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Peterbilt 587 Recall 15V641: Trailer May Detach From Truck, Risking a Crash

NHTSA campaign 15V641, reported October 9, 2015, 290 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

The fifth wheel connector on these trucks, a Fontaine Ultra LT, can suffer cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism. Over time, the locking mechanism may fail to operate or fail to properly engage.

If the damage is severe enough, the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor while driving, which increases the risk of a crash. Owners should be aware of this hazard and have the repair completed promptly.

The remedy is free. PACCAR will notify owners, and authorized dealers will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model at no cost. Kenworth owners can call customer service at 1-425-828-5000, and Peterbilt owners can call 1-940-591-4000. Reference recall numbers 15KWP (Kenworth) or 1015M (Peterbilt). You can also check your VIN for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 15V641PACCAR Incorporated
Component
EQUIPMENT
Problem
Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Peterbilt 579 and 587 trucks manufactured February 14, 2011, to December 5, 2012 and 2011 Kenworth T700 trucks manufactured September 21, 2010, to October 1, 2010. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.
Risk
If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. Paccar's numbers for this recall are 15KWP (Kenworth) and 1015M (Peterbilt).
Notes
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.

Affected vehicles

Kenworth T7002011
Peterbilt 57920122013
Peterbilt 58720122013