2002 Kenworth T300 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2002 Kenworth T300 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply 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 2002 compare to other T300 years?

T300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all T300 years to avoid →

Does the 2002 Kenworth T300 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V168000Trailer HitchMay 5, 2003 · 483 units

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.

03V045000LightingFebruary 13, 2003 · 9,890 units

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.

02V318001Fuel SystemNovember 27, 2002 · 16 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR 3126E HYDRAULICALLY CONTROLLED ELECTRONICALLY ACTUATED UNIT INJECTED DIESEL ENGINES WITH HIGH EFFICIENCY PUMPS (HEP8). THE PUMP COMPONENTS MAY EXPERIENCE A HIGH PRESSURE SEAL FAILURE WHICH CAN RESULT IN A SHORT PERIOD OF ROUGH RUNNING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE STALL DUE TO A LOSS OF INJECTION ACTUATION PRESSURE.

Consequence

ONCE ENGINE STALL OCCURS, THE ENGINE CANNOT BE RESTARTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

CATERPILLAR IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PUMP SERIAL NUMBERS AND REPLACE THE PUMP IF NECESSARY. 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 CATERPILLAR AT 1-800-447-4986, OR KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440, OR PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.

02V241001BrakesSeptember 10, 2002 · 3,158 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX TC-7 TRAILER CONTROL HAND-OPERATED VALVE WITH PUSH-TO-CONNECT FITTINGS. THE DELIVERY PORT IN THE VALVE BODY MAY BE PARTIALLY BLOCKED DUE TO A PROBLEM DURING THE MOLDING PROCESS.

Consequence

SUCH BLOCKAGE MAY SLOW THE DELIVERY AND EXHAUST OF AIR TO AND FROM THE TRAILER BRAKES WHEN THEY ARE OPERATED BY THIS HAND-OPERATED TRAILER CONTROL VALVE.

Remedy

PACCAR WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE HAND VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 18, 2002. 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.

2002 Kenworth T300 — common questions

Is the 2002 Kenworth T300 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Kenworth T300 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 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 2002 compare to other T300 years?

Does the 2002 Kenworth T300 have recalls?

2002 Kenworth T300 — common questions

Is the 2002 Kenworth T300 reliable?

Does the 2002 Kenworth T300 have recalls?

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