Paccar Trucks Now Affected by the Bendix ECU Recalls

Massive Recall Hits Paccar Trucks: Over 220,000 Vehicles Affected by Bendix ECU Issues

Paccar has issued a significant recall affecting over 220,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks due to defective Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECUs). This development is part of a broader recall involving Bendix ECUs that has already impacted manufacturers like Volvo, Mack, and International.

The issue stems from a defect in the Bendix ECUs, where electrical noise and low signals in the power line carrier can cause the unit to malfunction or stop working entirely. This defect jeopardizes critical safety systems such as automatic traction control, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control, active cruise control, and collision mitigation systems.

Affected Paccar Trucks and Model Years

The Paccar recall covers a range of Kenworth and Peterbilt models across multiple production years:

Kenworth Models:

• C500B (2024–25)
• T280 (2023–25)
• T370 (2022–23)
• T380 (2021–25)
• T440 (2021–23)
• T480 (2022–25)
• T680 (2021–25)
• T800B (2021–25)
• T880 (2021–25)
• W900B (2021–25)
• W990 (2021–25)

Peterbilt Models:

• 337 (2021–23)
• 348 (2021–23)
• 365 (2022–25)
• 367 (2022–25)
• 389 (2021–25)
• 520 (2022–25)
• 536 (2024–25)
• 537 (2023–25)
• 548 (2021–25)
• 567 (2021–25)
• 579 (2021–25)
• 589 (2024–25)

These models rely on the Bendix ECUs to ensure optimal communication between the truck and its trailers. Trucks that tow more than one trailer are particularly vulnerable to signal failure, increasing the risk of safety system malfunctions.

Industry-Wide Impact of the Bendix Recall

The Bendix ECU recall has had a sweeping impact across the trucking industry. Initially issued on October 11, the recall initially affected over 400,000 ECUs but was expanded on November 25 to include more than 700,000 ECUs.

Other major manufacturers have also been forced to recall large numbers of trucks due to the same issue:

• Volvo Trucks: 126,649 trucks
• Mack Trucks: 60,450 trucks
• International Trucks: 105,276 trucks

Together with Paccar’s recall of 220,927 trucks, the total number of affected vehicles has climbed to nearly 500,000.

Safety and Repair Details

Despite the widespread nature of the defect, Paccar has not reported any crashes, injuries, or field incidents related to the faulty Bendix ECUs. However, the company has already received 2,505 warranty claims as of December 2, 2024.

To address the issue, authorized dealers will reprogram the ECU software free of charge. Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification letters starting February 7, 2025.

How to Get Assistance

Truck owners affected by the recall can contact the respective customer service departments for more information:

• Kenworth Customer Service: 425-828-5888 (Recall Number: 24KWL)
• Peterbilt Customer Service: 940-591-4220 (Recall Number: 24PBL)

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can be contacted using recall number 24V-915 for further details.

Broader Implications for the Trucking Industry

This recall underscores the challenges manufacturers face when relying on third-party components for critical safety systems. The widespread impact of the Bendix ECU issue highlights the importance of rigorous testing and quality control to avoid cascading recalls across multiple brands.

As truck manufacturers work to resolve the issue, the trucking industry will be closely watching for further developments and updates regarding this significant safety concern.