Nearly 2000 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks recalled by PACCAR

PACCAR recalled nearly 2000 Kenworths and Peterbilts earlier this week, due to a software problem. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, PACCAR incorporated recalled 1938 heavy-duti diesel trucks, including 2017-2018 T680 and T880 Kenworth trucks, built between 12/16/2016 and 12/22/2017, and the Peterbilt models 567 and 579 vehicles built between 11/17/2016 and 12/31/2017.

The report claims that the problem is the vehicles are equipped with an automated Eaton UltraShift Plus or Eaton Advantage Transmission with right hand stalk shifter. According to PACCAR, the automated transmission indorporates 2-part driver's display, one indicating the actual gear the transmission is in, and second display indicating either "D", "N" or "R" (for Drive, Neutral and Reverse). However, the instrument panel of the recalled trucks indicated "N", while the shifter is set to Drive or Reverse. This computer deffect causes the truck to not move when Drive or Reverse is selected using the right hand stalk shifter, because the transmission reamins in Neutral. This can cause a potential risk of confusion to the operator due to displays of inconsistent information regarding the selected transmission position.

According to the report, other similar transmission variants are controlled by different software that functions correctly with the RH Stalk Shifter.

The affected Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks will be reprogrammed by the dealers with an updated version of the transmission software. The software update from 12/12/2017 corrects this problem, so the Peterbilts and Kenworths produced ater 12/12/2017 do not have such display problems. 

Beggining on 2nd of April, PACCAR will notify truck owners so the dealers can install the new update for free.  

As you may remember, this is the second time in the past months that PACCAR recalls Beterbilt and Kenworth models due to a transmission software problems. In January, over 1200 Peterbilts and Kenworts produced in 2018 equipped with Eaton Endurant and Paccar AMT transmissions were recalled by PACCAR, due to a software problem which allowed the trucks' engines to start and move, while in gear.

Truck owners can contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 with recall number 18KWA or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000 with recall number 118-A. NHTSA’s recall number is 18V-092.