Recall 12V452 covers 28 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 work trucks with battery separators that overheat. Repair is free.
Peterbilt is recalling 28 vehicles from 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, including the 337, because Sure Power battery separator devices can overheat. Overheating can cause smoke and possible fire; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The Sure Power battery separator device is an electrical control unit that manages battery power between vehicle circuits. On the 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 Peterbilt vehicles covered by this recall, it is part of the equipment electrical system, not a normal wear item like a bulb or fuse. Its job is to route power without letting one battery circuit pull down another.
The recalled separator devices overheat. When that happens, the unit is no longer just switching or separating battery power, it is building heat inside the electrical equipment. The recall information does not identify a separate driver action or service mistake as the cause, so owners should treat the separator itself as the failed part.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not count on a dashboard light, smell, or other early clue before the separator overheats.
Who's affected?
Covers medium-duty truck models across the 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 model years, all tied to the same electrical equipment component.
| 2011 Peterbilt 337 | Electrical |
|---|---|
| 2013 Kenworth T271 | Electrical |
| 2012 Peterbilt 337 | Electrical |
| 2013 Kenworth T270 | Electrical |
| 2012 Fuso FE160 | Electrical |
| 2006 International 4300 | Electrical |
| 2010 International 4300 | Electrical |
| 2012 International 4300 | Electrical |
| 2012 Hino 268 | Electrical |
| Units affected | 28 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
Battery separator overheating can result in smoke and a possible fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair soon and stop using the vehicle if you see smoke. Repair will be free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013 Peterbilt 337, T271, T270, FE160, 4300, or 268 is included in this recall.
- Contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-206-622-7985 for the current repair instructions.
- Ask about the free battery-separator replacement that fixes the overheating electrical device tied to smoke and fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 12V452 when you call.
- Park away from structures if you see smoke, smell burning, or notice battery-area heat before the repair.
What happens at the repair
Once the repair is available, a Peterbilt technician replaces the Sure Power battery separator devices covered by recall 12V452. The source repair path calls for replacing the battery separators, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Because the remedy status is not listed as available in this record, confirm that the recall is open for your VIN before scheduling service. If the dealer confirms your VIN is included, ask the service desk what vehicle access they need and whether the replacement can be completed during the same visit.
Timeline
| September 12, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 25, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V452?
Recall 12V452 covers 28 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 Peterbilt vehicles equipped with Sure Power battery separator devices that can overheat. Overheating can result in smoke and possible fire. The battery separators are replaced for free.
What should I do if my 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013 Peterbilt is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V452. If it is, contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer or Geo. Heiser Body Company at 1-206-622-7985 and ask for the free battery separator replacement.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Geo. Heiser Body Company said it will replace the battery separators free of charge. The safety recall began on October 25, 2012.
What is the safety risk?
The battery separator can overheat and produce smoke or possible fire. If your VIN is included, arrange the free replacement and ask the dealer what to do if you notice smoke, burning odor, or electrical trouble before the repair appointment.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V452000 |
|---|---|
| Peterbilt customer service | 1-206-622-7985 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V452 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V452000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →