Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2003 Kenworth T2000 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
2
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 50% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 50% | — flat |
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE BRACKET, USED TO SUPPORT THE BATTERY BOX AND STEP, CAN CRACK.
Consequence
A CRACK IN THE BRACKET MAY LEAD TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE BRACKET CAUSING THE STEP TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING, WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL STEPS ON IT, CAUSING A FALL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL CHANGE THE BATTERY BOX SUPPORT BRACKET AND STEP SUPPORT BRACKET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DANA SPICER INTEGRAL KNUCKLE AND STEER ARM ASSEMBLIES, THE STEER AXLE ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE A LONGITUDINAL CRACK IN THE STEER ARM.
Consequence
IF THE CRACK SHOULD PROPAGATE OVER TIME, THE BALL COULD BECOME LOOSE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE KNUCKLE AND STEER ARM ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4201.
Defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH VERTICAL TAIL PIPES, THE FRAME ACCESS GRABHANDLE IS MOUNTED TOO HIGH.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A PERSON TO SLIP AND/OR FALL AND COULD LEAD TO PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GRABHANDLE LOCATION AND IF DETERMINED TO BE MOUNTED TOO HIGH, THE HANDLE WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE PROPER HEIGHT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH JOST INTERNATIONAL JSK 37U SERIES FIFTH WHEELS, A FATIGUE CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE BRACKET PIN WELD UNDER CERTAIN LOADING CONDITIONS.
Consequence
IF LEFT UNDETECTED OR CORRECTED IT COULD LEAD TO THE SEPARATION OF THE FIFTH WHEEL TOP PLATE FROM ITS MOUNTING STRUCTURE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRACKET PINS AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. PETERBILT'S OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 20, 2003. KENWORTH'S OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 12, 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 PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201 OR KENWORTH 425-828-5440.
Defect
CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRAILER CONNECTIONS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS (FMVSS) NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS," AND NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE SUPPLIER REMOVED A RUBBER GROMMET FROM THE TRAILER LIGHT LINE CONNECTOR. THE VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING CORROSION AT THE 7-WAY TRAILER CONNECTION. THIS CAUSES INTERMITTENT FLASHING/FLICKERING OF THE TRAILER LIGHTS.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND/OR POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE MISSING GROMMET ON ALL AFFECTED CHASSIS. IF A CONNECTOR IS FOUND DEFECTIVE, IT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEGAN ON MARCH 14, 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“PROBLEMS WITH WITH KENWORTH T2000.*MR THIS TRAILER IS EQUIPPED WITH TURN SIGNAL INDICATIOR THAT SOUND LIKE ALARM CLOCKS WHEN ACTIVATED. WHEN THE DRIVERS ARE DRIVING AS A TEAM (2 DRIVER'S) ONE DRIVER HAS TO SLEEP WHILE ONE DRIVER OPERATES THE TRAILER. THE SLEEPING DRIVER IS CONSTANTLY AROUSED FROM…”
“WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED VEHICLE STALLED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC. *AK ”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Kenworth T2000. 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.