model-year trucks built during July and August 2026. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some bunk restraints were not secured the right way during production.

The problem involves webbing that may have been glued in place but not sewn. As a result, the restraint may fail to protect a person in the bunk during a crash.

PACCAR filed the recall on October 14, 2026, under NHTSA campaign number 26V674000.

Which Kenworth and Peterbilt Trucks Are Recalled?

The PACCAR recall affects seven Kenworth and Peterbilt models from the 2027 model year. All were built during certain periods in July and August 2026.

The affected trucks include:

• Peterbilt:
  • 589: 101 trucks
  • 567: 50 trucks
  • 579: 34 trucks
• Kenworth:
  • T880: 81 trucks
  • W900: 20 trucks
  • W990: 17 trucks
  • T680: 7 trucks

In total, 310 trucks are part of the recall. However, PACCAR estimates that only 0.6% of these vehicles have the defect.

That means the company expects very few of the recalled trucks to have faulty restraints. Still, the full group is being recalled so the parts can be checked.

Not every 2027 Kenworth or Peterbilt is affected. The recall applies only to certain trucks built during the identified production periods.

What Is Wrong With the Sleeper Bunk Restraints?

The problem involves the webbing used in the sleeper bunk restraint system.

These restraints are designed to help keep a person in the bunk during a sudden stop or crash. They are especially important when someone is resting in the sleeper while the truck is moving.

According to PACCAR’s report, some restraint webbing may have been glued instead of properly sewn. Without the required stitching, the webbing may not be firmly attached.

If a crash occurs, the faulty connection could fail. This may allow a person in the sleeper to move forward and suffer an injury.

The recall does not involve the driver’s regular seat belt. It applies to the restraint system used in the sleeper bunk.

PACCAR’s report does not identify any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.

How PACCAR Discovered the Manufacturing Defect

The issue was first reported at a manufacturing plant in Sainte-Thérèse (southwestern Quebec, Canada) in July 2026.

During a truck inspection, workers found a bunk restraint that had been glued but not sewn. The restraint’s tongue fell during the inspection.

The supplier, IMMI, began looking into the problem. A second faulty restraint was later found during an inventory check at the plant.

PACCAR opened a safety and compliance investigation on August 19, 2026. The company also worked with IMMI to find the cause.

In September, investigators determined that the most likely cause was a change in personnel on the supplier’s production line.

The known defective parts had been made after new workers joined the line in July. PACCAR reported no earlier cases of bunk restraints that had not been sewn.

The supplier then made several changes to the production process.

These included removing glue from the restraint anchoring points and using metal clips to hold the webbing in place. An automatic camera-based inspection system was also added to help check the parts.

PACCAR’s safety committee supported the recall decision on October 7, 2026.

Why Sleeper Bunk Safety Matters to Truck Drivers

Sleeper bunk restraints are an important safety feature in commercial trucks equipped with sleeping areas.

For team drivers, the issue may be especially relevant. One driver may be resting in the sleeper while another continues driving.

If the truck is involved in a crash, the person in the bunk depends on the restraint system to help prevent serious movement or injury.

Federal safety rules also address this equipment.

PACCAR’s recall report points to 49 CFR 393.76, which covers sleeper berths in commercial motor vehicles.

The regulation includes requirements for occupant restraint systems. These systems are designed to help keep people secure in the sleeper during sudden deceleration.

A bunk restraint that is not sewn properly may fail to meet those requirements.

The recall does not establish that every affected truck violates the federal rule. Instead, it identifies a possible defect that must be checked.

For truck drivers, the main concern is whether the sleeper restraint can provide the protection it was designed to offer.

What the PACCAR Recall Means for Fleets and Owner-Operators

The recall also affects trucking companies that operate the covered vehicles.

Fleet maintenance departments may need to identify affected trucks and arrange inspections through authorized dealers.

Companies using these trucks in team operations may have a particular interest in making sure the sleeper restraints work properly.

Owner-operators with an affected 2027 Kenworth or Peterbilt will also need to arrange an inspection.

The repair will be free, but dealership appointments may need to be worked into normal operating schedules.

The recall documents do not state how long an inspection or replacement will take.

PACCAR has not issued a stop-driving instruction in the provided recall documents. However, the company has identified a safety risk that requires inspection and possible repair.

When Will PACCAR Notify Kenworth and Peterbilt Owners?

PACCAR expects to begin mailing owner notification letters on December 13, 2026.

Authorized dealers will inspect the bunk restraints on affected trucks. If a restraint is found to have improper stitching, it will be replaced at no cost.

Owners who have already paid to correct the same problem may also be eligible for reimbursement under PACCAR’s recall reimbursement process.

The manufacturer has assigned recall number 26PACH to this action.

Owners can contact the companies directly for more information:

• Kenworth Customer Service: 1-425-828-5888
• Peterbilt Customer Service: 1-940-591-4220
• NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236

Owners can also use NHTSA’s online recall lookup to check recall information for their vehicles.

What Happens Next With the PACCAR Recall?

PACCAR has already made changes to the manufacturing process that produced the faulty restraints.

The next step is to inspect the affected trucks and replace any restraints that were not sewn correctly.

Although the recall involves only 310 vehicles, the issue concerns equipment designed to protect people inside the sleeper compartment.

For commercial truck drivers, especially those working in team operations, the recall highlights the importance of a properly secured sleeper bunk restraint.

Affected owners will receive further instructions from PACCAR as the recall moves forward.