Recall 16V362 affects 355 2016 Kenworth W900 trucks for headlight loss when switching to high beams. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
Kenworth is recalling 355 2016 W900 trucks because the headlights can go dark for a moment when the driver switches from low beam to high beam. That loss of light reduces visibility and raises crash risk, and Kenworth dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The headlights on the 2016 Kenworth W900 give the driver forward lighting and let other road users see the truck. The low beams handle normal night driving, and the high beams add longer-range light when the driver switches modes. That switch depends on the truck's chassis node, an electrical control unit that sends power to the headlamp circuit.
On affected W900 trucks, the chassis node draws too much current when the high beams are activated. When the system is cold, that load can delay high-beam activation or cause a brief loss of forward lighting during the change from low beam to high beam. Kenworth traced the issue to the headlamp circuit and developed a wiring change that reduces the load.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver will notice it only when switching from low beams to high beams, if the forward lighting drops out or the high beams do not come on right away.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Kenworth W900 | Headlights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 355 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents 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?
A loss of headlights while switching to high beams reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash, especially in dark or low-light driving. If your VIN is included, schedule the wiring-harness repair soon and use extra care at night until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Kenworth W900 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the free wiring-harness repair that lets the high beams illuminate without headlight loss.
- Bring the recall notice if Kenworth mailed one, and reference recall number 16V362 when you call.
- Call Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 with questions about recall number 16V362 or Kenworth recall 16KWA.
- Limit night driving until the repair is complete, especially when switching from low beams to high beams.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kenworth technician alters the wiring harness so the high beams illuminate when the driver switches from low beam to high beam mode. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Kenworth has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid out of pocket for this same wiring harness repair before the recall work. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk, or contact Kenworth customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 26, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 13, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V362?
Recall 16V362 covers 355 2016 Kenworth W900 trucks with a headlight wiring issue. The headlights can go out temporarily when the driver switches from low beams to high beams, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk. Kenworth dealers will alter the wiring harness for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Kenworth W900 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 16V362. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the wiring harness alteration. Reference recall number 16V362 or Kenworth recall number 16KWA 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 Kenworth dealers will alter the wiring harness free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included trucks.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced driver visibility while changing from low beams to high beams. The headlights can go out temporarily during that switch, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free wiring harness repair with a franchised Kenworth dealer.
What if I bought my Kenworth W900 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received Kenworth's owner notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included, then call a franchised Kenworth dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V362000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-425-828-5000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V362 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V362000 |
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 →