RoadVitals

2005 Kenworth T600

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
4
Latest Jan 31, 2010
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Jun 30, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Kenworth T600, most frequently naming the brakes, body & structure and engine categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 10 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes360.0%
  • Body & structure120.0%
  • Engine120.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

View all 8

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09V239000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Jun 30, 2009
3,423 units potentially affected
The defect: KENWORTH IS RECALLING 3,423 MY 2004-2009 T2000, T800,T600, W900 AND T660 VEHICLES. INCREASED BRAKE EXCITATION IN A CERTAIN VEHICLE CONFIGURATION WHICH INCLUDES BENDIX DRUM BRAKES, WIDE BASE LOW PROFILE SINGLE TIRES, AND AN AG400 OR AG460 REAR SUSPENSION, DUE TO ITS UNIQUE BRAKE CLOCKING AND CAM TUBE LENGTH, CAN CAUSE FATIGUE AND CRACKING TO BRAKE ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS.
The risk: CRACKING CAN CAUSE A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE CAM TUBE, WHICH COULD INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND DECREASE PARKING BRAKE HOLD CAPABILITY.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE BRAKES ASSEMBLY, REPLACE CRACKED REAR AXLE BRAKES ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS WHERE REQUIRED, AND INSTALL CAM TUBE SUPPORT BRACKETS ON ALL REAR AXLE WHEEL ENDS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN OR BEFORE JULY 25, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.
PACCAR INCORPORATEDManufacturer number 09KW7View on NHTSA.gov
08V485000

SUSPENSION

Sep 24, 2008
130 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING 130 MY 2004-2009 T2000, T800, T600, W900 AND T660 KENWORTH TRUCKS BUILT WITH AN AG400 REAR SUSPENSION, LONG STROKE BRAKE CHAMBERS, AND WIDE BASE TIRES (SUPER SINGLES). THESE VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP AN INCREASE IN LATERAL AND VERTICAL AXLE MOVEMENT. THIS MOVEMENT MAY CAUSE PART OR PARTS OF THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY (BRAKE CAM TUBE SUPPORT, BRAKE CHAMBER BRACKET, BRAKE CHAMBER, BRAKE SPIDER) TO DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN THE FAILURE OF THE PART OR PARTS WITHIN THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY.
The risk: A FAILURE MAY REDUCE VEHICLE BRAKE PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CAM TUBE SUPPORT BRACKETS ON ALL OF THE REAR AXLE WHEEL ENDS. INSPECT THE REAR AXLE BRAKE ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE IT IF CRACKED. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.
PACCAR INCORPORATEDManufacturer number 08KWBView on NHTSA.gov
07V279000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Jun 28, 2007
28,968 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C11, C13 OR C15 ENGINES, THE OIL FILL CAP CAN BECOME DISLODGED DUE TO CAP DAMAGE OR IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND BECOME LODGED IN THE U-JOINT OF THE STEERING DRIVELINE AND STEERING GEAR.
The risk: IF THE CAP BECOMES DODGED IN THIS AREA, IT MAY RESULT IN DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE OR CAUSE COMPLETE STEERING LOCK-UP INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: PACCAR IS WORKING WITH CATERPILLAR TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES. REVISED OIL CAP RETENTION BASED ON THE ENGINE MODEL/CONFIGURATION WILL BE INCORPORATED TO PREVENT STEERING LOCK-UP. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING DECEMBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CATERPILLAR AT 1-800-447-4986 OR KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440.
PACCAR INCORPORATEDManufacturer number 07KWBView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structureBrakes
Filed Jan 31, 2010

09V239000 RECALL REPAIR WAS MADE TO MY 2005 KENWORTH T600, BUT THE WELDING THAT WAS PERFORMED TO CONNECT THE SUPPORT BRACKETS TO THE AXLE HAVE FULLY CRACKED AND SEPERATED,MECHANICS AT KENWORTH DEALERSHIPS ARE NOT CERTIFIED WELDERS,THE CHICKEN !@#$%'. WELDING DOES NOT PENETRATE THE AXLE METAL..... *TR

NHTSA ID
10303465
Incident
Oct 18, 2009
Mileage
510,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 1, 2009

2005 KENWORTH T600 LAST 8 OF VIN 099664 AIR BRAKE CHAMBER MOUNTING BRACKET FAILED/CRACKED IN HALF,BRAKE CHAMBER HANGING BY HOSES ONLY, DRIVER SIDE REAR AXLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10290530
Incident
Oct 30, 2009
Mileage
511,761 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 10, 2009

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KENWORTH T600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCES INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES AND DECREASED PARKING BRAKE HOLD CAPABILITY. HE THEN RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 09V239000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR). HOWEVER HE HAS ALREADY PAID AN EXPENSE OF $2500.00 TO REPLACE VARIOUS BRAKING COMPONENTS, AND YET THE FAILURES HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 360,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 690,000.

NHTSA ID
10283553
Incident
Nov 15, 2007
Mileage
360,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 25, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KENWORTH T600. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MINUTES LATER. THE FAILURE USUALLY OCCURS WHEN DRIVING UPHILL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE 6 OR 7 TIMES. THE RADIATOR, FAN, AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY THE LABOR FEES FOR EACH REPAIR. THE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CURRENT COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IS $20,000. THE DEALER STATED THAT BOTH THE HEAD GASKET AND ENGINE HAVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE AN INVOICE. THE # OF CYLINDERS, POWERTRAIN, AND FUEL SYSTEM WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 530,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

NHTSA ID
10194631
Incident
Jul 7, 2005
Mileage
121,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

02-160

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Information Only – Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.

DOR-W5T2V-01

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

This SKU is a Climate Control Module. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect alignment pins and knobs. The alignment pins may be weak which cause them to break and knob material may be weak which could cause them to break. Breaking of the alignment pins or knob could prevent adjustment of the climate control system.

32-015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Information Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure the appropriate tests for battery warranty are performed in order to prevent battery warranty claims filed with incorrect or incomplete information.

32-016

EQUIPMENT

Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage.

34-085

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Information Only – Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to water intrusion and corrosion in some vehicles.

01-075

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal failure of the A/C compressor.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Kenworth T600 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020000—
2019011—
2018011—
2017011—
2013210—
2011010—
2010010—
2009051—
20081113—
20071143—
2006181—
2005Viewing480—
20040100—
2003250—
2002150—
2001070—
2000070—
1999190—
1998040—
1997240—
1996050—
1995010—
1991030—
1990120—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.