Recall of Over 56,000 PACCAR Trucks Could Affect Road Safety, Repair Costs

More than 56,000 medium- and heavy-duty trucks manufactured by PACCAR Incorporated are being recalled due to a software issue that may cause malfunctioning exterior lighting and unexpected lift axle behavior, raising potential safety risks for drivers and others on the road. The recall impacts vehicles produced between 2022 and 2025 across various models under the Kenworth and Peterbilt brands, with the issue traced to improperly timed communication between vehicle controllers.

The affected trucks include models such as the Peterbilt 579, Kenworth T880, Peterbilt 567, and Kenworth T680, among others. The defect involves delays or inconsistencies in the function of stop lamps, headlamps, turn signals, and reverse lamps, as well as erratic lift axle movements that could unexpectedly raise or oscillate. These faults violate federal motor vehicle safety standards and could lead to an increased risk of accidents or injuries, particularly if other drivers or pedestrians are misled by the vehicle’s lighting cues.

PACCAR attributes the problem to software within the vehicle’s control unit, specifically involving part number Q21-1157 in the EMUX-architecture systems. The defect can occur without warning and may only be noticed during operation. While no injuries or deaths have been reported, the company has received over 200 warranty claims and field reports involving nearly 200 trucks. PACCAR plans to fix the issue by installing updated software in the affected vehicles, correcting the faulty time counter logic to ensure accurate signal transmission between systems.

The recall covers vehicles manufactured before May 26, 2025, when the corrected software began being installed in new production. Affected owners will be notified as part of a phased recall and are advised to seek the free software update from authorized service providers. Although PACCAR has not issued a “Do Not Drive” order, drivers are encouraged to monitor vehicle behavior closely and schedule repairs promptly once notified.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration press release

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