Paccar is recalling various 2021-2025 Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks due to faulty Bendix EC80 advanced electronic control units (ECU), according to a recall notice last week.
The ECU, which influences safety systems such as automatic traction control and anti-lock braking and collision mitigation systems, is in need of software updates. Roughly 221,000 vehicles across 23 models from Paccar are affected, widening a recall by multiple OEMs connected to the supplier.
The recall involves electrical noise interfering with the EC80 power line carrier communication system, which also might have low signal strength, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report. The interference could lead the ECU to “incorrectly process commands or stop functioning,” a Dec. 11 NHTSA letter said.
Paccar recall affects about 221K trucks
| Make | Model | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Kenworth | T380, T680, T800B, T880, W900B, W990 | 2021-2025 |
| Kenworth | C500B | 2024-2025 |
| Kenworth | T280 | 2023-2025 |
| Kenworth | T370 | 2022-2023 |
| Kenworth | T440 | 2021-2023 |
| Kenworth | T480 | 2022-2025 |
| Peterbilt | 337, 348 | 2021-2023 |
| Peterbilt | 365, 367, 520 | 2022-2025 |
| Peterbilt | 389, 548, 567, 579 | 2021-2025 |
| Peterbilt | 536, 589 | 2024-2025 |
| Peterbilt | 537 | 2023-2025 |
SOURCE: NHTSA recall notice
The OEM estimates that the issue affects about 1% of the recalled vehicles.
Owners are slated to be notified of the recall process in early February. Dealers will reprogram the affected vehicles free of charge.
The Paccar recall adds to a widespread Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems recall also involving International Motors, Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks North America.
Bendix has estimated its recall affects over 744,000 units.
