Over 25,000 Kenworths and Peterbilts recalled for defect that could cause crashes
Paccar has issued a recall of thousands of semi trucks for a clutch defect that could increase the risk of a crash.
A total of 25,343 Paccar trucks model year 2018 – 2019 are part of a clutch defect recall that was scheduled to begin in February.
The truck models affected by the recall are:
- Peterbilt 337
- Peterbilt 348
- Peterbilt 365
- Peterbilt 367
- Peterbilt 389
- Peterbilt 567
- Peterbilt 579
- Peterbilt 587
- Kenworth C500
- Kenworth T270
- Kenworth T370
- Kenworth T440
- Kenworth T660
- Kenworth T680
- Kenworth T800
- Kenworth T880
- Kenworth W900
According to recall documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “The pressure plate fingers in certain clutches manufactured between 4/1/2017 and 6/5/2018 may be susceptible to premature failure due to a manufacturing irregularity. Affected clutches may not fully release, such that an automatic transmission could remain in gear and may overcome the parking brake allowing the vehicle to move unexpectedly.”
The NHTSA documents say that this defect could “lead to unintended motion of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash or injury.”
Paccar will notify truck owners and dealerships of the recall and repairs will be made free of charge.
Truck owners with questions about the recall may call Paccar customer service at 918-259-3258 and reference recall numbers 18PBE and 18KWH.