VehicleVerdict

2001 Kenworth C500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2001 Kenworth C500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other C500 years?

C500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted1 complaint1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
C500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C500 years to avoid →

Does the 2001 Kenworth C500 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V126000BrakesMarch 31, 2003 · 45 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

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 DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.

01V305000Visibility & WipersSeptember 26, 2001 · 2,670 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS FAILURE MAY INHIBIT THE ABILITY TO DIRECT AIR BLOWING FROM THE HVAC SYSTEM TO THE WINDSHIELD, POTENTIALLY REDUCING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY.

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 UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5000.

01V051000SuspensionFebruary 20, 2001 · 209 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THE LOWER SWAY ARM ATTACHING BOLTS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

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 A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5000.

01V021000Electrical SystemFebruary 5, 2001 · 1,992 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF A WIRING SHORT OCCURRED ANYWHERE ALONG THE CAB POWER CIRCUIT, THE AVAILABLE BATTERY POWER COULD ARC AND CAUSE SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR A FIRE.

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 REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5000.

2001 Kenworth C500 — common questions

Is the 2001 Kenworth C500 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2001 Kenworth C500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Kenworth C500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.