Peterbilt, Kenworth Electric Trucks Recalled for Safety Defects

PACCAR Incorporated has issued two separate recalls affecting a total of 281 electric trucks due to safety defects that could lead to a loss of propulsion and increased risk of crashes. The recalls, identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as 25V-181 and 25V-182, involve a range of Peterbilt and Kenworth models produced between 2021 and 2025.

The first recall, 25V-181, affects 239 heavy-duty electric vehicles, including 71 Peterbilt 520, 84 Peterbilt 579, and 84 Kenworth T680 models. The defect involves the High Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL), where disruptions in the circuit may lead to sudden opening of high voltage contactors, causing a loss of propulsion. This issue, traced to supplier Accelera (Cummins Inc.), can occur due to interruptions as short as 10 milliseconds, and a key cycle will not reset the contactors. PACCAR plans to remedy this by updating the software to version R6 and replacing the electrical harness in affected vehicles. Owners and dealers will be notified by May 23, 2025.

The second recall, 25V-182, affects 42 medium-duty battery electric vehicles, including 13 Peterbilt Model 220 and 29 Kenworth K270/K370 models. The defect is linked to the C40 connector in the cradle harness, supplied by Dana Incorporated, where slightly open female terminals may cause intermittent connectivity, leading to a potential loss of propulsion. Investigations that began in July 2024 revealed spread terminals that could not be resolved through a key cycle. The remedy involves inspecting and replacing the cradle harness on vehicles with spread terminals, with dealer and owner notifications also scheduled for May 23, 2025.

As of the filing dates, PACCAR reported no deaths or injuries associated with either recall. For recall 25V-181, 19 warranty claims had been recorded, while for 25V-182, 10 warranty claims were noted. Affected vehicle owners may seek reimbursement for any related costs incurred prior to receiving recall notifications through PACCAR’s general reimbursement plan.

The identified defects in both recalls were detected through a series of internal investigations and supplier communications between January and March 2025. PACCAR has stated that production corrections were implemented for both recalls, with updated circuit wiring and corrected harness terminals installed on vehicles manufactured after the respective clean points.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from PACCAR Incorporated and NHTSA reports.

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