1997 Kenworth T300 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1997 Kenworth T300 — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other T300 years?

T300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all T300 years to avoid →

Does the 1997 Kenworth T300 have recalls?

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

01V268000BrakesAugust 23, 2001 · 3,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 10,000 OR 12,000 POUND DANA FRONT AXLES. A CONDITION CALLED BRAKE "SPRAG", WHICH IS CHARACTERIZED BY A NOISE AT THE END OF AN APPLIED STOP, CAN DEVELOP IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS NOISE IS THE RESULT OF A PULSATION OF THE BRAKE LINING WITH THE BRAKE DRUM DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. THESE NOISE VIBRATIONS OCCUR AT THE RESONANT FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT AXLE CROSS-TUBE ASSEMBLY AND CAUSE UNUSUALLY HIGH STRAIN FORCES IN THE THREADED PORTION OF THE TIE ROD ENDS THAT ARE CONNECTED TO THE CROSS-TUBE.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THE TIE ROD END CAN CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LINING ON THE FRONT AXLE OF EACH VEHICLE WITH A LINING MADE OF A DIFFERENT COMPOSITION. IN ADDITION, THE TIE ROD ENDS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 12, 2001. 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 1-425-828-5000.

1997 Kenworth T300 — common questions

Is the 1997 Kenworth T300 reliable?

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.

Does the 1997 Kenworth T300 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Kenworth T300. 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 1997 compare to other T300 years?

Does the 1997 Kenworth T300 have recalls?

1997 Kenworth T300 — common questions

Is the 1997 Kenworth T300 reliable?

Does the 1997 Kenworth T300 have recalls?

Related