Recall 21V546 affects 6,916 2022 Kenworth T880, W900, and T680 trucks for windshield defrost failure. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
Kenworth is recalling 6,916 2022 T680, T880, and W900 trucks because insufficient soldering in the HVAC controls can cause the windshield defrost to fail. A failed defroster can reduce driver visibility and increase crash risk, and Kenworth dealers will repair the HVAC control issue free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The HVAC control head in the 2022 Kenworth T880, W900, and T680 is the dash control unit for heat, air conditioning, defrost, and defogging. Inside that control head, potentiometers read knob or switch position and send the driver's setting to the circuit board, called the PCBA board. That board then tells the HVAC system how to direct air across the windshield and into the cab.
On affected trucks, the solder between certain potentiometers and the PCBA board is incomplete. The supplier traced the problem to incorrect selective soldering equipment settings after maintenance. Because the electrical connection is weak and inconsistent, the control head can fail to command windshield defrost when the driver needs it.
There is no warning sign before failure. The defrost control can appear to work until the connection opens and the windshield does not clear as commanded.
Who's affected?
Covers three Kenworth truck models from the 2022 model year, all using the same cab HVAC control head.
| 2022 Kenworth T880 | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2022 Kenworth W900 | visibility component |
| 2022 Kenworth T680 | visibility component |
| Units affected | 6,916 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 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?
An inoperative windshield defrost leaves the windshield harder to clear, which reduces driver visibility and increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the defrost problem. If the windshield will not clear, avoid the trip and call a Kenworth dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022 Kenworth T880, W900, or T680 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the free HVAC control head replacement that fixes the windshield defrost failure.
- Bring the recall notice if Kenworth mailed one, or reference recall number 21V546 when you call.
- Avoid driving in weather that requires windshield defrost until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kenworth technician replaces the HVAC control head that manages the windshield defrost controls. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Because the remedy parts are available, the dealer can complete the recall repair through normal service scheduling. If you already paid out of pocket for an HVAC control head or defrost repair tied to this issue, PACCAR's general reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair orders, receipts, and proof of payment to the Kenworth service desk so the claim can be reviewed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 20, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 18, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| September 18, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 18, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 14, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V546?
Recall 21V546 covers 6,916 2022 Kenworth T880, W900, and T680 vehicles with HVAC controls that have insufficient soldering between the potentiometers and the PCBA board. The defect can stop the windshield defrost from working. Kenworth dealers will replace the HVAC control head for free.
What should I do if my 2022 Kenworth T880, W900, or T680 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V546. If it is, contact a franchised Kenworth dealer to schedule the HVAC control head replacement. Reference recall number 21V546 or Kenworth recall number 21KWE 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 replace the affected HVAC control head free of charge, including parts and labor, for vehicles included in recall 21V546.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility from an inoperative windshield defrost system. If the defrost stops clearing the windshield, the driver has less visibility, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free HVAC control head replacement with a Kenworth dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V546000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-425-828-5888 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V546 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V546000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →