Recall 20V593 affects 1,416 2016-2021 Kenworth T680 trucks for slow service-brake release timing. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
Kenworth is recalling 1,416 2016-2021 T680 trucks with 2.1m cabs and WABCO 6S/6M ABS drum brakes because the rear-brake valve setup can delay service-brake release. That delay can lengthen stopping distance and increase crash risk, and Kenworth dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake ABS modulator valve on the 2016-2021 Kenworth T680 controls air pressure to the rear drum brakes when the antilock brake system manages wheel lockup. A quick release version also vents brake air fast enough for the service brakes to release on the intended timing. That release timing is part of how the air brake system returns to normal after the driver lets off the pedal.
On affected T680 trucks, the WABCO 6S/6M ABS brake system was built with a standard rear-brake ABS modulator valve instead of the quick release valve used during validation. Project documents did not identify the quick release valve as required, so the standard valve was added to the build materials. With that valve in place, rear service brakes take longer to release than intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is in brake release timing, so an owner is not given a dashboard light or a clear change in pedal feel before the noncompliance shows up.
Who's affected?
Spans 6 model years of the T680, all tied to the same anti-lock brake system (ABS) component.
| 2016 Kenworth T680 | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
|---|---|
| 2017 Kenworth T680 | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2018 Kenworth T680 | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2019 Kenworth T680 | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2020 Kenworth T680 | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| 2021 Kenworth T680 | anti-lock brake system (ABS) |
| Units affected | 1,416 |
| 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?
Longer service-brake release timing can make the T680 take more distance to stop, increasing crash risk. Treat changes in brake response as a reason to slow down and arrange service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2021 Kenworth T680 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the free rear-brake ABS modulator valve replacement, which installs a quick release valve to correct delayed service-brake release timing.
- Bring the recall notice if Kenworth mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V593 when you call.
- Avoid hard braking and leave extra following distance until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kenworth technician replaces the standard rear-brake ABS modulator valve with a quick release valve so the rear service brakes release on the intended timing. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for this brake valve repair before the recall notice, PACCAR's reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the Kenworth service desk when you ask about reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 28, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 25, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 25, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 25, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 30, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V593?
Recall 20V593 covers 1,416 2016-2021 Kenworth T680 trucks with a 2.1m Cab, WABCO 6S/6M ABS brake system, and drum brakes. The rear-brake ABS modulator valve was installed where a quick release valve was needed, which can affect service-brake release timing.
What should I do if my 2016-2021 Kenworth T680 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V593. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule replacement of the rear-brake ABS modulator valve with a quick release valve. Reference recall 20V593 or Kenworth recall number 20KWD when you call.
Is the Kenworth T680 recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the covered safety defect at no cost, and PACCAR says Kenworth dealers will replace the standard rear-brake ABS modulator valve with a quick release valve free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
Longer than expected service-brake release timing can lengthen stopping distance and increase crash risk. The repair replaces the valve setup tied to that timing issue, so confirm your VIN and have a franchised Kenworth dealer complete the free repair.
What if I bought my Kenworth T680 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or where the truck was purchased. Check your VIN, then give the dealer recall 20V593 or Kenworth recall number 20KWD when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V593000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-425-828-5888 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V593 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V593000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →