Recall 20V086 affects 4 2020 Kenworth T370 vehicles missing a second R12 relay valve. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
Kenworth is recalling 4 2020 T370 long wheelbase vehicles with larger rear axle spacing because they are missing a second R12 relay valve, which increases brake activation timing. That delay can lengthen stopping distance and raise crash risk; Kenworth dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The R12 relay valve on a 2020 Kenworth T370 is part of the air brake system. It helps send air pressure to the rear brake chambers quickly when the driver presses the brake pedal, so the rear brakes apply at the required time. Long wheelbase trucks with larger rear axle spacing need an additional relay valve because the air has farther to travel.
On affected T370 trucks, the production plant missed the callout for that additional valve and built the truck without it. Without the second R12 relay valve, air pressure reaches the rear brake chambers later than designed. That delay increases brake activation timing and leaves the truck out of compliance with the air brake standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver is not given a light, sound, or pedal change that identifies the missing valve before the brake timing issue matters.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Kenworth T370 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Kenworth T370 truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Delayed brake activation can lengthen stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the slower brake response, so leave extra following distance and schedule the recall repair promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Kenworth T370 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the free R12 relay valve installation that corrects the delayed brake activation.
- Bring the recall notice if Kenworth mailed one. Reference recall number 20V086 and Kenworth recall 20KWA when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kenworth technician installs a second R12 relay valve to bring the air brake system into the recall repair configuration. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you've already paid out of pocket for the same brake relay valve repair before the recall notice, Kenworth has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible documented expenses. Ask Kenworth customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit the repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 14, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 6, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V086?
Recall 20V086 covers 4 2020 Kenworth T370 long wheelbase vehicles with larger rear axle spacing. The vehicles lack a second R12 relay valve, which can delay brake activation and lengthen stopping distance. Kenworth dealers will install the valve for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Kenworth T370 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V086. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer and ask for installation of the second R12 relay valve. Reference recall number 20V086 or Kenworth recall number 20KWA when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kenworth dealers will install the second R12 relay valve free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trucks included in recall 20V086.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is longer stopping distance. Without the second R12 relay valve, brake activation timing can increase on the recalled Kenworth T370 trucks, which raises crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair if your truck is included.
When did Kenworth notify owners about this recall?
Kenworth issued an interim owner notification on April 14, 2020, and the recall began on May 6, 2020. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 20V086 with a Kenworth dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V086000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-425-828-5888 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V086 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V086000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →