Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Hazard Lights Cause Recall of 5,000+ Kenworth, Peterbilt Trucks

The exterior lighting switch may fail on some Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks, resulting in the hazard lights and the instrument display back-light brightness adjustment not functioning.

February 10, 2025
Truck Recall graphic

The external lighting switch problem means these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."

Image: HDT Graphic

1 min to read


Paccar is recalling certain Kenworth and Peterbilt medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks because of a potential problem with hazard lights not working.

The recall affects 5,378 trucks:

Ad Loading...
  • 2025 Kenworth T180

  • 2025-2026 Kenworth T280

  • 2023-2026 Kenworth T380

  • 2024-2026 Kenworth T480

  • 2025 Peterbilt 535

  • 2024-2026 Peterbilt 536

  • 2024-2026 Peterbilt 537

  • 2024-2026 Peterbilt 548

  • 2025 Peterbilt 567

The exterior lighting switch may fail, resulting in the hazard lights and the instrument display back-light brightness adjustment not functioning.

In some engine start conditions, the ELS power may drop below 10V for an extended period and prevent the ELS from properly powering on.

Ad Loading...

If the ELS fails, the hazard lights and the backlight brightness adjustment may not function. As a result, the lack of hazard lights may not alert other drivers and failure to adjust the backlight brightness may distract the operator, which may increase the risk of a crash. 

A non-responsive switch can be temporarily reset by a key cycle. 

Dealers will update the vehicle cab controller unit (VECU) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 30, 2025. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. Paccar's numbers for this recall are 25KWB and 25PBB.

More Safety & Compliance

Winter pileup accidents.
Disaster Responseby Jack RobertsApril 30, 2026

Avoiding Winter Pileups: Don’t Become the Next Link in the Crash-Chain

Winter roadway “pileups” aren’t one crash — they’re a chain reaction. Here’s what triggers them, how truck drivers can spot the danger early, and what to do if you're suddenly trapped in the mess.

Read More →
Mobile tablet showing Motus screen against highway background with Motus logo

FMCSA’s Motus System Is Coming. What Fleets Need to Know Now

The long-awaited registration system promises a single portal — and tighter fraud controls.

Read More →
Graphic with light bulbs, HDT Truck Fleet Innovators logo, and the word Nominations
Fleet ManagementApril 24, 2026

Nominations Open for HDT Truck Fleet Innovators 2026

Heavy Duty Trucking is searching for forward-looking leaders at trucking fleets as nominations for HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators 2026. Deadline is May 15.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Detroit ABA6 safety system.

Freightliner Expands Detroit Assurance with New Intersection and Turning Safety Tech

Detroit’s next-generation ABA6 safety system adds cross-traffic detection and enhanced side guard assist with left-turn protection, targeting high-risk urban scenarios.

Read More →
Illustration with ATRI logo and square blocks spelling out "research"
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeApril 20, 2026

'Beyond Compliance,' Regulations, Driver Coaching on ATRI’s 2026 Research List

The American Transportation Research Institute will examine driver coaching, regulatory impacts — including the "Beyond Compliance" concept —and weather disruptions that shape trucking operations.

Read More →
Illustration of colorful map of United States with DataQs website screen superimposed

FMCSA Revamps DataQs to Improve Fairness, Speed of Reviews

New requirements add firm deadlines and independent review steps, addressing long-standing complaints about inconsistent rulings and slow response times.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Collage of Top 20 Product award ceremonies
EquipmentMarch 31, 2026

HDT Honors the Best New Products of 2025 at TMC [Photos]

Heavy Duty Trucking's Top 20 Products awards recognize the best new products and technologies. Check out the award presentations at the 2026 Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting.

Read More →
freightliner whitepaper
SponsoredMarch 31, 2026

Detroit Engines: Trusted Performance, Built for What's Next

The Detroit® Gen 6 engine platform proves that real progress doesn’t require a complete redesign. Built on 20 years of trusted technology, these engines are designed for efficiency, stronger performance, and greater reliability than before. And they do it all while complying with 2027 EPA standards on every mile.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Aperia HALO front steer axle.
Safety & Complianceby Jack RobertsMarch 18, 2026

Aperia Expands Halo Platform with Steer-Tire Inflation System, Fifth-Wheel Integration

Aperia Technologies introduced a new automatic tire inflation system for steer axles and a partnership with Fontaine Fifth Wheel to integrate coupling status into its Halo Connect platform.

Read More →