Recall 15V206 affects 379 2015-2016 Kenworth K300 and 220 trucks for cruise-control software that increases speed. Free software update at a franchised Kenworth dealer.
Kenworth is recalling 379 2015-2016 K300 and 220 trucks under recall 15V206 because the cruise control speed decrease button increases vehicle speed by 1 mile per hour instead. The issue raises crash risk when a driver is trying to slow down, and the Kenworth dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The cruise control system on affected 2015-2016 Kenworth K300 and 220 trucks is supposed to hold a set road speed without the driver keeping a foot on the accelerator. The controls let the driver set that speed, raise it, or lower it while cruise control is active.
The problem is in the cruise control software, not a broken pedal or throttle part. When the driver presses the speed decrease button, the software reads the command backward and raises the set speed by one mile per hour. That means the truck responds opposite of the driver's intent while cruise control is engaged.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue appears only when cruise control is on and the driver uses the button meant to lower the set speed.
Who's affected?
Covers K300 and 220 trucks in the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the same cruise control system.
| 2016 Kenworth K300 | Cruise control |
|---|---|
| 2015 Peterbilt 220 | Cruise control |
| 2015 Kenworth K300 | Cruise control |
| 2016 Peterbilt 220 | Cruise control |
| Units affected | 379 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
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?
This defect can make the truck speed up when the driver is trying to slow down. That raises the risk of a crash. Leave extra distance, avoid tailgating, and contact a Kenworth dealer for recall guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Kenworth dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Kenworth K300 or 220 truck is included in this recall.
- Contact Kenworth customer service for the current repair status before scheduling dealer work.
- Reference recall number 15V206 when you call or speak with the dealer.
- Ask a franchised Kenworth dealer about the cab-controller software update that corrects the cruise-control speed decrease button increasing vehicle speed.
- Avoid using cruise control until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kenworth technician updates the cab controller software tied to the cruise-control speed decrease button. That software is the part of the system that needs correction, because the decrease button can command a speed increase instead. The final dealer repair will be free once Kenworth makes it available for your VIN. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Until then, keep your recall letter or VIN confirmation with your service records and ask the Kenworth service desk to confirm when the software update is open for your truck.
Timeline
| April 7, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 13, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 5, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V206?
Recall 15V206 covers 379 2015-2016 Kenworth K300 and 220 trucks with a cruise-control software defect. When the cruise control speed decrease button is pressed, vehicle speed increases by 1 mile per hour instead of slowing down, increasing crash risk. Kenworth dealers update the cab controller software for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Kenworth K300 or 220 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V206. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer and ask for the cab controller software update. Reference recall number 15V206 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. For recall 15V206, the dealer updates the cab controller software free of charge so the cruise control decrease button works correctly.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended speed increase when the driver expects the truck to slow down. If the cruise control decrease button raises speed instead, the driver has less control over vehicle speed, increasing crash risk. Use the VIN check, then arrange the free software repair.
When did owner notices start for recall 15V206?
Owner notices started after the recall began on June 5, 2015. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the free repair applies. Check your VIN and reference recall 15V206 with the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V206000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-940-591-4000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V206 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V206000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →