Paccar is recalling more than 47,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks for a steering gear assembly problem that could result in loss of steering control.

Incorrect rework may have allowed steering gear assemblies to be assembled incorrectly with fewer recirculating balls than are required. Without the right number, the balls may bind when loads are applied. In some cases, the balls may align on the same side of the gear’s worm-shaft, and concentrated loads may cause the gear’s internal parts to fracture, resulting in loss of vehicle steering.

Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gears as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 25.

There are 47,208 trucks in the recall, but Paccar said the estimated percentage with the defect is 1%. The problem surfaced in December, when Sheppard contacted Paccar because it had filed an equipment recall for 128 suspect steering gears sent to Paccar. As of January 18, however, Paccar had received no warranty claims or reports about trucks in the field that might be related to the recall.

The potentially affected trucks are the following 2024-25 models:

• Kenworth T280

• Kenworth T380

• Kenworth T480

• Kenworth T680

• Kenworth T880

• Kenworth L770

• Kenworth W990,

• Peterbilt Model 389

• Peterbilt Model 520

• Peterbilt Model 535

• Peterbilt Model 536

• Peterbilt Model 537

• Peterbilt Model 548

• Peterbilt Model 567

• Peterbilt Model 579

• Peterbilt Model 589

Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 and/or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888. Paccar’s numbers for this recall are 24PBC and 24KWC.