Defect
REAR AXLE STABILIZER (SWAY) BAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY HEAT TREATED.
Remedy
REPLACE THE STABILIZER BAR.
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1989 Kenworth K 100E — 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
1
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
REAR AXLE STABILIZER (SWAY) BAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY HEAT TREATED.
Remedy
REPLACE THE STABILIZER BAR.
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 K 100E. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.