2013 Kenworth T680 problems, complaints & recalls
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Kenworth T680 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (13)
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2020-04-06 · campaign 20V199000 · 460,515 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX Software. In the event that the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the dash warning light for the ABS may not illuminate to warn the driver of the loss of ABS. As such, these vehicles fail
Risk: If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the NAMUX software within the cab control module, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on June 4, 2020. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20pbc AND 20KWB.
Exterior Lighting 2018-11-16 · campaign 18V816000 · 1,619 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Kenworth T680 and T880 and Peterbilt 579 trucks, greater than 30 feet long and equipped with side extender mounted intermediate marker lamp/turn signals that do not include a reflex reflector. Since both intermediate side marker lamps and reflex reflectors are required, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Missing reflex reflectors can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners and dealers will install reflex reflective tape, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-918-259-3258. PACCAR's number for this recall is 18KWF, and 18PBC.
Exterior Lighting 2017-07-25 · campaign 17V471000 · 5,731 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Peterbilt 567 and 579 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks equipped with optional spotlights. The spotlight circuit may not be adequately protected in the event of a short.
Risk: A short in the spotlight circuitry may increase the risk of a fire at the cab fuse block.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will change the polyfuse switch in the spotlight circuit to a standard fuse, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2017. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 17KWC and 717-B.
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights 2015-07-22 · campaign 15V458000 · 12,551 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Kenworth T440, T470, T660, T680, and T880 trucks manufactured January 14, 2010, to May 22, 2015, and equipped with HID Headlamps and the option for Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). The DRLs are required to deactivate when the hazard warning lights are activated, however, the DRLs on these vehicles override the hazard flashing functionality after the brake pedal is pushed for more than two seconds. Normal hazard flashing functio
Risk: If the hazard warning lamps are overridden by the DRL, oncoming vehicles may fail to be warned, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kenworth will notify owners, and dealers will update the cab controller software, free of charge. The recall began on September 167, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. Kenworth's number for this recall is 15KWL.
Parking Brake 2014-01-29 · campaign 14V027000 · 86 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR)is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 T660, and T680 vehicles manufactured from December 4, 2012, through September 17, 2013 and configured as a dead axle tandem with air disc brakes and spring brake delete options. The affected vehicles have the parking brake incorrectly placed on the non-driven rear axle.
Risk: If the parking brake is on the non-driven axle the vehicle could roll away when the parking brakes are set, resulting in an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will move the parking brake components to the forward wheel axle, free of charge. The recall began on April 9, 2014. Owners may contact PACCAR at 1-425-468-7400. Paccar's number for this recall is 14KWE.
Latches/Locks/Linkages 2014-01-24 · campaign 14V012000 · 11,056 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Kenworth T680 chassis manufactured January 1, 2012, through October 14, 2013, and Peterbilt 567 and 579 chassis manufactured January 20, 2012, through October 11, 2013, and equipped with Inteva-brand door latch assemblies. In the affected vehicles, the doors may lock permanently while closed or may be opened from the outside even after they have been locked.
Risk: If the door latch assembly becomes permanently locked while closed occupants could be prevented from exiting the vehicle in the event of a crash or fire, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right door latch assemblies with new assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2014. Customers may contact Paccar at 1-425-468-8228. Kenworth's number for this recall is 14KWB. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 114-A.
Seat Belts 2013-03-13 · campaign 13V091000 · 2,509 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks and model year 2013-2014 Peterbilt 567, 579 and 587 trucks equipped with air ride seats. The cables for anchoring the seat belt buckles of both the driver and passenger seat may fray.
Risk: In the event of a crash, a frayed seat belt could cause the belt to separate from the seat, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace both seat belt buckle assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000.
Exterior Lighting 2013-02-13 · campaign 13V048000 · 2,019 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks, manufactured from January 18, 2012, through February 1, 2013; and model year 2013-2014 Peterbilt 579 and 567 vehicles, manufactured from January 20, 2012, through January 31, 2013. The Exterior Lights Self-Test switch is intended to be used when the vehicle is parked. If the switch is pressed while the vehicle is in motion, the Exterior Lights Self-Test switch will cause all exterior lighting to be extinguished.
Risk: An unexpected loss of lighting during vehicle operation may reduce the driver's ability to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects, as well as reduce the truck's visibility to other drivers or pedestrians, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will disable the Exterior Lights Self-Test software parameter and remove the Exterior Lights Self-Test switch and install a switch plug in its place. The services will be offered free of charge. The recall began on February 28, 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000.
Electrical System:software 2013-01-25 · campaign 13V027000 · 330 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2013 Kenworth T680 vehicles, manufactured from November 29, 2012, through December 6, 2012; and model year 2013 Peterbilt 579 and 567 vehicles, manufactured from August 28, 2012, through December 31, 2012. These vehicles were equipped with the air suspension dump valve option. New software may cause the rear air suspension to re-inflate without warning when the operator turns the ignition key to the "off" position.
Risk: An unexpected re-inflation of the suspension could result in personal injury to a person near the rear suspension.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software. The recall will begin during February 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000.
Equipment 2012-07-16 · campaign 12V332000 · 21 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 KENWORTH T680 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 19, 2012, THROUGH MAY 15, 2012. THE UPPER BUNK RESTRAINT BELT AND BUCKLE ASSEMBLY MAY BE LESS THAN THE SPECIFIED STRENGTH.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH OR SUDDEN VEHICLE DECELERATION, AN UNEXPECTED UNLATCHING OF THE UPPER BUNK RESTRAINT HARNESS BUCKLE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT.
Fix: PACCAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER BUNK RESTRAINTS IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 20, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.
Equipment:other:labels 2012-07-16 · campaign 12V333000 · 21 vehicles
Defect: Paccar is recalling certain model year 2013 Kenworth T680 vehicles, manufactured from January 19, 2012, through May 15, 2012. The warning label located on the front of the upper bunk may deform after installation, making the text unreadable.
Risk: If the warning label is not readable, the occupant may be unaware of the safety recommendations and be at an increased risk of personal injury in a crash or sudden vehicle deceleration.
Fix: Paccar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the warning label in the affected vehicles. The safety recall began on August 20, 2012. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
Equipment 2012-06-01 · campaign 12V249000 · 13 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 KENWORTH T680 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 76 SLEEPER AND GREY OR TAN COLOR-MATCHED BUNK RESTRAINTS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 302, "FLAMMABILITY OF INTERIOR MATERIALS."
Risk: FLAMMABLE MATERIAL, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: PACCAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTALL NEW BUNK RESTRAINTS IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.
Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings 2012-05-16 · campaign 12V214000 · 7 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 KENWORTH T680, AND PETERBILT 579 VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES EXCEED THE BRAKE TIMING TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 121 FOR TRAILER CIRCUITS WHEN 15 FOOT COILED TRAILER LINES ARE USED.
Risk: THE LONGER BRAKE APPLY TIME MAY RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: PACCAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTALL A RELAY VALVE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. ALL THE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. OWNER MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
Service bulletins (47)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-09-11 · P001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"kenworth: dealers should check the chassis list and sir weekly for vin changes. 2 chassis added to the chassis list. peterbilt: dealers should check the chassis list and sir weekly for vin changes. 10 chassis added to the chassis list."
Electrical System 2026-05-06 · 02-177 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
troubleshooting procedures for 2.1m cab power windows are now available.
Service Brakes, Air 2024-04-09 · 24KWD · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
certain c500/t440/t470/t660/t680/t800/t880/w900 chassis may have air tank reservoirs that do not meet air volume requirements per fmvss/cmvss 121 ã¢ââair brake systemsã¢ââ. this bulletin will be updated when repair parts and procedures are available.
Fuel System, Other:fuel Filter 2023-02-24 · 03-087 (E295) · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
certain model year 2021-2024 chassis with paccar mx engines and optional fuel filter restriction virtual gauge may display incorrect restriction levels. the virtual gauge will be temporarily disabled until a revised sensor strategy is developed.
Engine And Engine Cooling 2022-08-03 · E296 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
kenworth is providing guidance for paccar mx engine composite oil pan leak troubleshooting to avoid over-repairs and to provide warrantable repair guidance. oil leaks, if not repaired, can lead to severe engine damage.
Engine And Engine Cooling 2021-06-14 · 21KWD · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only â c hassis equipped with my2021 b epa emission s standards will be shipped through atleast the end of the 2021 calendar year without particulate matter (pm) sensors installed .
Showing the 6 most recent of 47 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.