RecallNotify
Sign up Check my VIN
Home/ Recalls/ Kenworth/ 13V048
Campaign 13V048 Posted February 13, 2013 2,019 units

2013-2014 Kenworth T680/T880/567/579 Recall 13V048: Lights

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

Recall 13V048 affects 2,019 2013-2014 Kenworth T880, T680, 567, and 579 trucks for self-test lighting shutoff. Free repair at any franchised Kenworth dealer.

Kenworth is recalling 2,019 2013-2014 T680 and T880 trucks because the Exterior Lights Self-Test switch can shut off all exterior lighting if pressed while the truck is moving. Loss of lighting reduces what the driver can see and makes the truck harder for others to see, increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once 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 NHTSA

RecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.

What's wrong?

The exterior lights self-test switch on affected 2013-2014 Kenworth T880, 567, 579, and T680 trucks is an electrical control for checking the truck's outside lights while parked. It is meant to cycle the lamps so a driver or technician can confirm the lights work without driving the truck.

The problem is that the switch is active even when the truck is moving. When it is pressed in motion, the self-test function extinguishes the exterior lighting instead of leaving the normal road lights on. That turns a parked-vehicle test feature into a moving-vehicle lighting failure.

There is no warning sign before failure. The lights go out when the switch is pressed, so the first sign is the loss of exterior lighting or another person alerting the driver that the truck is dark.

Who's affected?

Spans 4 truck models across the 2013-2014 model years, with exterior lighting and electrical system components listed for each model.

2014 Kenworth T880 Exterior lighting
2014 Kenworth T880 electrical system
2013 Kenworth T880 Exterior lighting
2013 Kenworth T880 electrical system
2014 Peterbilt 567 Exterior lighting
Units affected2,019

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?

Loss of exterior lighting during a trip can make it harder to see vehicles, pedestrians, or objects and can make the truck harder for others to see, increasing crash risk. If lighting fails, reduce speed, leave extra following distance, and contact a Kenworth dealer promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Kenworth dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Kenworth T880, 567, 579, or T680 is included in this recall.
  2. Watch for Kenworth owner notice instructions before scheduling the exterior-light self-test repair.
  3. Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer and ask about the free repair that disables the exterior-light self-test switch so the lights stay on while the truck is moving.
  4. Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 13V048 when you call.
  5. Avoid using the exterior-light self-test switch unless the truck is parked and secured.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Kenworth technician disables the Exterior Lights Self-Test software parameter, removes the Exterior Lights Self-Test switch, and installs a switch plug in its place. The work prevents the self-test switch from turning off exterior lighting while the truck is moving. The services are free of charge under the recall. No repair-time estimate is listed, so ask the service desk to confirm timing when the appointment is set.

Timeline

February 13, 2013 NHTSA published the recall
February 28, 2013 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 13V048?

Recall 13V048 covers 2,019 2013-2014 Kenworth T880, 567, 579, and T680 trucks with an Exterior Lights Self-Test switch that can turn off all exterior lighting while the truck is moving. That loss of lighting increases crash risk, and dealers disable the software parameter and replace the switch for free.

What should I do if my 2013-2014 Kenworth T880, 567, 579, or T680 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V048. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer and ask for the Exterior Lights Self-Test repair. Reference recall number 13V048 when you call. The dealer repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers disable the Exterior Lights Self-Test software parameter, remove the switch, and install a switch plug free of charge.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is a loss of exterior lighting while the truck is in operation. If the self-test switch is pressed while driving, the lights can go out, reducing the driver's view and making the truck harder for drivers or pedestrians to see.

When did the recall repair begin?

The recall repair began on February 28, 2013. Owners with an included VIN can contact a franchised Kenworth dealer and ask for the Exterior Lights Self-Test software parameter disablement, switch removal, and switch plug installation under recall 13V048.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V048000
Kenworth customer service1-425-828-5000
NHTSA recall #13V048
NHTSA recall # (full)13V048000

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 →