Recall 26V022 covers 219 2024-2026 Kenworth L770 and Peterbilt 520 vehicles for steering cross-shaft failure. Repair is free at franchised Kenworth dealers.
Kenworth is recalling 219 vehicles, including 2026 L770 and 2024-2026 520 models, because the right-hand stand-up steering cross-shaft configuration can become stressed and fail. A failed cross-shaft can cause loss of steering control and raise crash risk, and Kenworth dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2024-2026 L770 and 520 trucks use a steering cross-shaft in the right-hand stand-up cab layout. That shaft connects part of the steering linkage through the doghouse area, the raised cab structure around the steering pass-through. Its job is to keep the driver's steering input aligned as it moves through the cab structure to the rest of the steering system.
On these trucks, the pass-through holes for the steering cross-shaft were not located consistently during production. That misalignment puts stress into the right-hand stand-up steering cross-shaft instead of letting it sit straight through the doghouse. Over normal use, that stress can build until the shaft fails. Remedied trucks have the cross-shaft aligned correctly.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the issue is hidden in the steering cross-shaft alignment, an owner or driver should not rely on a noise, warning light, or change in steering feel before getting the truck checked.
Who's affected?
Spans the Kenworth L770 and Peterbilt 520 across 2024-2026, with each listed under the steering system.
| 2026 Kenworth L770 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2026 Peterbilt 520 | steering system |
| 2025 Peterbilt 520 | steering system |
| 2024 Peterbilt 520 | steering system |
| Units affected | 219 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed steering cross-shaft can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kenworth dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2026 Kenworth L770 or Peterbilt 520 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kenworth or Peterbilt dealer to schedule the free steering cross-shaft inspection and repair that addresses the right-hand stand-up cross-shaft stress and failure.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 26V022 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop driving and contact the dealer if steering feels loose, binds, or changes suddenly.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kenworth technician inspects the steering cross-shafts in the right-hand stand-up steering configuration. If a cross-shaft is damaged, broken, or stressed from the recall condition, the technician repairs the steering cross-shaft assembly or replaces the affected cross-shaft. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. PACCAR uses its standard reimbursement plan for this campaign, so owners who already paid for a related steering cross-shaft repair should contact Kenworth customer service or bring documentation to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 19, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 10, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 20, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| March 20, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 20, 2026 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V022?
Recall 26V022 covers 219 2026 Kenworth L770 and 2024-2026 Peterbilt 520 vehicles with a right-hand stand-up steering cross-shaft configuration that can become stressed and fail. A failed cross-shaft can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2026 Kenworth L770 or 2024-2026 Peterbilt 520 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V022. If it is, contact the franchised dealer for your truck's brand and schedule the steering cross-shaft inspection and repair. Reference recall number 26V022 and PACCAR recall number 26PACA when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Dealers will inspect and repair the steering cross-shafts and replace any damaged or broken cross-shafts free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. The recalled right-hand stand-up steering cross-shaft configuration can become stressed and fail, which can make the vehicle harder to control and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
When were owner letters mailed for recall 26V022?
Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call the franchised dealer for your truck's brand if it is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V022000 |
|---|---|
| Kenworth customer service | 1-940-591-4220 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V022 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V022000 |
Source documents
-
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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →