Brake Defect Sparks Recall of 7 Kenworth and Peterbilt Vehicles
Manufacturer Paccar Incorporated has announced a recall of several models of vehicles that fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 121. This recall is set to take place beginning at some point in July 2012.
Affected units include the 2013 Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579; a total of 7 units may be affected by this particular recall. The reason for the recall is that the trailer lines exceed the brake timing test standards regarding trailer circuits as laid out by the aforementioned standard, which is in place to ensure that air brake systems are operating properly. This defect should only come into play when the trailer lines are 15 feet in length and coiled. As a result of this defect, the risk of a crash becomes much higher, as the vehicles might not be able to stop in time in order to avoid a potential threat that presents itself on the road.
Paccar has stated that they intend to fix the seven vehicles in question by placing a relay valve on the trucks. This valve should offset the danger from the defective braking system. Should consumers have any questions or concerns in regards to the recall, they can get in touch with either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kenworth, or Peterbilt.
