Recall 17V840 covers 1,222 2018 Kenworth T680, T880, 567, and 579 trucks for starter-interlock TCM software. Free repair at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
Kenworth is recalling 1,222 2018 T680, T880, 567, and 579 trucks because the transmission control module can let the engine crank briefly when the shifter is not in neutral. If the engine starts in gear, the truck can move unexpectedly and increase crash risk; Kenworth dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission control module in the 2018 Kenworth T680, T880, 567, and 579 trucks is the computer that reads the shift stalk and controls when the starter is allowed to engage. On trucks with Eaton Endurant or PACCAR AMT transmissions, that module should confirm the transmission is in neutral before the engine cranks. That starter interlock is meant to keep the truck from starting while a gear is selected.
On affected trucks, the software starts with the wrong assumption. When the module first receives power, it treats the shift stalk as if it is in Neutral, even when the stalk is in another position. The stalk reports its real position about 1 second after power up, but during that gap the engine can crank briefly with the transmission in gear. The corrected software is TCM version 5516004.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is inside the control software, so the driver does not get a sound, light, or pedal feel change before the starter interlock behaves incorrectly.
Who's affected?
Covers four truck models, all tied to the automatic transmission control module.
| 2018 Kenworth T680 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kenworth T880 | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Peterbilt 567 | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Peterbilt 579 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 1,222 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
If the transmission is not in neutral when the engine starts, the truck can move unintentionally and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before this happens, so confirm neutral before starting and schedule the software update promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Kenworth T680, T880, 567, or 579 truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the free TCM software update that keeps the starter interlock from cranking outside neutral.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 17V840 when you call.
- Keep the transmission in neutral before starting the engine until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kenworth technician updates the transmission control module software so the starter interlock reads the shifter position correctly before cranking. The software update is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. Kenworth's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice when the repair matches this condition. Bring documentation for any related transmission control module or starter interlock work to the service desk so the dealer can route the claim through the proper process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 22, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 19, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| February 6, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 16, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 16, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V840?
Recall 17V840 covers 1,222 2018 Kenworth T680, T880, 567, and 579 trucks with certain Eaton Endurant and PACCAR AMT transmissions. The transmission control module can allow brief engine cranking when the shifter is not in neutral, creating a risk of unintended movement.
What should I do if my 2018 Kenworth T680, T880, 567, or 579 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V840. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer and ask for the transmission control module software update. Reference recall number 17V840 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. Kenworth dealers will update the transmission control module software free of charge for trucks included in recall 17V840.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is unintended vehicle movement if the transmission is not in neutral when the engine begins running. That movement increases crash risk. Until the software update is complete, confirm the shifter is in neutral before starting the truck.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall began February 6, 2018, so the dealer software update is available now. Trucks included in recall 17V840 receive a transmission control module software update at no cost through a franchised Kenworth dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V840000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-940-591-4000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V840 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V840000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →