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Campaign 18V931 Posted December 21, 2018 25,556 units

2018-2019 Kenworth Truck Recall 18V931: Clutch Defect

Recall 18V931 covers 25,556 2018-2019 Kenworth trucks with clutch assembly failures causing unintended movement. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.

Kenworth is recalling 25,556 2018-2019 trucks, including T680, T880, T800, C500, and W900 models equipped with automated manual transmissions, because an internal clutch assembly component can fail and result in unintended vehicle movement. Unintended movement increases crash risk, and Kenworth dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The clutch assembly in these 2018-2019 Kenworth trucks connects the engine to the automated manual transmission. Its job is to let engine power move into the driveline when the truck is in gear, then fully release that connection when the transmission shifts or the driver selects neutral. Electronic clutch actuation handles that movement without a manual clutch pedal.

The recalled Eaton clutches contain pressure plate levers stamped with an out of specification bend radius. The supplier's stamping die was not maintained correctly, so the levers were made outside Eaton's specification. When those levers bind or do not move as designed, the clutch does not fully disengage. Engine torque then stays connected to the powertrain, and the truck can move when the operator expects it to be in neutral.

Before failure, an owner can notice powertrain vibration, unusual noises, or the cab rocking. Trucks equipped with the related alert can also give an audible warning or show the display alternating between "AN" and the engaged gear.

Who's affected?

Covers multiple truck models across the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to the clutch assembly.

2018 Kenworth T680 powertrain
2018 Kenworth T880 powertrain
2018 Kenworth T800 powertrain
2018 Kenworth C500 powertrain
2018 Kenworth W900 powertrain
Units affected25,556
Field incidentsNHTSA 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?

Unintended vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash, especially when the truck does not stay in the gear the driver expects. Watch for powertrain vibration, unusual noises, cab rocking, or an instrument panel alert alternating between "AN" and the engaged gear. Schedule the transmission control module update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Kenworth truck with an automated manual transmission is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the free transmission control module update that addresses unintended movement from the clutch assembly defect.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Kenworth has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V931 when you call.
  4. Secure the truck against unintended movement until the repair is complete, especially when parking or shifting.
  5. Call Kenworth customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with questions about the repair.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Kenworth technician updates the transmission control module software. The recall repair is available now, and the software update is free of charge. If you already paid out of pocket for a related transmission control module repair before the recall work was completed, Kenworth's reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork and receipts to the service desk so the dealer can explain the claim process.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

December 21, 2018 NHTSA published the recall
February 4, 2019 Dealer notification began
February 4, 2019 Dealer notification ended
February 19, 2019 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
February 19, 2019 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
February 23, 2019 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 18V931?

Recall 18V931 covers 25,556 2018-2019 Kenworth trucks equipped with automated manual transmissions. An internal clutch assembly component can fail and allow unintended vehicle movement, increasing crash risk. Dealers will update the transmission control module for free.

What should I do if my 2018-2019 Kenworth truck is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V931. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the transmission control module update. Reference recall number 18V931 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. For recall 18V931, the dealer updates the transmission control module free of charge at a franchised Kenworth dealer.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is unintended vehicle movement. If an internal clutch assembly component fails, the truck can move when the driver does not intend it to move, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free dealer update.

When did the recall repair begin?

The recall repair began February 23, 2019. That means the dealer update is available now for included VINs. Call a franchised Kenworth dealer, give them recall number 18V931, and ask to schedule the transmission control module update.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V931000
Kenworth customer service1-940-591-4220
NHTSA recall #18V931
NHTSA recall # (full)18V931000

Source documents

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 →