2008 Kenworth T300 Recall

The emergency vehicle applications that are subject of this recall are designed with a dash-mounted switch that enables the vehicle operator to inhibit the aftertreatment diesel particulate filter regeneration in environments where the operator believes it may be unsafe for elevated exhaust temperatures. Due to an issue with the logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) software in certain vehicles, the switch may not function correctly, leading the operator to believe that the switch is in "inhibit" mode when, in fact, it is not. As a consequence, the operator may unknowingly permit hot exhaust gases to exit the vehicle tailpipe, increase the risk of melting or burning of nearby surfaces, or a fire, causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Cummins dealers will upgrade the ECM software.

A failure of this component (emissions) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain trucks, a harness support bracket mounted on the underside of the cab may come into contact with the fuel line at the top of the fuel splitter valve (on units with a duel under-cab fuel tank setup). In time, the fuel hose may suffer chafe damage which could create a fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel splitter valve bracket, and modify the battery cable routing bracket, to provide adequate clearance between the two components.

A failure of this component (fuel system) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the door latch may have been manufactured incorrectly. If the latch rotor cracks, the latch would not have primary or secondary closing security. Attempting to drive a vehicle with a door in the unlatched position can result in increased risk of injury to an unbelted front seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the latch assemblies.

A failure of this component (other) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of CMVSS 121 - Air Brake System. The air lines were incorrectly constructed with only four layers of extruded nylon material, instead of the specified five layers. Should the air lines develop a leak, while the vehicle is in motion, it could cause the air brake system to fail, which would engage the rear spring brakes, slowing the vehicle to a stop, and preventing it from being driven. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the air lines.

A failure of this component (brakes) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain trucks, the jumper wire between the grid heater relay and the fuse block may have been routed incorrectly during vehicle assembly. If the wire rubs against the radiator support, the chafe point could result in an electrical short, potentially causing a vehicle fire. Correction: Dealers will inspect the routing of the jumper wire; if the wire is not routed correctly, it will be inspected for rubbing or chaffing and replaced if necessary.

A failure of this component (electrical) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain trucks, the wiring, parts, or transmission programming required for the auto neutral feature to function as designed were either not installed, connected, or programmed properly. If any of these conditions exists, the transmission will not automatically shift into Neutral when left in Drive with the parking brake engaged. The vehicle could move without warning increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if needed, make the necessary repairs.

A failure of this component (powertrain) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain trucks, the axle housing may have been manufactured with steel that was out of specification (9.5mm thick instead of 11mm thick), which could result in a fatigue failure over time. If failure occurs, the axle may lock-up or the end of the axle could come off, which may result in a vehicle crash with injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the axles.

A failure of this component (other) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain trucks, the trailer light wiring harness may have been routed incorrectly during vehicle assembly. This could cause the wires within the harness plug to be pulled away from the chassis plug, resulting in an intermittent or complete electrical power loss to the trailer. This would cause a loss of all trailer lighting and ABS function. Inoperative side markers and tail lamps would make the trailer less visible to other drivers during times of reduced visibility. A loss of brake lamp function would not allow a following driver to know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur as a result. Correction: Dealers will re-route the wiring harness.

A failure of this component (electrical) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain trucks, an incorrect pressure sensing switch was installed in the cruise control system during vehicle assembly. A light brake application will not de-activate the cruise control and the system will have to be shut off by the dash switch. Failure to deactivate the cruise control could cause a vehicle crash with injuries or death. Correction: Dealers will install the correct switch.

A failure of this component (engine) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).