Recall 13V243 affects 19 2013-2014 Kenworth T440 trucks for entry steps missing slip-resistant tread. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
Kenworth is recalling 19 2013-2014 T440 trucks because the tread plate on the entry steps does not align with the cab door opening, leaving part of the step without enough slip prevention. A person can slip and get injured while entering or leaving the cab, and the Kenworth dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The entry step on 2013-2014 Kenworth T440 trucks is the step surface used when a driver or passenger climbs into the cab. The tread plate is the grip surface on that step. Its job is to give the boot a sure contact point at the cab door opening.
On affected trucks, the tread plate is installed out of line with the cab door opening. That leaves part of the step without enough slip prevention in the spot a person uses to enter or exit. If a foot lands on that uncovered section, the step has less grip than intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is visible only by inspecting the step and checking whether the tread plate lines up with the cab doorway, or whether a smooth section remains where a foot lands.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Kenworth T440 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2014 Kenworth T440 | Equipment |
| Units affected | 19 |
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?
A missing slip-resistant step surface leaves less grip when entering or exiting the cab. That raises the risk of slipping and being injured while climbing into or out of the truck. Use extra care on the cab step and schedule the recall repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Kenworth dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Kenworth T440 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to ask about the free step assembly installation that adds slip-resistant tread at the cab entry.
- Bring the recall notice if Kenworth mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V243 when you call.
- Use extra care climbing into or out of the cab until the entry-step repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Once the recall repair is available, a Kenworth technician installs a new step assembly on the affected T440 truck. The repair addresses the entry step tread plate alignment, where part of the step lacks enough slip prevention at the cab door opening. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Because the remedy status is not listed here, confirm repair availability with a Kenworth dealer before scheduling service.
Timeline
| June 10, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 19, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V243?
Recall 13V243 covers 19 2013-2014 Kenworth T440 trucks with entry-step tread plates that do not line up with the cab door opening. Part of the step lacks enough slip prevention, creating an injury risk when a person climbs into or out of the cab.
What should I do if my 2013-2014 Kenworth T440 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V243. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the new step assembly. Reference recall 13V243 or Kenworth recall number 13KWG when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy states that dealers will install a new step assembly free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2013.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is a slip and fall injury while entering or exiting the cab. The affected tread plate leaves part of the step without enough slip-resistant surface, so a person climbing into or out of the Kenworth T440 has less traction than intended.
What if I bought my Kenworth T440 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2013-2014 Kenworth T440 is included, then call a franchised Kenworth dealer with recall number 13V243.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V243000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-425-468-7400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V243 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V243000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →