Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1989 Kenworth C500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
SPRAGUE WIPER ASSEMBLY PIVOT CAN SEIZE DUE TO GALVANIC CORROSION BETWEEN THE ZINC-PLATED STEEL SHAFT AND THE BRONZE BUSHINGS.
Consequence
THIS CORROSION CAN CAUSE WIPER ARM/BLADE ASSEMBLY TO STOPWIPING WINDSHIELD, THIS COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY AND RESULT IN ANACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE SPRAGUE WIPER ASSEMBLY PIVOT WITH AN ASSEMBLY NOT SUSCEPTIBLE TO GALVANIC CORROSION.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 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.