Recall 12V214 covers 7 2013 Peterbilt 579 and T680 trucks with trailer-brake timing that extends stopping distance. Relay-valve repair is free.
Peterbilt is recalling 7 2013 579 and T680 vehicles because trailer brake timing exceeds federal air-brake requirements when 15-foot coiled trailer lines are used. Longer brake apply time lengthens stopping distance and increases crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The air brake trailer circuit on 2013 Peterbilt 579 and T680 trucks sends compressed air from the tractor to the trailer brakes. When the driver presses the brake pedal, that air signal moves through the trailer supply and control lines so the trailer brakes apply at the right time with the tractor brakes.
On affected trucks, the trailer circuit does not meet the required brake timing test when 15 foot coiled trailer lines are installed. The added line length slows the air signal enough that trailer brake application takes longer than the standard allows. The brake parts still belong to the air supply hoses, lines, piping, and fittings system, but the problem is timing through the trailer circuit.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver will not get a special light or sound telling them the trailer brake timing is outside the standard.
Who's affected?
Spans the 579 and T680 in the same model year, with the brake system listed for each.
| 2013 Peterbilt 579 | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2013 Kenworth T680 | brake system |
| Units affected | 7 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Longer brake apply time lengthens stopping distance and increases the risk of a crash. Leave extra following distance and schedule service promptly if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Peterbilt 579 or T680 is included in this recall.
- Review your service history for the relay-valve repair that corrects the delayed trailer-brake apply time.
- Contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer to confirm whether the free repair is already complete.
- Reference recall number 12V214 when you call the dealer.
- Bring any recall notice or prior brake-system repair paperwork to the dealer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Peterbilt technician installs a relay valve on vehicles covered by recall 12V214. The source remedy says PACCAR notified owners, completed the relay valve installation, and reported that all covered vehicles have been repaired. If your VIN still shows an open recall, ask the Peterbilt service desk to confirm the relay valve work before the truck returns to service. The recall repair is free.
Timeline
| May 16, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 26, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V214?
Recall 12V214 covers 7 2013 Peterbilt 579 and Kenworth T680 trucks with trailer brake timing that fails FMVSS 121 requirements when 15 foot coiled trailer lines are used. Longer brake apply time can extend stopping distance and raise crash risk. The relay valve repair is free.
What should I do if my 2013 Peterbilt 579 or Kenworth T680 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V214. If it is, contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer and ask the service desk to verify that the relay valve repair has been completed. Reference recall number 12V214 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be completed at no cost, and the recall remedy calls for installation of a relay valve on the affected trucks. The filing says all vehicles have been repaired, but your VIN confirms the status for your truck.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is longer stopping distance. The trailer brake circuit can exceed the required brake timing limit with 15 foot coiled trailer lines, which means the brakes take longer to apply. That longer apply time increases crash risk, and the relay valve repair addresses the defect.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V214000 |
|---|---|
| Peterbilt customer service | 1-425-828-5440 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V214 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V214000 |
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 →