Recall 11V388 covers 10 2011 Kenworth T700 tractors with Fontaine fifth wheels that can partially couple and let trailers separate. Fontaine completed repairs.
Kenworth is recalling 10 2011 T700 tractors equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheels because the fifth wheel can partially close around the trailer kingpin without fully locking. A partial coupling can let the trailer separate from the tractor, increasing crash risk; the Kenworth dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The fifth wheel on a 2011 Kenworth T700 is the locking plate behind the cab that connects the tractor to a trailer. It grabs the trailer kingpin, the steel pin under the trailer nose. When the handle and locking jaws are fully engaged, the fifth wheel keeps the trailer attached during normal pulling and turning.
On affected T700 trucks equipped with the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel, the coupling process can stop in a false locked position. The fifth wheel can close partway around the kingpin without fully engaging and locking. From the driver's seat, the tractor and trailer can appear connected, but the latch has not completed its job.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem happens during trailer coupling, so the practical check is physical: confirm the fifth wheel is fully locked around the kingpin before moving the truck.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Kenworth T700 | Fifth wheel assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 10 |
Not every 2011 Kenworth T700 truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the fifth wheel is only partly coupled, the trailer can separate from the tractor and increase the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously until Kenworth or a franchised dealer confirms the chassis repair status. Repair will be free at any franchised Kenworth dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Kenworth T700 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer before hauling a trailer to confirm whether the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth-wheel repair was completed.
- Reference recall number 11V388 when you call, and ask Kenworth to verify repair completion for your chassis.
- Avoid coupling or hauling a trailer until Kenworth confirms the fifth wheel is fully repaired.
- Call Kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 with questions about the completed repair campaign.
What happens at the repair
Fontaine, the equipment supplier, completed the recall repair on every affected chassis before an owner notification campaign was planned. The repair addressed the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel so the coupling mechanism fully engages and locks around the trailer kingpin. If your VIN is included, ask a Kenworth dealer to confirm the completed repair in the vehicle history. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| July 28, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| August 1, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V388?
Recall 11V388 covers 10 2011 Kenworth T700 vehicles equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheels. During trailer coupling, the fifth wheel can partially close around the kingpin without fully locking. Fontaine completed repairs to the affected chassis.
What should I do if my 2011 Kenworth T700 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 11V388. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer or Kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and reference recall 11V388. The record says Fontaine completed repairs to all affected chassis.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost to the owner. For recall 11V388, the record says Fontaine completed the repairs to all affected chassis, so a confirmed included truck should already have the fifth wheel repair completed.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation. If the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel is only partially coupled and not fully locked around the kingpin, the trailer can unexpectedly separate from the tractor, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN before putting the truck back into service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V388000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-425-828-5440 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V388 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V388000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →