PACCAR is recalling 5,919 model year 2027 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks because oil may have contaminated the power distribution center, the box that routes electrical power through the cab, according to FreightWaves reporter Thomas Wasson. PACCAR reported the problem to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on July 27, where it is listed as recall 26V485; PACCAR calls it 26PACD.
The defect and failure modes
FreightWaves reported that a damaged air compressor filter caused an oil leak into the soldering process of the printed circuit boards. The parts came from PKC Group North America of Farmington Hills, Mich. If the power distribution center fails, a driver can lose engine power, antilock brakes, exterior lights, windshield wipers or the defroster. Only one failure mode comes with a warning:
"ABS malfunction warning lamp. No warning is provided for the other failure modes," PACCAR told regulators.
Affected models and production dates
All 12 affected models are 2027 models. Tractors and the Peterbilt 567 were built between June 9 and July 13. The rest were built between June 22 or June 23 and July 13.
| Model | Units |
|---|---|
| Kenworth T680 | 1,451 |
| Kenworth T880 | 1,221 |
| Peterbilt 567 | 1,123 |
| Peterbilt 579 | 989 |
| Peterbilt 589 | 524 |
| Peterbilt 548 | 109 |
| Kenworth W990 | 105 |
| Kenworth T280 | 87 |
| Kenworth T380 | 82 |
| Kenworth T480 | 81 |
| Peterbilt 537 | 76 |
| Peterbilt 536 | 71 |
Investigation, containment and remedy
PACCAR opened an investigation July 13 and held suspect trucks the next day. Trucks still at the plants were checked there; this recall covers the ones that already shipped. The company estimates 0.3% of the recalled trucks actually have the defect, and nobody knows which ones until a dealer reads the serial number on the box. As of July 27, PACCAR had no warranty claims, no reports from the field, and no injuries.
PACCAR plans to notify dealers and owners Sept. 25. The first letter explains the risk, and a second letter comes later once the fix is ready. The repair is free: a dealer checks the PDC serial number against a list from the supplier, and if it matches, they replace the box. Owners who already paid for the repair are covered by PACCAR's standard reimbursement plan. Peterbilt owners can call 940-591-4220, Kenworth owners can call 425-828-5888, and NHTSA's hotline is 888-327-4236. Ask about recall 26PACD.
The oil also puts the trucks out of step with three federal safety standards — the ones covering defrosters, wipers and lights. NHTSA told PACCAR it is "illegal for anyone," including a dealer, "to sell an item of equipment or vehicle that fails to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards."
Supply chain takeaway
For OEM sourcing teams and plant managers, the recall traces the failure to a supplier-origin quality problem: PKC Group North America of Farmington Hills, Mich., supplied the affected parts, and the root cause was a damaged air compressor filter in the soldering process of the printed circuit boards. The remedy depends on serial-number traceability — dealers check each vehicle's PDC against a supplier list before deciding whether to replace the box.
Production and notification timeline
- June 9–July 13: Affected vehicles built (model-specific start dates vary).
- July 13: PACCAR opened its investigation.
- July 14: Suspect trucks held.
- July 27: PACCAR notified NHTSA; no warranty claims, field reports or injuries to date.
- Sept. 25: Dealer and owner notification scheduled.
Related industry events
The FreightWaves article also promoted three Chattanooga, Tennessee, events. The Brokerage Compliance Symposium takes place the day before F3 at The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo and covers fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft and insurance gaps "navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry." The F3 Awards Dinner is held the night before F3, where FreightTech100 companies are honored and FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners are revealed. The F3: Future of Freight Festival features "industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga," plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner.
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