Semi-truck manufacturer recalls 116,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt semis over safety concerns

Around 116,000 Peterbilt and Kenworth semi-trucks were recalled because of improperly crimped connectors in the gear shifter.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that manufacturer PACCAR Incorporated was recalling certain models of semi trucks because "a loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after coming to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash."

The agency said the loss of communication may be the result of improperly crimped right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors.

PACCAR said that as of March 8, there were no reports of deaths or injuries related to the impacted vehicles.

Impacted models include:

• Kenworth T180 2021-2024
• Kenworth T280 2021-2024
• Kenworth T380 2021-2024
• Kenworth T480 2021-2024
• Kenworth T680 2021-2025
• Kenworth T880 2021-2024
• Kenworth W990 2021-2024
• Peterbilt 348 2021-2024
• Peterbilt 365 2021-2024
• Peterbilt 367 2021-2024
• Peterbilt 389 2021-2024
• Peterbilt 535 2021-2024
• Peterbilt 536 2021-2024
• Peterbilt 537 2021-2024
• Peterbilt 548 2021-2024
• Peterbilt 567 2021-2024
• Peterbilt 579 2021-2024

The NTHSA said owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 7, 2024. Dealers will inspect the impacted models and replace the gear shifter assembly for free if needed.

Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. They can also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit www.nhtsa.gov.