2020 KENWORTH T680 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Right-hand shift stalk between the shifter and the transmission is causing the vehicle to become disabled while stopped and unable to go from forward to reverse. Also getting SPN 639 pop-up when communication has been lost between the engine control module (ECM) and SAE J1939 data link. The check engine light illuminates, and the ECM immediately logs the fault code. Have to depress brake pedal while stopped & cycle gear selector to get fault to clear to start engine . Message also displayed Transmission Fault Repair Required Find Service Center . Also had new spring clutch replaced in May of 2024. Truck has 525k miles on it .

The clutch Spring on these trucks have been failing heavily. We have a couple more of these trucks and they all have the same issue. the housing for the clutch springs are cracked or damaged at less than 500,000 miles on a heavy duty truck. These clutches are supposed to last over 1MM miles. Its not a coincidence that every truck we have is failing at the same mileage. These clutches are made defective from the manufacturer. Its also a coincidence that the replacement clutches are not the original design and are of a newer design and brand. THIS is RED FLAGS!!!!

My circumstances are EXACTLY as described in a release 12/19/2019 Tech Service Bulletin A002 I experienced the vibration in my steering wheel that caused me to be suspect that there was something wrong in the drive train. Upon further investigation. I noticed that an oil seal was leaking, and when I dug a little deeper, I noticed gears that were broken and shaved down and then stopped at a Kenworth corporate location upon which they told me that I needed to purchase the entire unit to fix it. I then decided that I was going to add some differential oil and drive at a speed of 45 miles an hour, which did not cause any vibration to Chicago, which was roughly 3 hours away from my location in Michigan upon which I would have more resources at my disposal. It is then that I learned of the technical service bulletin relating to my issue. I then took it to CIT trucks which is where I learned that you do not have to buy the complete unit that. The parts are available to be purchased to fix the issue. They did, however say that they would process the claim on behalf of this technical service bulletin. They advised me that the individual that they got a hold of seem to have an attitude about it and sometimes this happens whereas other times they will get a hold of somebody that will make an exception. Apparently they stated my situation is two months out of warranty from when my tractor was placed into service but it’s original owner. I am not in a position due to other issues that I have experience with the truck since purchasing it in June that I can afford this but more importantly, there is a known issue with the same exact identical problem that I experienced. I need help with my situation they need to be held accountable for what has gone wrong because it is not my fault.

Throw out bearing failed prematurely. Truck only has 491,000 miles and has had a catastrophic failure resulting in a $29,000 repair bill. I have 4 other trucks like this and they are all showing signs of the same thing.

The clutch has a loose spring, Fork is damaged. Throwout bearing worn.