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Campaign 12V026 Posted January 30, 2012 15,932 units

2012-2013 Kenworth Trucks Recall 12V026: Brake Valve

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 12V026 covers 15,932 2012-2013 Kenworth trucks for Bendix ATR-6 brake valve leakage. The temporary repair is free at franchised Kenworth dealers.

Kenworth is recalling 15,932 2012-2013 T470, T170, and T270 trucks equipped with Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valves because internal leakage in extreme cold can keep the brakes applied. Continuous brake application can overheat the brakes, start a fire, cause loss of control, or leave following drivers without brake-light warning; the dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valve is part of the air brake system on affected 2012-2013 Kenworth trucks. In normal braking, the valve helps route air pressure so the service brakes apply and release as commanded, including when traction control or antilock braking needs to manage wheel slip.

In extremely cold conditions, the valve can develop an internal air leak. That leak lets air pressure reach the primary or secondary brake circuit when it should not, which can keep the affected brakes applied instead of letting them release normally. The problem is inside the valve, so the driver does not need to hit the brake pedal for pressure to reach the brakes.

There is no warning sign before failure. Once the leak starts, the driver can experience continuous brake application, which means the truck can feel held back because one brake circuit is being pressurized.

Who's affected?

The scope runs across 2012 and 2013 truck models, all tied to the same air-brake check valve component.

2012 Kenworth T470 brake system
2012 Peterbilt 384 brake system
2012 Peterbilt 389 brake system
2013 Kenworth T170 brake system
2013 Kenworth T270 brake system
Units affected15,932

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.

What's the safety risk?

Unexpected continuous brake application can overheat the brakes and lead to a fire. It can also make the driver lose control. If the brakes apply without brake lights, other drivers get no proper warning. Repair will be free at any franchised Kenworth dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Kenworth truck is included in this recall.
  2. Watch for the owner notice if you have not received one; PACCAR began the safety recall notice process on February 10, 2012.
  3. Contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5440 and ask about the free temporary repair for the Bendix ATR-6 relay valve air-pressure leak.
  4. Reference recall number 12V026 when you call or speak with the dealer.
  5. Drive cautiously until the repair guidance is complete. If the brakes apply without warning, stop in a safe place and arrange service before continuing.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Kenworth technician performs the temporary repair for the Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valve while Bendix develops the permanent remedy. The temporary service is free of charge. Once the permanent remedy is available, the final dealer repair will also be free under the recall. Ask the service desk what work is being performed on your truck before authorizing unrelated paid repairs.

Timeline

January 30, 2012 NHTSA published the recall
February 10, 2012 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 12V026?

Recall 12V026 covers 15,932 2012-2013 Kenworth trucks equipped with Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valves. In extreme cold, internal valve leakage can apply the primary or secondary brakes continuously. Kenworth provides the recall service for free.

What should I do if my 2012-2013 Kenworth truck is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V026. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer and reference recall 12V026 when you ask for the brake relay valve recall service. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says this service is performed free of charge. A franchised Kenworth dealer handles the recall work.

What is the safety risk?

Continuous brake application can overheat the brakes and lead to a fire. It can also cause the driver to lose control, increasing crash risk. The brakes can apply without brake lights, leaving other drivers without proper warning.

What if I bought this Kenworth truck used?

The free recall service still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012-2013 truck is included, then call a franchised Kenworth dealer with recall number 12V026.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V026000
Kenworth customer service1-425-828-5440
NHTSA recall #12V026
NHTSA recall # (full)12V026000

Source documents

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 →