Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1982 Kenworth L700 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
6
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
LINE PRESSURE SURGES OCCUR WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS IN HIGH GEAR LOCKUP DUE TO A PLUMBING ERROR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: LINE PRESSURE SURGES COULD CAUSE BODILY HARM THROUGH ERRATIC FIRE HOSE DELIVERY ACTION.
Remedy
REWORK PLUMBING TO PREVENT LINE PRESSURE SURGES.
Defect
THE REAR BRAKES MAY NOT RELEASE AS QUICKLY AS SPECIFICATIONS REQUIRE. CERTAIN TRUCKS WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN INCORRECT SIZE AIR BRAKE LINE INSTALLED BETWEEN THE REAR BRAKE RELAY VALVE AND THE AXLE TEE FITTING. THE CONDITION IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS".
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE ANY INCORRECTLY SIZED HOSES WITH THE CORRECT PART AT NO CHARGE.
Defect
STEERING COMPONENTS MAY INTERFERE WITH EACH OTHER AND COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF STEERING LINKAGE. THE DRAGLINK, A COMPONENT IN THE STEERING LINKAGE THAT TRANSMITS TURNING MOVEMENTS TO THE WHEELS, MAY HAVE A CLAMP ON THE AXLE END WHICH HAS BEEN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED ON THE INBOARD SIDE OF THE DRAGLINK.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FRONT STEERING FOR THE MISPLACED CLAMP AND RELOCATE IT CORRECTY. IF DAMAGED, THE DRAGLINK WILL BE REPLACED. DEALER WILL COR RECT THE CLEARANCE OF THE SUSPENSION RADIUS RODS TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE, IF NECESSARY.
Defect
THE U SHAPED BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE SPRINGS AND SPRING SPACERS TO THE FRONT AXLE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED PROPERLY. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE AXLE TO SHIFT AND COULD DEGRADE THE STEERING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE DAMAGED NUTS OR U BOLTS, OR TIGHTEN THE BOLTS AND NUTS TO SPECIFICATIONS. IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO INSERT ADDITIONAL SPACERS IN THE SPRINGS.
Defect
FRONT AXLE AIR BRAKE CHAMBER IS ATTACHED WITH A CLAMP AND BOLT ASSEMBLY THAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN POSITIONED CORRECTLY, AND MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE. CHAFING COULD RESULT IN AN AIR LEAK AND LOSS OF AIR TO THE FRONT BRAKES.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSTALL NEW FITTINGS ON THE FRAME END OF FRONT BRAKE HOSE AND REPLACE HOSES WITH A LONGER PART. THE FITTINGS WILL BE CORRECTLY LOCATED AND THE BRAKE CHAMBER CLAMP WILL BE POSITIONED CORRECTLY.
Defect
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES IMPROPER AIR HOSE ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES MAY HAVE RESULTED IN PIECES BEING LEFT IN THE HOSE. THESE PIECES COULD BLOCK THE HOSE AND CAUSE A MALFUNCTION.
Remedy
AIR BRAKE HOSES WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF DEFECTIVE, WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1982 Kenworth L700. 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.