Recall 12V530 affects 15 2012-2013 Kenworth T270 and T370 trucks for pinched air-brake lines. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
Kenworth recall 12V530 covers 15 2012-2013 T270 and T370 medium duty trucks because air brake lines can be pinched between the cab and the Eaton Ultrashift transmission actuator. A leaking air line can reduce brake function and raise the risk of a crash; Kenworth dealers will complete the repair free of charge once the remedy is available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
On 2012-2013 Kenworth T270 and T370 medium duty trucks with Eaton Ultrashift transmissions, the affected parts are the air harness and air brake lines connected to the treadle valve. The treadle valve is the foot brake valve; when the driver presses the brake pedal, it sends compressed air through those lines so the air brake system applies braking force.
In these trucks, the air harness was routed where the brake lines can be squeezed between the cab and the electronic clutch actuator on the transmission. Normal movement between the cab and transmission rubs and wears the lines over time. As the wear progresses, an air line can leak, which lowers the air pressure the brake system needs.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue develops from line routing and wear, so the repair focuses on inspecting the brake air lines, correcting the routing, and replacing damaged parts if needed.
Who's affected?
Spans the T270 and T370 across the 2012 and 2013 model years, all tied to the brake system.
| 2013 Kenworth T270 | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Kenworth T370 | brake system |
| 2012 Kenworth T270 | brake system |
| 2013 Kenworth T370 | brake system |
| Units affected | 15 |
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?
Air lines that leak can reduce brake function and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously, leave extra following distance, and schedule the recall repair with a Kenworth dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Kenworth dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Kenworth T270 or T370 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer and ask whether the free air-brake-line repair is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 12V530 when you call, and ask the dealer to inspect the air harness routing near the Eaton Ultrashift clutch actuator.
- Bring the recall notice if Kenworth mailed one, or bring your VIN and recall number 12V530.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete; leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking when traffic allows.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kenworth technician repairs the affected air harness and air brake line routing near the Eaton Ultrashift transmission so the lines are no longer pinched between the cab and electronic clutch actuator. Kenworth's remedy notice says dealers repair the vehicles free of charge. The notice does not give a separate labor time or a separate reimbursement program, so ask the Kenworth service desk what paperwork they need before the appointment.
Timeline
| October 12, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V530?
Recall 12V530 covers 15 2012-2013 Kenworth T270 and T370 medium duty trucks built with Eaton Ultrashift transmissions. The air brake lines can be pinched between the cab and electronic clutch actuator, causing wear and air leaks that reduce brake function and increase crash risk. Kenworth dealers repair it for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Kenworth T270 or T370 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V530. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the repair. Reference recall number 12V530 when you call, and ask the service desk how long the truck needs to stay at the shop.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kenworth's remedy says dealers will repair the affected trucks free of charge. Use recall number 12V530 when you contact the dealer service desk.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced brake function from leaking air brake lines. Kenworth reported that cab and transmission movement can wear the lines until they leak. Reduced brake function increases crash risk, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if your truck is included.
What if I bought my Kenworth T270 or T370 used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received the Kenworth notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your truck is included, then call a franchised Kenworth dealer with recall number 12V530.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V530000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-425-828-5000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V530 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V530000 |
Source documents
-
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 →