2015 Kenworth C500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2015 Kenworth C500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other C500 years?

C500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C500 years to avoid →

Does the 2015 Kenworth C500 have recalls?

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

24V145000BrakesFebruary 23, 2024 · 936 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2009-2021 Kenworth C500, 2012-2021 Kenworth T440, 2009-2015 Kenworth T660, 2015-2024 Kenworth T680, 2009-2024 Kenworth T800, 2009-2020 Kenworth T370, 2014-2023 Kenworth T880, 2011-2016 Kenworth T470, 2023 Kenworth T480, and 2009-2019 Kenworth W900 vehicles. The air tanks have an insufficient volume of air for the brake system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence

Insufficient air volume can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will install the correct volume air tanks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 12, 2024. Additional owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2025. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's number for this recall is 24KWD.

15V271000Visibility & WipersMay 8, 2015 · 104,807 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, C500, C540, C550, T660, T800, W900, and 963 trucks manufactured November 1, 2010, to April 6, 2015. In the affected trucks, water may leak into the wiper motor.

Consequence

As water leaks in, the wiper may cease to function on the 'intermittent' setting, reducing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the water may cause corrosion which, over time, may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

PACCAR is still developing and testing a remedy. The recall is expected to begin in July 2015. An interim letter was sent to owners on July 2, 2015. The recall began on September 2, 1015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 15KWF.

14V722000Electrical SystemNovember 10, 2014 · 1,380 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2015 Kenworth T660, T800, W900, T400, and C500 heavy trucks manufactured September 19, 2014, to October 30, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been produced with an undersized wire gauge for the trailer stop lamp circuit in the instrument panel harness.

Consequence

If the smaller wire gauge may overheat increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective wire with a properly sized wire, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2014. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5000 (Kenworth).

2015 Kenworth C500 — common questions

Is the 2015 Kenworth C500 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2015 Kenworth C500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 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.

How does 2015 compare to other C500 years?

Does the 2015 Kenworth C500 have recalls?

2015 Kenworth C500 — common questions

Is the 2015 Kenworth C500 reliable?

Does the 2015 Kenworth C500 have recalls?

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