RoadVitals

2005 Kenworth T800

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.
3
Latest Oct 22, 2018
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.
12
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.
1
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 3 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Kenworth T800, most frequently naming the body & structure, heating & air conditioning and electrical categories. 12 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 21 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

  • Body & structure116.7%
  • Heating & air conditioning116.7%
  • Electrical116.7%
  • Engine116.7%
  • Powertrain (other)116.7%
  • Suspension116.7%

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

12 campaigns cover this model year

View all 12

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
09V166000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC

May 19, 2009
140 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING 140 MY 2005, 2007-2009 T800, W900, AND T660 TRUCKS. THE CALIPER MOUNTING FASTENERS ATTACHING THE AIR DISC BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO THE TORQUE PLATE MAY HAVE RECEIVED INSUFFICIENT TORQUE DURING THE INSTALLATION PROCESS. THE INSUFFICIENT TORQUE MAY ALLOW THE AIR DISC BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO BECOME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPACITY AND ALSO A ROAD DEBRIS HAZARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AIR DISC BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACE THE CALIPER MOUNTING FASTENERS AND TORQUE PROPERLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.
PACCAR INCORPORATEDManufacturer number 09KW3View 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

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE09013ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

REAR BRAKE AIR CHAMBER MTG BRACKETS

Opened Feb 27, 2009
Closed Jul 6, 2009

ON JUNE 23, 2009 PACCAR NOTIFIED ODI THAT 3,423 KENWORTH T2000, T800, T600, W900, AND T660 TRUCKS, MODEL YEARS 2004 - 2009, EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX BRAKES, WIDE BASE LOW PROFILE TIRES AND AIRGLIDE (AG) 400/460 REAR SUSPENSIONS ARE BEING RECALLED.CERTAIN OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED FATIGUE CRACKS IN THE BRAKE CAM TUBE MOUNTING OR AIR CHAMBER MOUNTING FLANGES BRACKET ADJACENT TO THE ATTACHMENT WELDS. IF LEFT UNREPAIRED, THE CRACKS CAN CAUSE A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE CAM TUBE, WHICH COULD DISABLE THE AFFECTED BRAKE AND RISK INCREASING VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES UNDER HIGH PRESSURE BRAKE APPLICATIONS AND DECREASE PARKING BRAKE CAPABILITY.THIS CONFIGURATION HAS EXPERIENCED FAILURES AT A HIGHER RATE THAN SIMILAR VEHICLES WITH OTHER TYPES OF SUSPENSIONS AND BRAKE INSTALLATION CLOCKING. PACCAR WILL ALSO SEND AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SUSPENSIONS OTHER THAN THE AG 400/460, WHICH WILL PRESCRIBE A PERIODIC INSPECTION OF THE COMPONENTS AND IF A CRACK IS DISCOVERED, OFFER THE OWNERS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A FREE REPAIR.THIS POLICY WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL JULY 15, 2014. COPIES OF THE RECALL AND THE OWNER NOTIFICATION ARE ATTACHED.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Recent owner complaints

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

Suspension
Filed Oct 22, 2018

TAKARA RECALL- OPERATING DUMP TRUCK ON A LOCAL ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. DECELERATING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT. AS THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, THE LIGHT CHANGED AND AS I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE THE REAR OF THE TRUCK CAME UP OFF THE GROUND. WHEN I GOT OUT TO INSPECT WHAT HAPPENED, THE ENTIRE REAR AXEL DISCONNECTED FROM THE TRUCK AND WAS ON THE GROUND.

NHTSA ID
11141937
Incident
Oct 19, 2018
Mileage
25 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 29, 2008
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KENWORTH T800. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLAMPS THAT HOLD THE BATTERY CABLES, WHICH LEAD FROM THE BATTERY TO THE STARTER, WERE NOT ADJUSTED PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, THE CABLES WERE CHAFFING. A FIRE IGNITED AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE AND CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND VEHICLE RE-BUILDER DIAGNOSED THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 250,000.

NHTSA ID
10240190
Incident
Aug 18, 2008
Mileage
250,000 mi
Body & structureHeating & air conditioningEngine+1 more
Filed Aug 24, 2005

2004 AND 2005 T800 KENWORTH TRUCKS DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WHEN BACKING UP THERE IS A TWISTING OF THE ENGINE AND FRAME.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE TWISTING ALSO CAUSED THE COOLING FAN TO STRIKE THE FAN SHROUD CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE FAN AND LATER, FAILURE ALONG WITH THE RADIATOR. REPEATED FAILURE OF THE A/C CONDENSERS. THERE WERE SEVERAL FAILURES OF THE DRIVE-SHAFT CAUSING THE BOLTS ON THE REAR YOKE TO SHEAR OFF. THE DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY. *SC

NHTSA ID
10134551
Incident
Aug 1, 2005

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 T800 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025010—
2024040—
2023010—
2022010—
2021010—
2020090—
2019080—
20181110—
2017080—
20161120—
20150120—
20140120—
2013080—
20121100—
20111130—
20101110—
20092191—
20081252—
20071213—
20064132—
2005Viewing3121—
20043120—
2003170—
2002060—
20011100—
20001100—
19994120—
1998180—
1997190—
1996180—
1995250—
1994230—
1993010—
1992010—
1991040—
1990030—
1989030—
1988020—
1987020—
1986000—

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.