2024-2026 Peterbilt Trucks Recall 25V436: Lighting Software

Recall 25V436 covers 56,260 2024-2026 Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks with lighting-control software faults affecting lights and lift axles. VCU update is free at Peterbilt dealers.

What's wrong?

The vehicle electrical control unit, or VECU, is the truck computer that coordinates electrical commands between the main vehicle ECU and the chassis module. On affected 2024-2026 Peterbilt trucks, those commands control exterior lighting functions such as brake lights, headlights, reverse lights, turn signals, and signal warning lights tied to lift axle behavior.

The problem is in the VECU software. Its time counter is configured incorrectly, so some messages from the vehicle ECU to the chassis module are not sent at the intended frequency. When that timing is off, the lights listed in the recall do not always illuminate as intended. If a lift axle is lowered, the same message problem also lets the axle return to a raised position or move up and down when signal warning lights are active.

There is no warning sign before failure. The driver can notice the forward lighting change only as it happens, so the issue is not something to rely on catching early.

Who's affected?

Covers multiple truck lines from the 2024-2026 model years, all using the same Vehicle Electrical Control Unit software.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.

What's the safety risk?

Delayed or unsteady headlights reduce road illumination, which decreases driver visibility and increases the risk of a crash. An unexpected lift axle position change also increases injury risk. There is no warning sign before the issue, other than the operator seeing the lighting change as it happens. Schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.

What should I do?

1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2026 Peterbilt truck is included in this recall.
2. Contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule the free VCU software update that fixes the lighting-control problem and lift-axle behavior.
3. Bring the recall notice if Peterbilt mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V436 when you call.
4. Use extra care until the repair is complete. Confirm the tail brake lights, headlights, reverse lights, and turn signals work before each trip.
5. Call Peterbilt customer service with questions before your appointment.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Peterbilt technician updates the VCU software that controls the affected lighting and lift axle behavior. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by PACCAR. PACCAR used its general reimbursement plan for this recall. If you already paid for a related VCU software repair before the owner letter, contact Peterbilt customer service or bring documentation to the service desk and ask how to submit it under that plan.

Timeline

Frequently asked questions

More information

Source documents

• Download Quarterly Report (PDF) · RCLQRT
• Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) · RIONL
• Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) · RCSB
• Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) · RCONL
• Download Owner Notice (PDF) · RCMN
• Download Recall Report (PDF) · RCLRPT
• Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF) · RCAK

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →