Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1976 Kenworth C500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1976 Kenworth C500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.