Recall 21V262 affects 53 2022 Kenworth T800B, W990, T440, and T470 trucks for a starter-interlock defect. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
Kenworth is recalling 53 2022 T800B, W990, T440, and T470 trucks because the starter interrupt can let the engine start when the transmission is not in PARK. That defect can cause unintended vehicle movement and raise crash risk; Kenworth dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The chassis harness is the truck's wire bundle for sending power and signals between major systems. On 2022 Kenworth T800B, W990, T440, and T470 trucks, part of that harness feeds the starter interrupt. The starter interrupt is the electrical lockout that keeps the engine from cranking unless the transmission is in PARK.
On affected trucks, the starter interrupt breakout was routed forward to the top front of the transmission instead of to the rear. Because it was in the wrong place, later assembly workers did not see the harness and left the connection incomplete. With that connection missed, the truck can start even when the transmission is not in PARK, which is the compliance problem in recall 21V262.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is in how the harness was routed and connected, so the driver is not expected to hear, smell, or feel a change before the starter interrupt fails to block a start.
Who's affected?
All 4 listed models are tied to the same chassis harness in the powertrain system.
| 2022 Kenworth T800B | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2022 Kenworth W990 | powertrain |
| 2022 Kenworth T440 | powertrain |
| 2022 Kenworth T470 | powertrain |
| Units affected | 53 |
A matching 2022 Kenworth model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Starting a 2022 Kenworth T800B, W990, T440, or T470 when the transmission is not in PARK can cause unintended vehicle movement and increase crash risk. There is no warning sign before movement. Confirm PARK before starting and keep the brake applied. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022 Kenworth T800B, W990, T440, or T470 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the free inspection and transmission-to-chassis harness reconnection that corrects the starter-interlock fault.
- Bring the recall notice if Kenworth mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V262 when you call.
- Confirm the transmission is in PARK before starting the truck, and keep your foot on the brake.
- Call Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with questions about scheduling or repair status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kenworth technician inspects the transmission and chassis harness, then reconnects the harness so the starter interlock works as intended. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, and the repair is available through a Kenworth dealer. If you already paid for a related harness or starter interlock repair before the recall notice, Kenworth's general reimbursement plan is the path to request repayment. Bring the repair invoice, proof of payment, and related paperwork to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 13, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 26, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 11, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 11, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 11, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V262?
Recall 21V262 covers 53 2022 Kenworth T800B, W990, T440, and T470 vehicles with a starter-interlock issue. The vehicle can start when the transmission is not in PARK, which can allow unintended movement and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2022 Kenworth T800B, W990, T440, or T470 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V262. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the transmission and chassis harness inspection and reconnection. Reference recall 21V262 or Kenworth recall number 21KWB when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this defect at no cost, and Kenworth dealers will inspect and reconnect the transmission and chassis harness free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is unintended vehicle movement at startup. If the starter interrupt allows the engine to start while the transmission is not in PARK, the vehicle can move before the driver expects it, increasing crash risk.
When were owners notified?
Owner notification letters were mailed on May 26, 2021. If you own one of these 2022 Kenworth models and never received a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Kenworth dealer with recall number 21V262 or 21KWB.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V262000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-425-828-5888 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V262 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V262000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →