Recall 11V334 affects 72 2012 Kenworth T660 tractors for a hood-strut defect that disables the safety latch. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
Kenworth is recalling 72 2012 T660 tractors because the hood strut safety latch can fail to engage if the hood strut separates. That leaves the hood able to close unexpectedly while someone is working near it, increasing the risk of personal injury; the Kenworth dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The hood strut on the 2012 Kenworth T660 helps hold the hood open while someone checks or services the engine compartment. A safety latch is attached to that strut. Its job is to engage automatically when the hood is opened, adding a backup hold point so the hood stays controlled during service.
On affected T660 tractors, the problem starts if the hood strut separates. Because the safety latch is attached to the strut, that separation keeps the latch from engaging as designed. The hood then loses the backup latch function that is supposed to be present when it is open.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the strut separates, the issue is visible as a hood support or latch that no longer sits or catches correctly, but the recall condition itself gives the owner no advance signal.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Kenworth T660 | Latch |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 72 |
Not every 2012 Kenworth T660 truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the hood strut safety latch is not working, the operator can miss the problem and the hood can close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of personal injury. Use caution around the hood and schedule the dealer inspection soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Kenworth dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Kenworth T660 is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Kenworth recall notice if you have not received one; the owner mailing began on July 19, 2011.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer and ask whether recall number 11V334 is open for your truck.
- Schedule the free hood-strut inspection once the dealer confirms your VIN; Kenworth replaces the strut if its lot code is defective, which keeps the hood from closing unexpectedly if the strut separates.
- Keep clear of the hood path when opening or servicing the hood until the inspection or repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kenworth technician inspects the hood strut for the defective lot code identified in the recall. If the strut falls within that lot code, the technician replaces the strut. Kenworth's remedy states that this service is free and that the safety recall began on July 19, 2011. Because the current remedy status is not listed, confirm repair availability with a Kenworth dealer before arranging service. Once the dealer repair is available for your VIN, parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| June 24, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 19, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V334?
Recall 11V334 covers 72 2012 Kenworth T660 tractors with a hood-strut safety latch problem. If the hood strut separates, the latch can fail to hold the hood open, and the hood can close unexpectedly. Kenworth dealers inspect the strut lot code and replace affected struts for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Kenworth T660 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific tractor is included in recall 11V334. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer and ask for the hood-strut inspection. Give the service desk recall number 11V334 and ask whether the strut needs replacement.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kenworth's remedy states that dealers inspect the hood strut and replace a strut from the defective lot free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 11V334?
The safety risk is personal injury from the hood closing unexpectedly. Recall 11V334 says a non-working hood safety latch can go unnoticed by the operator. If the hood strut separates and the latch does not engage, the open hood can drop without warning.
What if I bought the Kenworth T660 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2012 Kenworth T660 is included, then call a franchised Kenworth dealer and reference recall 11V334.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V334000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-425-468-7400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V334 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V334000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →