2027 Kenworth and Peterbilt Recall: Power Distribution Fault

PACCAR is recalling 5,925 model-year 2027 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks because oil contamination in the power distribution center may disrupt vehicle systems. The possible effects include loss of drive power, ABS function, exterior lighting, windshield wipers or defogging. Campaign 26V485000 covers the specific models listed below.

What the recall means for owners

KENWORTH, PETERBILT: T280, T380, T480 and other models

Dealers will check power distribution center serial numbers and replace affected boxes as necessary, free of charge. Interim safety-risk letters are expected September 25, 2026, with additional letters once the final remedy is available. The amended August 14 report lists 5,925 vehicles, replacing the original filing’s 5,919 count.

Official record — checked September 16, 2026

• NHTSA recall ID: 26V485000
• Vehicles listed: KENWORTH T280 (2027); KENWORTH T380 (2027); KENWORTH T480 (2027); KENWORTH T680 (2027); KENWORTH T880 (2027); KENWORTH W990 (2027); PETERBILT 536 (2027); PETERBILT 537 (2027); PETERBILT 548 (2027); PETERBILT 567 (2027); PETERBILT 579 (2027); PETERBILT 589 (2027)
• Potentially affected: 5,925
• Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE/IPDM
• Report received: July 27, 2026
• Owner notification: Interim safety-risk letters expected September 25, 2026; additional letters when the final remedy is available.
• Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2027 Peterbilt and Kenworth vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. The power distribution center (PDC) box may be contaminated with oil, which could result in a loss of drive power, Antilock Brake System (ABS) functionality, exterior lighting, windshield wipers, or the defogging system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 103, “Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems,” 104, “Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems,” and 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
• Safety consequence: A loss of lighting, windshield wipers, ABS function, or a loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
• Remedy: Dealers will inspect the PDC serial numbers, and replace the PDC boxes as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed September 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Peterbilt’s customer service at 1-940-591-4220 and Kenworth’s customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR’s number for this recall is 26PACD.

What owners should do next

Ask a Kenworth or Peterbilt dealer about the serial-number inspection and the repair stage for campaign 26PACD. The interim-letter schedule does not mean replacement boxes are available for every truck.

Owners of the overlapping Kenworth and Peterbilt models should also review the separate seat-wiring fire recall.

Use the official NHTSA recall lookup or contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer to confirm recall status for your vehicle’s VIN. A matching model and year alone do not establish that a vehicle is included or that its repair is complete.

Official sources

• Current NHTSA campaign data for 26V485000, checked September 16, 2026; supports the current facts and notification wording above.
• Manufacturer Part 573 report submitted Aug 14, 2026. The report records the filing at that date; later status updates are attributed to the current campaign data.

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