RecallMyCar

Kenworth C500 Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 49 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints across 43 model years of the Kenworth C500 (1975–2025). The most-complained-about year is 1999.

49
safety recalls, all years
5
owner complaints, all years
2008
year with most recalls
1999
year with most complaints

Pick your Kenworth C500 model year

Model yearRecallsComplaints
2025 Kenworth C50010
2023 Kenworth C50010
2022 Kenworth C50010
2021 Kenworth C50010
2020 Kenworth C50010
2019 Kenworth C50040
2018 Kenworth C50050
2017 Kenworth C50040
2016 Kenworth C50030
2015 Kenworth C50030
2014 Kenworth C50040
2013 Kenworth C50020
2012 Kenworth C50031
2011 Kenworth C50060
2010 Kenworth C50041
2009 Kenworth C50050
2008 Kenworth C50090
2007 Kenworth C50061
2006 Kenworth C50051
2005 Kenworth C50050
2004 Kenworth C50040
2003 Kenworth C50030
2002 Kenworth C50020
2001 Kenworth C50040
2000 Kenworth C50070
1999 Kenworth C50071
1998 Kenworth C50030
1997 Kenworth C50030
1996 Kenworth C50040
1995 Kenworth C50010
1994 Kenworth C50010
1993 Kenworth C50010
1992 Kenworth C50010
1991 Kenworth C50030
1990 Kenworth C50010
1989 Kenworth C50010
1981 Kenworth C50010
1980 Kenworth C50010
1979 Kenworth C50010
1978 Kenworth C50020
1977 Kenworth C50020
1976 Kenworth C50020
1975 Kenworth C50020

What Kenworth C500 owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The 1999 model year has the most, with 1.

All Kenworth C500 recalls (49)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Kenworth C500, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

  1. Fuel pump (fuel system)

    NHTSA 24V789000 Reported 5,690 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR Incorporated

    PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2025 Kenworth C500, T680, T800, T880, W900, W990, Peterbilt 567, 579, and 589 trucks, equipped with Cummins X15 diesel engines. The fuel pump barrels may fracture and cause a fuel leak, which can result in an engine stall.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump barrels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at…

    Model years: 2025

  2. Reservoir/tank (service brakes)

    NHTSA 24V145000 Reported 936 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR Incorporated

    PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2009-2021 Kenworth C500, 2012-2021 Kenworth T440, 2009-2015 Kenworth T660, 2015-2024 Kenworth T680, 2009-2024 Kenworth T800, 2009-2020 Kenworth T370, 2014-2023 Kenworth T880, 2011-2016 Kenworth T470, 2023 Kenworth T480, and 2009-2019 Kenworth W900 vehicles. The air tanks have an…

    Remedy: Dealers will install the correct volume air tanks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 12, 2024. Additional owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2025. Owners may contact PACCAR…

    Model years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

  3. Steering

    NHTSA 22V547000 Reported 47,500 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR Incorporated

    PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Kenworth T170, T270, T280, T370, T380, T440, T470, T480, T680, T800, T880, W900, W990, C500, and 2022-2023 Peterbilt 325, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 536, 537, 548, 567, and 579 vehicles. The steering gears may have been assembled incorrectly, which can cause the gears…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering gear serial numbers, and replace the steering gears as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer…

    Model years: 2022, 2023

  4. Clutch assembly (power train)

    NHTSA 18V931000 Reported 25,556 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR Incorporated

    PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Peterbilt 337, 348, 365, 367, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks and 2018-2019 Kenworth C500, T270, T370, T440, T660, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks equipped with automated manual transmissions. An internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended…

    Remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission control module, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for…

    Model years: 2018, 2019

  5. Diesel (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 18V657000 Reported 48,896 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR Incorporated

    PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Kenworth C500, T600, T660, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks, as well as Peterbilt 367, 386, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks, equipped with Cummins ISX15 or X15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel…

    Remedy: Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect fuel pump cooling circuit screen, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220.…

    Model years: 2017, 2018, 2019

  6. Electrical system: wiring and diesel (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 18V555000 Reported 11,429 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR Incorporated

    PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Kenworth C500, T660, T800, and W900 vehicles, equipped with 1.9M ISX15 engines. The engine harnesses may have been manufactured without check engine light (CEL) and stop engine light (SEL) circuits, preventing the driver from being warned of a serious engine problem.

    Remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect or test the ISX15 engine harness, and install an overlay jumper harness to supply the missing CEL and SEL circuits, free of charge. The recall began November 30,…

    Model years: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

  7. Fuel system, diesel

    NHTSA 17V443000 Reported 1,737 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR Incorporated

    PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Peterbilt 367, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks, and 2018 Kenworth C500, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks equipped with Cummins ISX 15L engines. These engines have a fuel pump whose drive gear could possibly slip on its drive shaft, causing a fuel pump function loss, resulting in…

    Remedy: Cummins will notify the vehicle purchaser, and Cummins dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2017. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 or PACCAR…

    Model years: 2018

  8. Electrical system: module

    NHTSA 16V426000 Reported 3,227 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR Incorporated

    PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2017 Kenworth C500, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles manufactured March 9, 2016, to April 26, 2016 and 2017 Peterbilt 320, 365, 367, 389, 567, 579, and 587 vehicles manufactured March 10, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with Cummins ISX12 or…

    Remedy: Cummins will notify owners, and Cummins dealers will replace the defective engine control modules, free of charge. The began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-343-7357, Kenworth…

    Model years: 2017

  9. Motor (visibility)

    NHTSA 15V271000 Reported 104,807 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR Incorporated

    PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, C500, C540, C550, T660, T800, W900, and 963 trucks manufactured November 1, 2010, to April 6, 2015. In the affected trucks, water may leak into the wiper motor.

    Remedy: PACCAR is still developing and testing a remedy. The recall is expected to begin in July 2015. An interim letter was sent to owners on July 2, 2015. The recall began on September 2, 1015. Owners may contact Kenworth…

    Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

  10. Electrical system

    NHTSA 14V722000 Reported 1,380 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR Incorporated

    PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2015 Kenworth T660, T800, W900, T400, and C500 heavy trucks manufactured September 19, 2014, to October 30, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been produced with an undersized wire gauge for the trailer stop lamp circuit in the instrument panel harness.

    Remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective wire with a properly sized wire, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2014. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5000…

    Model years: 2015

  11. Seat belts

    NHTSA 14V013000 Reported 10,414 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR Incorporated

    PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kenworth T660, T680, T700,T800, T880, W900, T440, T470, T370, T270, T170, C500, and C550 chassis manufactured between August 7, 2013, and October 31, 2013, and Peterbilt 320, 325, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, and 587 chassis manufactured between…

    Remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Owners may contact PACCAR at 1-425-468-7400. Kenworth's number…

    Model years: 2014

  12. Tail lights (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 13V612000 Reported 5,087 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR Incorporated

    PACCAR Incorporated (Paccar) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T440, T470, T660, T680, T700, T800, T880, C500 and W900 trucks manufactured July 1, 2013 through September 17, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the plastic housing of the Stop/Tail/Turn (STT) lamp can shrink and allow the light bulb to fall out…

    Remedy: Kenworth will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective STT lamps with new lamps. The recall began on February 4, 2014. Customers may contact Paccar at 1-425-468-7400. Kenworth's number for this recall is…

    Model years: 2014

  13. Engine and engine cooling

    NHTSA 11V203000 Reported 5,831 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Paccar is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 kenworth c500, t2000, t600, and t660, as well as model year 2009-2011 peterbilt 387 and 388 trucks equipped with caterpillar c15 engine and manufactured from may 11, 2006, through september 17, 2010. Degradation of a combustion tube weld can cause radial heat impingement on the body which…

    Remedy: Caterpillar is handling the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Please see caterpillar's defect report 11e-006. Caterpillar will replace the single piece combustion tube with a thick wall combustion tube…

    Model years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

  14. Slack adjusters (service brakes)

    NHTSA 11V157000 Reported 280 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Paccar is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 kenworth t270/370, t440/t470, t800, t660, w900 and c500 vehicles manufactured between october 18, 2010, and january 28, 2011. Certain cast iron slack adjuster housings, which transmit braking force from the brake chamber push rod to the brake cam tube, may include a flow notch in the…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the slack adjuster housing as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 30, 2011. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440.

    Model years: 2011, 2012

  15. Exterior lighting

    NHTSA 10V452000 Reported 3,040 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Kenworth is recalling certain model year 2011 t660, t800, w900, c500, t440, and t470 vehicles manufactured from april 1, 2009, through august 30, 2010. One of the four harness spade terminal connections to the chassis load center may become completely unseated. A completely unseated connection may result in a power loss to a portion of…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the harness and re-seating the female connectors on the male spade terminals. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 29, 2010. Owners may contact kenworth…

    Model years: 2011

  16. Column (steering)

    NHTSA 10V308000 Reported 9,697 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Paccar is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 trucks equipped with trw steering shafts. The circumferential weld around the steering shaft tube that welds the splined tube to the non-splined tube may be mislocated. Mislocation of the circumferential weld may allow the splined tube and non-splined tube to rotate relative to one…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering shaft using a weld placement gauge provided by trw. Any steering shaft found to have been welded improperly will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall began on july 30, 2010.…

    Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010

  17. Chamber (service brakes) and hood (structure)

    NHTSA 10V212000 Reported 10 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Kenworth is recalling certain model year 2009 through 2011 c500 trucks manufactured from october 24, 2008 through january 13, 2010. During maneuvers with certain combinations of wheel turn, articulation, and bump, the brake chamber can contact the rear hood support.

    Remedy: Kenworth will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on june 8, 2010. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.

    Model years: 2009, 2010, 2011

  18. Engine and engine cooling

    NHTSA 09V165000 Reported 112,736 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Paccar is recalling 112,736 trucks equipped with caterpillar c15 engine. The variable valve actuation oil line may rub against the p-clips retaining the oil line, causing an oil leak.

    Remedy: Paccar is working with caterpillar to remedy these vehicles. Please see recall 09e-020. Caterpillar will inspect and repair the necessary components free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner…

    Model years: 2008

  19. Fifth wheel assembly (trailer hitches)

    NHTSA 08V190000 Reported 3,573 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Paccar is recalling 3,573 my 2007 kenworth c500, t800, t600, t2000, and w900 chassis built with phillips qcs ii trailer cable connection and trailer cable mounting bracket with 'u-shaped' cut out. Certain trailer cable mounting brackets have a 'u-shaped' cut out that only partially supports the trailer cable connection. Partial support…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a reinforcement bracket between the flexible back of the qcs ii molded boot and the frame bracket, and reattach the supporting bolts. The recall began on may may 30, 2008. Owners may contact…

    Model years: 2007

  20. Air (parking brake)

    NHTSA 08V128000 Reported 1,043 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Paccar is recalling 1,043 my 2008-2009 kenworth c500, t2000,t660, t800 and w900 trucks equipped with bendix mv-3 dash control valves. The molded valve body has an incorrect core pin in the injection mold causing the valve body to be oversized in the double check valve area. This condition can allow the rubber double check valve to…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the bendix mv-3 dash control valves free of charge. The recall began on april 14, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-4196.

    Model years: 2008, 2009

  21. Slack adjusters (service brakes)

    NHTSA 08V099000 Reported 130 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Paccar is recalling 130 my 2005-2007 kenworth c500, t800, w900, and peterbilt models 357 and 379 tractor trailers equipped with fabco slack adjusters on sisu axles. The slack adjusters may fail as a result of a fatigue crack rendering the slack adjuster inoperative. This could reduce braking effectiveness.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the slack adjusters free of charge. The recall began on march 21, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

    Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007

  22. Latch (latches/locks/linkages)

    NHTSA 08V065000 Reported 6,169 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Paccar is recalling 6,169 my 2008 kenworth t300, t660, t800, t2000, w900 and c500 vehicles and my 2008-2009 peterbilt models 365, 367, 384, 387, 388, 389 and 389 kits. Certain door latch assemblies on these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 206, 'door locks and door retention…

    Remedy: Paccar is working with trimark and will inspect and replace the door latch if it is found to be defective. The recall began on march 14, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

    Model years: 2008

  23. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 08V002000 Reported 2,794 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Certain trucks equipped with eaton synflex eclipse brand extruded nylon air brake hose tubing fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 106, "brake hoses." the tubing was manufactured with only four layers of nylon material, instead of the specified five layers.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the air brake hoses and, if necessary, replace the hoses. The recall began on february 22, 2008. Owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or…

    Model years: 2008

  24. Shaft sector (steering)

    NHTSA 07V591000 Reported 559 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    On certain kenworth and peterbilt heavy duty trucks equipped with tas-85 trw steering gears, the inner surface of the outer sector shaft teeth of the steering gears may have an incorrect involute profile, which may lead to chipping and damage of the gearing system.

    Remedy: Dealers will repair and replace any suspect tas-85 steering gear assembly free of charge. The recall began on january 9, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 940-591-4201.

    Model years: 2008

  25. Hood (structure)

    NHTSA 07V217000 Reported 61 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    On certain trucks, the rear hood mounting brackets can contact the front axle brake chamber during full axle articulation.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake chamber and surrounding components for any damage and modify the rear hood support bracket to eliminate the potential for interference. If any brake components is damaged, the dealer will…

    Model years: 2007, 2008

  26. Automatic transmission (power train)

    NHTSA 07V107000 Reported 4,592 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    On certain trucks, the wiring, parts, or transmission programming required for the auto neutral feature to function as designed were either not installed, connected, or programmed properly.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles to ensure the auto neutral feature functions properly and, if needed, will make the necessary repairs free of charge. The recall began on may 9, 2007. Owners may contact…

    Model years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

  27. Service brakes, air

    NHTSA 07V090000 Reported 65 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Certain trucks fail to comply with the brake timing regulatory requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air brake systems." the brake valve was moved to the opposite rail, increasing the length of the air line, which in turn increased the wheelbase requiring a dual relay valve system. The vehicles were…

    Remedy: Dealers will convert the single relay valve to a dual relay valve system free of charge. The recall began on may 21, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440.

    Model years: 2006, 2007

  28. Driveline (power train)

    NHTSA 06V391000 Reported 572 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    On certain trucks equipped with chalmers rear suspensions, the adjustable torque rod end castings may be brittle. A brittle rod end casting may fracture without warning, causing the vehicles' rear axles to become misaligned.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine if they were manufactured with a suspect torque rod end. If a suspect torque rod end is found, the entire torque rod will be replaced. The recall began on october 9, 2006.…

    Model years: 2006

  29. Engine and engine cooling

    NHTSA 05V570000 Reported 30,995 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    On certain tractors equipped with caterpillar diesel engines, the variable valve actuation oil line may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not positioned correctly.

    Remedy: Caterpillar, in conjunction with paccar, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309-675-6496, kenworth at 425-828-5440, or peterbilt at…

    Model years: 2004, 2005, 2006

  30. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 05V237000 Reported 850 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    On certain trucks and tractors equipped with airglide high-articulation rear suspensions, the c65-1006 sway bar used in this rear suspension may experience a reduction in fatigue life due to either a manufacturing process or a high induced stress during an extreme suspension articulation event.

    Remedy: The inspection and repair of these vehicles will depend on the type of vehicle (tractor or truck) and the intended service application. This inspection and repair criteria will be forthcoming. The recall began on june…

    Model years: 2005

  31. Suspension

    NHTSA 05V189000 Reported 1,026 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the suspension has transverse beam castings that may fracture under normal loads. If a casting breaks when the vehicle is traveling on a roadway there is the potential for pieces of the casting to become projectiles and the suspension's transverse beam may drop down low enough to contact the road…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the defective transverse beam assemblies free of charge. The recall began on june 10, 2005, with letters being mailed to peterbilt owners; and on june 17, 2005, for kenworth owners.…

    Model years: 2004, 2005

  32. Electrical system: wiring

    NHTSA 04V580000 Reported 4,322 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    On certain trucks, the power feed harness p92-1993 terminals were not properly crimped.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the harness. The recall began january 13, 2005. Owners should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.

    Model years: 2004

  33. Service brakes, air

    NHTSA 03V126000 Reported 45 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Certain trucks equipped with meritor p 18x7 brakes with 36" brake chambers fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) no. 121, "air brake systems." these trucks were manufactured with a combined air reservoir volume less than 12 times the combined volume of all service brake chambers.

    Remedy: Dealers will add an additional tank or change one of the existing air tanks to a larger size. Owner notification began on may 5, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service…

    Model years: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

  34. Exterior lighting

    NHTSA 03V045000 Reported 9,890 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR INCORPORATED

    Certain trucks equipped with trailer connections fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) no. 121, "air brake systems," and no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the supplier removed a rubber grommet from the trailer light line connector. The vehicles are…

    Remedy: Dealers will install the missing grommet on all affected chassis. If a connector is found defective, it will be replaced with a new connector. Owner notification is began on march 14, 2003. Owners who take their…

    Model years: 2002, 2003

  35. Tie rod assembly (steering)

    NHTSA 02V037003 Reported 4,513 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    Heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain arvinmeritor and dana axles. Peterbilt will recall 1,434 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor axles manufactured from december 11, 1999, to may 14, 2000, and from july 22 to september 30, 2000. Kenworth will recall 859 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor vehicles manufactured…

    Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends. Owner notification began july 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon…

    Model years: 1999, 2000

  36. Electrical system: wiring

    NHTSA 02V033000 Reported 44 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    On some heavy duty trucks equipped with alcoa fujikura ltd. (afl) power distribution boxes (pd box), the pd boxes were manufactured with insufficient torque applied to the nut of the main power feed-through stud.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the nut on the main power feed-through stud. Owner notification began february 25, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…

    Model years: 2000

  37. Defroster/defogger/hvac system (visibility)

    NHTSA 01V305000 Reported 2,670 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    Vehicle description: certain heavy duty trucks fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging systems." the mode door in an HVAC system can become inoperable. The mode door cam and actuator could bind, causing the cam retaining tabs to shear off.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the mode door operation and replace the HVAC cab mode housing assembly if necessary. Owner notification began november 7, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed…

    Model years: 2001

  38. Tie rod assembly (steering)

    NHTSA 01V140006 Reported 2,294 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain meritor axles. The tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness.

    Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends. Owner notification began october 24, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon…

    Model years: 1999, 2000

  39. Suspension

    NHTSA 01V167001 Reported 390 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with chalmers 1000 series and 800 series suspension kits. These suspension kits may have insufficient penetration of the weld attaching the torque rod eye to the torque rod tube.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace all chalmers fixed torque rods on these vehicles. Owner notification began july 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive…

    Model years: 2000

  40. Tie rod assembly (steering)

    NHTSA 01V044005 Reported 6,392 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with tie rod assemblies manufactured by trw. The suspect tie rods contain 24-dl model ball sockets. Certain of the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below-specification case depth and/or hardness, which can lead to premature wear of the socket.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the defective ball sockets and/or drag links. Owner notification began on april 10, 2001, to kenworth owners and on april 25, 2001, to peterbilt owners. Owners who take their vehicles to an…

    Model years: 1999

  41. Suspension: lower arm

    NHTSA 01V051000 Reported 209 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with 54" rear axle spacing configuration of the airglide 200 suspension with the service application identified as logger, dump truck, or tanker. The rear suspension is regularly subjected to extreme articulation, resulting in flexing of the joint.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the lower sway arm brackets. Owner notification began march 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within…

    Model years: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

  42. Fuses and circuit breakers (electrical system)

    NHTSA 01V021000 Reported 1,992 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with an optional firewall-mounted circuit breaker. The main cab power and battery power leads were attached incorrectly. This condition can result in the main cab power being unprotected.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and correct the problem, as needed. Owner notification began february 26, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…

    Model years: 1999, 2000, 2001

  43. Tie rod assembly (steering)

    NHTSA 00V246102 Reported 3,260 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain meritor axles. The tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness.

    Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends.

    Model years: 1999

  44. Electrical system: front underhood

    NHTSA 98V129000 Reported 9,500 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar 3406e engines. The routing of the electrical and fuel lines can cause chaffing of the wiring harness on the fuel line.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect, adjust, and repair, if necessary, the fuel line and electrical harness.

    Model years: 1996, 1997, 1998

  45. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 96V056000 Reported 617 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    The wires that correspond to the vehicle's rear turn signals were reversed when installed in the electrical connector.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the turn signal switch and, if necessary, replace the turn signal switch.

    Model years: 1996

  46. Linkages (visibility)

    NHTSA 91V090000 Reported 15,000 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    Sprague wiper assembly pivot can seize due to galvanic corrosion between the zinc-plated steel shaft and the bronze bushings.

    Remedy: Replace sprague wiper assembly pivot with an assembly not susceptible to galvanic corrosion.

    Model years: 1989, 1990, 1991

  47. Linkages (steering)

    NHTSA 91V021000 Reported 412 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    Pitman arm pinch bolts may have been inadequately torqued.

    Remedy: Retorque pinch bolts and reset as necessary.

    Model years: 1991

  48. Foot control/valve (service brakes)

    NHTSA 82V075000 Reported 900 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    The hand valve installed in the vehicle may have been incorrectly positioned. This would allow air to escape from both the front and rear service systems simultaneously if the control line to the rear axle relay valves should fail. Performance of front and rear service brakes during failure could be degraded.

    Remedy: The hand valve will be repositioned by the dealer, if necessary, at no charge owner.

    Model years: 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981

  49. Reservoir/tank (service brakes)

    NHTSA 79V179000 Reported 2,000 vehicles potentially affected PACCAR, INCORPORATED

    Some of the involved vehicles do not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air brake systems". The air reservoir capacity is below that allowed by the standard.

    Remedy: Dealer will either replace the existing tank with a larger tank or add a second tank, without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978

Other Kenworth models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.