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2012 Kenworth T270 Problems, complaints & recalls

No owner complaints about the 2012 Kenworth T270 have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in April 2020 for the electronic stability control (ESC).

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical T270 year, for its age

Complaints
0
Recalls
4
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

2012 Kenworth T270 recalls 4

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Electronic stability control (ESC)

20V199000460,515 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX Software. In the event that the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the dash warning light for the ABS may not illuminate to warn the driver of the loss of ABS. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems," and 136, "Electronic Stability Control System on Heavy Vehicles."
The risk
If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the NAMUX software within the cab control module, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on June 4, 2020. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20pbc AND 20KWB.

Visibility: motor

15V271000104,807 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, C500, C540, C550, T660, T800, W900, and 963 trucks manufactured November 1, 2010, to April 6, 2015. In the affected trucks, water may leak into the wiper motor.
The risk
As water leaks in, the wiper may cease to function on the 'intermittent' setting, reducing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the water may cause corrosion which, over time, may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
PACCAR is still developing and testing a remedy. The recall is expected to begin in July 2015. An interim letter was sent to owners on July 2, 2015. The recall began on September 2, 1015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 15KWF.

Service brakes: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

12V53000015 vehicles affected

The problem
Kenworth is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 T270 and T370 medium duty trucks built with Eaton Ultrashift transmissions between December 7, 2011, and April 6, 2012. The air harness from the treadle valve on the affected vehicles was routed in a manner that can cause the air brake lines to be pinched between the cab and the electronic clutch actuator of the Eaton Ultrashift transmission. Significant movement between the cab and transmission can cause progressive wear and an eventual leak in the air lines.
The risk
Air lines which leak can cause reduced brake function, which may result in a crash.
The fix
Kenworth will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 30, 2012. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000.

Service brakes: check valve

12V02600015,932 vehicles affected

The problem
Paccar is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 kenworth t170, t270, t370, t440, t470, t660, t700, t800, w900, and peterbilt 320, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, and 587 vehicles, manufactured from january 31, 2011, through january 19, 2012, and equipped with bendix atr-6 antilock traction relay valves. In extremely cold conditions, these bendix relay valves may potentially develop internal leakage. Internal leakage can lead to air pressure being delivered to affected primary or secondary brake causing continuous brake application.
The risk
Unexpected continuous brake application can cause the brakes to overheat and lead to a fire. Unexpected continuous brake application can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Also, the brakes may be applied without illuminating the brake lights, failing to give proper warning to other drivers.
The fix
Paccar will notify owners, and provide a temporary repair until bendix develops a permanent remedy. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on february 10, 2012. Owner may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

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No complaints about the 2012 Kenworth T270 yet

No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.

Kenworth T270: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20160300-B
20151410Seats & seat beltsD
20141600Wheels & tiresD
20130500-C
20120400-C
20110400-C
20100300-B
20090300-B
20080400-C
All T270 years

2012 Kenworth T270 vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2012 Kenworth T270040C
2012 Kenworth T660190CCompare
2012 Kenworth T8001100CCompare
2012 Kenworth C500130CCompare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2012 Kenworth T270

Does the 2012 Kenworth T270 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Kenworth T270: electronic stability control (ESC) (April 2020); motor (May 2015); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (October 2012); check valve (January 2012). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

How many complaints has the 2012 Kenworth T270 had?

None have been filed with NHTSA so far.

Is the 2012 Kenworth T270 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Kenworth T270 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Kenworth T270 years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2012 Kenworth T270 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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