VehicleVerdict

2020 Kenworth T170 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2020 Kenworth T170 — 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other T170 years?

T170 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted3 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 3 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints
T170 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all T170 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Kenworth T170 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes133%
Other133%
Steering133%

Does the 2020 Kenworth T170 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V199000Electrical SystemApril 6, 2020 · 460,515 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX Software. In the event that the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the dash warning light for the ABS may not illuminate to warn the driver of the loss of ABS. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems," and 136, "Electronic Stability Control System on Heavy Vehicles."

Consequence

If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the NAMUX software within the cab control module, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on June 4, 2020. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20pbc AND 20KWB.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The vehicle drifts to the right and will not track in its lane. In addition there is a hard pull to the right upon hard braking. There is also front end vibration. It has been taken to the factory authorized facility a number of times and has been in the shop for more than 3 months in the last…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 1, 2020

“The vehicle drifts to the right and will not track in its lane. In addition there is a hard pull to the right upon hard braking. There is also front end vibration. It has been taken to the factory authorized facility a number of times and has been in the shop for more than 3 months in the last…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 1, 2020

“The vehicle drifts to the right and will not track in its lane. In addition there is a hard pull to the right upon hard braking. There is also front end vibration. It has been taken to the factory authorized facility a number of times and has been in the shop for more than 3 months in the last…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 1, 2020

2020 Kenworth T170 — common questions

Is the 2020 Kenworth T170 reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2020 Kenworth T170 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Kenworth T170. 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.