Paccar Recalls Peterbilt Trucks Following Under Hood Fires
Paccar Inc. has issued a recall for 4,914 Peterbilt Model 579 Class 8 tractors due to the occurrence of six under-hood fires. The fires are caused by a misplaced fastener that can chafe the insulation of the alternator cable. The issue specifically affects certain Model 579 trucks where the alternator positive cable can come into contact with the left-hand side front spring bracket top rearward fastener. This contact can lead to a fire if the cable is routed too closely.
Peterbilt initiated an investigation after a customer reported an underhood fire on May 11, which was followed by the discovery of other related incidents through warranty claims. As a result, the Peterbilt Safety Committee decided to conduct a recall on June 6. Paccar dealers will address the issue by replacing the frame fastener-free of charge and installing it in the opposite direction inside the frame rail, ensuring a greater routing clearance for the alternator cable. Peterbilt's Denton plant made a running change on July 29, 2022, to modify the orientation of the front frame bracket fasteners. Dealers and owners will be notified of the recall on August 11, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall number being 23V-423.
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