2014–2015 Peterbilt 587 Recall: If the driver turns on the high beams, the fog lights will automatically…

The defect

Paccar Inc., is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Peterbilt 587 vehicles manufactured November 11, 2013, through March 7, 2014. If the driver turns on the high beams, the fog lights will automatically turn off, but after 10 seconds they may turn back on due to a software malfunction. The combination of the high beams and fog lights may exceed the permissable limits of light output. Therefore, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

The risk

If both the fog lamps and high beams are illuminated at the same time, oncoming traffic may be blinded by the excessive light, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix — what to do

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the Cab Electronic Control Unit (CECU) to correct the programming so the fog lights do not come on when the high beams are on, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Peterbilt at 1-800-473-8372. Paccar's number for this recall is 414-E.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.