Kenworth, Peterbilt Trucks Recalled for Gear Shifter Defect

More than 116,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks are being recalled for a problem with the right-hand gear shifter stalk.

The right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors on 116,343 trucks from model year 2021-2024 may have been improperly crimped, resulting in a loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission. This could result in the vehicle becoming disabled after coming to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

About 4% are estimated to actually have the defect.

Models affected are:

• Peterbilt Model 348
• Peterbilt Model 365
• Peterbilt Model 367
• Peterbilt Model 389
• Peterbilt Model 535
• Peterbilt Model 536
• Peterbilt Model 537
• Peterbilt Model 548
• Peterbilt Model 567
• Peterbilt Model 579
• Kenworth T180
• Kenworth T280
• Kenworth T380
• Kenworth T480
• Kenworth T880
• Kenworth W990
• 2021-2025 Kenworth T680 trucks

More Details on the Paccar Gear Shifter Stalk Recall

The recall affects trucks built with RH Shift Stalk part numbers Q21-6155-000, Q21-6164-000 and Q21-6165-000 and their released dash variations built from Nov. 9, 2020, to Jan. 31, 2024, that have not previously had warranty claims regarding the RH Shift Stalk. The components were manufactured by Kongsberg Automotive.

As of March 8, 2024, when the recall was issued, Paccar received 11,395 warranty claims and 56 reports about trucks in the field that are related to the problem between Jan. 24, 2021, and March 3, 2024. No reports of deaths or injuries have been received.

Dealers will inspect and replace the gear shifter assembly as necessary, free of charge. The replacement component will have properly crimped wires in its mating connectors. The remedy was introduced into production after the supplier corrected their manufacturing process in August 2022.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 7, 2024.

Owners who incurred costs to obtain a remedy for the problem addressed in the recall in advance of receiving notification may seek reimbursement through the process outlined in the general reimbursement plan on file.

Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. Paccar's numbers for this recall are 24PBE and 24KWE.

Note: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a new tool allowing vehicle owners to check for recalls using only a vehicle’s license plate number, making it even easier to learn about new recalls.