Recall 21V601 covers 688 2021-2022 Kenworth and Peterbilt vehicles with Cummins L9 engines for a fuel hose leak. Repair will be free once available.
Kenworth is recalling 688 2021-2022 T380, T480, T280, and T370 trucks equipped with Cummins L9 diesel engines because the fuel hose between the fuel pump and remote fuel filter head can leak. A fuel leak near an ignition source raises fire risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Kenworth opens it.
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What's wrong?
The Cummins L9 engine in the 2021-2022 Kenworth T380, T480, T280, T370, T270, T440, and T470 uses a fuel hose between the fuel pump and the remote fuel filter head. That hose carries diesel fuel under operating pressure before the fuel reaches the engine. It needs to stay sealed while the truck vibrates, heats up, and cools down in normal service.
On affected trucks, fuel can leak from that hose. The recall does not name a specific root cause, but it identifies the hose location and states that replacement hoses have a unique part number and look different from the recalled hoses. A leak at this point lets diesel fuel escape before it reaches the rest of the fuel system.
There is no warning sign before failure. If fuel is already leaking, an owner or technician can notice diesel fuel around the hose, but the recall does not list an early dashboard warning or drivability symptom.
Who's affected?
Covers 10 truck models from the 2021 and 2022 model years, all using the Cummins L9 Engine fuel system.
| 2022 Kenworth T380 | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Kenworth T480 | fuel system |
| 2021 Kenworth T280 | fuel system |
| 2022 Kenworth T480 | fuel system |
| 2022 Kenworth T370 | fuel system |
| 2022 Kenworth T280 | fuel system |
| 2022 Peterbilt 548 | fuel system |
| 2022 Peterbilt 536 | fuel system |
| 2021 Peterbilt 548 | fuel system |
| 2021 Kenworth T380 | fuel system |
| 2021 Peterbilt 536 | fuel system |
| 2022 Kenworth T270 | fuel system |
| 2022 Peterbilt 537 | fuel system |
| 2022 Kenworth T440 | fuel system |
| 2021 Kenworth T370 | fuel system |
| 2021 Kenworth T270 | fuel system |
| 2021 Peterbilt 537 | fuel system |
| 2021 Kenworth T470 | fuel system |
| 2021 Kenworth T440 | fuel system |
| 2022 Kenworth T470 | fuel system |
| Units affected | 688 |
| 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?
A fuel leak near an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Until the fuel hoses are replaced, keep the truck away from open flame, sparks, and other ignition sources, and ask the dealer for current repair timing. Repair will be free at any franchised Kenworth dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Kenworth T380, T480, T280, T370, 548, 536, T270, 537, T440, or T470 is included in this recall.
- Wait for Kenworth's owner letter or dealer confirmation before scheduling the free Cummins fuel-hose replacement.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth dealer and ask whether the fuel-hose replacement that stops the diesel fuel leak is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 21V601 when you call the dealer.
- Avoid parking or operating the truck near ignition sources if you smell fuel or see a leak; contact the dealer for repair guidance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kenworth technician will replace the fuel hoses between the fuel pump and the remote fuel filter head once the final repair is available. The dealer repair will be free once it opens, with parts and labor covered. PACCAR lists a general reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for a related fuel-hose repair. Keep repair invoices and payment records, then contact PACCAR customer service for Kenworth to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 30, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| August 3, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
| October 1, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| October 1, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 1, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 1, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V601?
Recall 21V601 covers 688 2021-2022 Kenworth trucks equipped with Cummins L9 diesel engines. The fuel hose between the fuel pump and remote fuel filter head can leak fuel, increasing fire risk if fuel reaches an ignition source. Cummins will replace the fuel hoses for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Kenworth T380, T480, T280, T370, T270, T440, or T470 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V601. If it is, call a franchised Kenworth dealer and ask about the Cummins fuel-hose replacement. Reference recall number 21V601 and PACCAR recall number 21KWF when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V601, Cummins will replace the affected fuel hoses free of charge through the dealer repair process.
What is the safety risk from this fuel hose recall?
The safety risk is fire. A fuel leak near an ignition source increases the risk of a fire, according to NHTSA campaign 21V601. Until your VIN is checked and the repair path is confirmed, watch for fuel odor, visible leaking, or service warnings and contact the dealer.
What if I bought this Kenworth truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included, then call a franchised Kenworth dealer with recall number 21V601 and PACCAR recall number 21KWF.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V601000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-425-828-5888 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V601 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V601000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →