811 TRUCKS & AFFECTED MODELS
PACCAR is recalling approximately 811 heavy-duty trucks from the 2027 model year because a problem with the seat ventilation wiring could cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of a vehicle fire.
The recall affects selected Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks, two of the most prominent heavy-duty commercial vehicle brands operated by fleets and independent professional drivers across North America.
According to recall filings submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the safety campaign is formally designated as NHTSA recall number 26V-544 and PACCAR campaign 25PACE.
Affected Kenworth Models
Model Year 2027 Lineup
- Kenworth T680 (Aerodynamic Flagship)
- Kenworth T880 (Vocational Workhorse)
- Kenworth W990 (Premium Conventional)
Affected Peterbilt Models
Model Year 2027 Lineup
- Peterbilt 567 (Vocational & Heavy Haul)
- Peterbilt 579 (Class 8 Long-Haul)
- Peterbilt 589 (Traditional Long-Hood)
The recall does not mean that every single unit of these models is defective. Owners must verify their vehicle's individual 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through official NHTSA lookup tools to determine if their specific truck requires service.
SEAT WIRING HARNESS FIRE RISK
The issue is not related to the truck's engine, transmission, air brake system, or primary steering linkage. Instead, the defect involves the specialized seat ventilation wiring harness.
In the affected trucks, the harness may have been manufactured or installed without sufficient heat-shrink protection. Without adequate shielding, the wiring can become chafed or damaged against adjacent internal seat structures, creating an electrical short circuit.
Transport Canada published complementary recall documentation describing the same defect, noting that the wiring harness for the driver's and/or passenger's seat ventilation system may lack adequate protective insulation, potentially resulting in electrical arcing and vehicle fire.
Although the component seems minor compared to major drivetrain assemblies, an in-cab fire during highway transit presents an acute safety emergency. Stopping a commercial combination vehicle swiftly and safely while operating on busy interstate expressways, rural mountain passes, or crowded freight terminals is exceptionally demanding.
Commercial haulers operating local delivery schedules and city distribution routes can avoid roadside hazards and operate with reliable, well-inspected equipment through local CDL-A truck driving jobs USA.
FREE DEALER FIX & PRECAUTIONS
PACCAR's remedy for the affected trucks is direct: authorized Kenworth and Peterbilt dealership service departments will replace the defective seat ventilation harnesses completely free of charge to vehicle owners.
The replacement harness features proper heat-shrink insulation, eliminating the vulnerability that could allow conductors to become exposed or short-circuited.
CRITICAL INTERIM PRECAUTION:
PACCAR and safety authorities strongly urge all drivers and fleet operators not to use seat ventilation functions until the vehicle has been inspected and the recall harness replacement has been performed. Drivers should keep ventilation switches turned off.
Official owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning October 20, 2026. Owners who believe their truck is included do not need to wait for physical mail and can contact customer service immediately:
Peterbilt Customer Service
1-940-591-4220
Campaign Code: 25PACE
Kenworth Customer Service
1-425-828-5888
Campaign Code: 25PACE
5 STEPS FOR OWNERS & FLEETS
Motor carriers, independent owner-operators, and fleet maintenance supervisors managing 2027 model year equipment should follow these actionable guidelines:
- 1 Check the 17-Digit VIN: Do not rely on model names alone. Run each truck's VIN through NHTSA's safety recall lookup tool or the manufacturer's portal.
- 2 Contact Authorized Dealers: Schedule service with your certified Kenworth or Peterbilt dealership, referencing campaign 25PACE / NHTSA 26V-544.
- 3 Cease Seat Ventilation Usage: Instruct drivers to refrain from turning on driver or passenger seat ventilation until the harness is replaced.
- 4 Complete the Recall Promptly: Because repairs are completely free under federal law and safety recalls never expire, do not postpone service simply because the truck currently operates normally.
- 5 Audit Entire Fleets: Fleets running mixed or batch-ordered 2027 units must audit every VIN individually rather than assuming the entire order is either clean or affected.
Modern commercial tractors feature increasingly intricate electrical architectures, comfort packages, and auxiliary sensors. Proactive maintenance protocols ensure fleets remain roadworthy and compliant across multi-state shipping corridors.
Professional drivers seeking dedicated linehaul routes with leading carriers committed to strict fleet maintenance standards can explore top-tier opportunities via regional CDL-A truck driving jobs.
Drivers should report any unusual burning odors, smoke, or erratic electrical issues to maintenance teams immediately to guarantee safety across every mile.