The problem
PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 Kenworth T800 and W900 trucks manufactured March 22, 2006, through July 15, 2013 and equipped with Primaax tridem rear suspensions and a pusher and/or tag axle. The affected trucks have brake chambers that take longer to apply or release the brakes than the required time limit. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The risk
Brakes that take longer to apply may lengthen the distance needed to stop the truck, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will modify the air brake system, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2014. Owners may contact PACCAR at 1-425-468-7400. Kenworth's recall number is 13KWL.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Kenworth dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 13V573000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.