PACCAR Recalls Kenworth and Peterbilt Trucks Due to Steering Failure Risk

Source: NHTSA · United States

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PACCAR Incorporated is recalling 876 Kenworth and Peterbilt vehicles because a steering cross-shaft defect could cause a loss of control and increase crash risks.

What this NHTSA vehicle recall tells you, and what most readers miss

This notice was issued by NHTSA on February 11, 2026 and geographically references United States. Its severity classification of "high" signals how the issuing agency weighs the risk of harm if no action is taken — "critical" and "high" tier alerts typically carry direct consumer actions, while "medium" and "low" tend toward informational guidance or monitoring advisories. The category it belongs to — Vehicle Recalls — determines the regulatory framework behind it, which shapes what remedies (refunds, replacements, recalls, evacuations) are available to affected individuals and who holds statutory responsibility for enforcement.

Most readers skim a notice like this, check whether they are personally affected, and move on. The more useful lens is to read it as a data point about the issuing system: how quickly NHTSA detected the hazard, how precise the geographic or product-identifier scope is, and whether similar notices have clustered in the same category or region in the last 90 days. Cluster patterns frequently precede a broader regulatory action — a single localized NHTSA vehicle recall is isolated; three of them within a quarter often indicate a supply-chain, infrastructure, or seasonal driver that will keep producing notices until something structural changes.

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What Happened

PACCAR Incorporated has issued a recall for specific Kenworth and Peterbilt truck models due to a potential failure in the steering system. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the right-hand stand-up (RHSU) configuration on the steering cross-shaft may become stressed and fail during operation.

Which Products Are Affected

The recall affects a total of 876 units across the following makes and models:

  • 2025 Kenworth L770
  • 2024-2026 Peterbilt 520

What You Should Do

Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to take their trucks to an authorized dealer for a free inspection. Dealers will repair the steering cross-shafts and replace any components found to be damaged or broken at no cost to the owner.

Official owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by March 20, 2026. For further information, owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR’s internal reference number for this recall is 26PACA.

Why This Matters

A failure of the steering cross-shaft can lead to a complete loss of steering control. This defect significantly increases the risk of a vehicle crash, posing a safety hazard to the driver and others on the road.

Source

Information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Campaign Number: 26V022000.

Original source: NHTSA Official Notice ↗

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this NHTSA vehicle recall.

What is this NHTSA vehicle recall about?
PACCAR Incorporated is recalling 876 Kenworth and Peterbilt vehicles because a steering cross-shaft defect could cause a loss of control and increase crash risks.
Which agency issued this alert?
This alert was issued by NHTSA. The original notice is available at the source link at the bottom of this article.
How severe is this alert?
This alert is classified as "high" severity. Take precautions and monitor for updates.
What area is affected?
This alert affects United States. Check with NHTSA for the most current geographic scope.
Where can I find more Vehicle Recalls updates?
Browse the full Vehicle Recalls feed on Areazine at areazine.com/recalls/vehicles/ for the latest updates from NHTSA and other agencies.