Recall 15V641 covers 290 2011-2013 Peterbilt 579, T700, and 587 trucks for a fifth-wheel locking defect. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
Peterbilt is recalling 290 2011-2013 579, T700, and 587 trucks under recall 15V641 because accumulated damage to Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel connectors can keep the locking mechanism from engaging. If the lock fails, the trailer can detach from the tractor and increase crash risk; Peterbilt dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The fifth wheel connector is the heavy coupling plate behind the cab that locks the trailer's kingpin to the truck. On the 2011-2013 579, T700, and 587 trucks in this recall, the affected connector is the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel. Its locking mechanism is supposed to close around the kingpin and hold the trailer in the coupled position.
The problem is cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its lock. Fontaine traced that damage to coupling and maintenance practices such as high coupling, skipping a full visual inspection, coupling before the fifth wheel is fully open, and missing recommended maintenance. As that damage builds, the lock can fail to operate or fail to engage properly when the trailer is coupled.
There is no warning sign before failure. Drivers should not rely on feel from the cab alone, because the recall information does not identify a noise, light, or drivability symptom before the lock fails.
Who's affected?
Covers the 579, T700, and 587 truck models across 2011-2013, all tied to the same equipment component.
| 2013 Peterbilt 579 | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2012 Peterbilt 579 | Equipment |
| 2011 Kenworth T700 | Equipment |
| 2012 Peterbilt 587 | Equipment |
| 2013 Peterbilt 587 | Equipment |
| Units affected | 290 |
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?
If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are damaged enough, the lock can fail to work as intended and the trailer can detach from the tractor, increasing crash risk. Treat known fifth-wheel or lock damage as a reason to stop hauling and call the dealer before the next trip. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 579, T700, or 587 truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule the free Ultra NT fifth-wheel replacement that addresses fifth-wheel locking damage and trailer-detachment risk.
- Bring the recall notice if PACCAR mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V641 when you call.
- Inspect the fifth-wheel connection before each trip and stop using the truck for towing if the locking mechanism does not fully engage.
- Call Peterbilt customer service at 1-425-828-5000 with questions about scheduling or dealer handling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Peterbilt technician replaces the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel connector with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you paid out of pocket for a related fifth wheel repair before the recall notice, the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan on file covers documented expenses. Ask the service desk how to submit repair paperwork under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 9, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 7, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V641?
Recall 15V641 covers 290 2011-2013 Peterbilt 579, T700, and 587 trucks equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel connectors. Damage to the fifth wheel and locking mechanism can keep the lock from engaging, which can let the trailer detach. Dealers will replace the fifth wheel for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Peterbilt 579, T700, or 587 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V641. If it is, contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer and schedule the free fifth wheel replacement. Reference recall 15V641 and Peterbilt recall number 1015M when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall repair at no cost. For recall 15V641, the dealer will replace the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V641?
The safety risk is trailer separation. In recall 15V641, damage to the fifth wheel and locking mechanism can stop the lock from operating as intended. If the trailer detaches from the tractor, crash risk increases.
What if I bought this truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your truck is included in recall 15V641, then call a franchised Peterbilt dealer with the recall number and ask for the fifth wheel replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V641000 |
|---|---|
| Peterbilt customer service | 1-425-828-5000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V641 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V641000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →