PACCAR Recalls 5,919 Model-Year 2027 Trucks Over Electrical Risk

PACCAR is recalling 5,919 model-year 2027 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks because oil may have contaminated a power distribution center during supplier manufacturing. Heavy Duty Trucking reported the campaign August 3 and identified NHTSA recall 26V485000. The defect could interrupt engine power, antilock braking functions, exterior lighting, windshield wipers or defogging.

Affected vehicles include selected Kenworth T680, T880, W900, T480 and T380 trucks, plus Peterbilt 579, 589, 567, 537, 536 and 548 models built during portions of June and July 2026. PACCAR estimates that fewer than 1% contain the defect. As of July 27, the company had received no related warranty claims or field reports, but the possible loss of multiple safety-critical functions makes VIN-level confirmation important.

Drivers may see an ABS malfunction lamp, yet the warning should not be treated as the only possible indicator. A fleet should follow its normal defect-reporting and safe-parking process whenever a truck loses power or experiences abnormal brake, lighting, wiper or defroster behavior. Drivers should not open or attempt to repair energized distribution equipment unless they are trained and authorized.

Dealers will inspect power-distribution-center serial numbers and replace affected boxes without charge. Interim owner letters are expected September 25, followed by additional notices when the final remedy becomes available. Fleet managers should check each unit by VIN through the manufacturer or NHTSA, document the inspection or repair, and coordinate scheduling before dispatch. A normal pre-trip remains essential, but it cannot determine whether hidden circuit-board contamination is present.