VehicleVerdict

2016 Kenworth T680 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2016 Kenworth T680 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 16 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

16

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other T680 years?

T680 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted18 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 18 complaints2015: 14 complaints2016: 7 complaints2017: 9 complaints2018: 17 complaints2019: 14 complaints2020: 11 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 3 complaints2023: 12 complaints2024: 7 complaints2025: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints
T680 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all T680 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Kenworth T680 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes229%
Electrical System114%
Fuel System114%
Other114%
Seat Belts114%
Visibility & Wipers114%

Does the 2016 Kenworth T680 have recalls?

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

24V145000BrakesFebruary 23, 2024 · 936 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2009-2021 Kenworth C500, 2012-2021 Kenworth T440, 2009-2015 Kenworth T660, 2015-2024 Kenworth T680, 2009-2024 Kenworth T800, 2009-2020 Kenworth T370, 2014-2023 Kenworth T880, 2011-2016 Kenworth T470, 2023 Kenworth T480, and 2009-2019 Kenworth W900 vehicles. The air tanks have an insufficient volume of air for the brake system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence

Insufficient air volume can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will install the correct volume air tanks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 12, 2024. Additional owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2025. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's number for this recall is 24KWD.

21V00N000Electrical SystemDecember 29, 2021 · 1,107 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Peterbilt 567, 579, 2021-2022 Peterbilt 536, 2017-2021 Kenworth T880, 2016-2022 Kenworth T680, 2018-2020 Kenworth T440, 2020 Kenworth T270, and 2021 Kenworth T280 vehicles. The methane detection system will not function if the system loses power.

Consequence

The operator may be unaware of a system malfunction or the presence of excessive methane levels, increasing the risk of injury or fire.

Remedy

Dealers will re-wire the warning alarm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2022. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220, and Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 21KWH and 21PBN.

20V593000BrakesSeptember 28, 2020 · 1,416 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Kenworth T680 trucks equipped with a 2.1m Cab and WABCO 6S/6M ABS brake system with drum brakes. The brake systems were manufactured with a standard rear-brake ABS modulator valve instead of a quick release valve, which may exceed the intended service-brake release timing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence

Longer than expected service-brake release timing may lengthen vehicle stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the standard rear-brake, ABS modulator valve with a quick release valve, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2020. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20KWD.

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.

18V816000LightingNovember 16, 2018 · 1,619 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Kenworth T680 and T880 and Peterbilt 579 trucks, greater than 30 feet long and equipped with side extender mounted intermediate marker lamp/turn signals that do not include a reflex reflector. Since both intermediate side marker lamps and reflex reflectors are required, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Missing reflex reflectors can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners and dealers will install reflex reflective tape, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-918-259-3258. PACCAR's number for this recall is 18KWF, and 18PBC.

18V368000Electrical SystemJune 1, 2018 · 85,626 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Peterbilt 567 and 579 trucks and 2015-2018 Kenworth T660, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks. 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 July 30, 2018. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-918-259-3258 or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000.

17V593000SteeringSeptember 22, 2017 · 17,737 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016 Peterbilt 220, 320, 325, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 389, 389G, 567, 579 and 587 trucks and Kenworth K170, T170, T270, T370, T440, T470,T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks equipped with certain Spicer D or E series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.

Consequence

If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 13, 2017. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000 or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is P817-C.

17V471000LightingJuly 25, 2017 · 5,731 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Peterbilt 567 and 579 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks equipped with optional spotlights. The spotlight circuit may not be adequately protected in the event of a short.

Consequence

A short in the spotlight circuitry may increase the risk of a fire at the cab fuse block.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will change the polyfuse switch in the spotlight circuit to a standard fuse, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2017. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 17KWC and 717-B.

17V103000Fuel SystemFebruary 15, 2017 · 465 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kenworth K370, T680, T880 and 2017-2018 Peterbilt 567 and 579 trucks. The plastic fuel tee fittings on these trucks may leak fuel.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Kenworth and Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect fuel tees, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2017. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 and Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall is 17KWA and 217-A.

15V639000TransmissionOctober 9, 2015 · 27 units

Defect

Paccar (Paccar Incorporated) is recalling certain 2016 Kenworth T680, T800, and T880 trucks manufactured January 5, 2015, to January 7, 2015 and 2016 Peterbilt 367, 384, 567, and 579 trucks manufactured January 2, 2015, to January 9, 2015 and equipped with Eaton Fuller FR 10-speed manual transmissions. In the affected vehicles, when the transmission shift lever is moved from reverse to neutral, the reverse gear may stay engaged. When the transmission shift lever is moved from reverse to a forward gear position, the transmission may mechanically lock because both the reverse gear and forward gear are simultaneously engaged.

Consequence

Even though the transmission has been shifted out of reverse into neutral, the vehicle may unexpectedly move backwards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Paccar will notify the owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the affected transmissions if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. Paccar's numbers for this recall are 15KWM (Kenworth) and 1015N (Peterbilt).

15V597000Electrical SystemSeptember 24, 2015 · 354 units

Defect

Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kenworth T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to August 12, 2015, and 2016 Peterbilt 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 386, 389, 567, 579, and 587 vehicles manufactured August 4, 2015, to August 12, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning.

Consequence

An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective engine control modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. Paccar's numbers for this recall are 15KWM (Kenworth) and 915-L (Peterbilt).

15V458000LightingJuly 22, 2015 · 12,551 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Kenworth T440, T470, T660, T680, and T880 trucks manufactured January 14, 2010, to May 22, 2015, and equipped with HID Headlamps and the option for Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). The DRLs are required to deactivate when the hazard warning lights are activated, however, the DRLs on these vehicles override the hazard flashing functionality after the brake pedal is pushed for more than two seconds. Normal hazard flashing functionality returns once the service brake is released. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If the hazard warning lamps are overridden by the DRL, oncoming vehicles may fail to be warned, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kenworth will notify owners, and dealers will update the cab controller software, free of charge. The recall began on September 167, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. Kenworth's number for this recall is 15KWL.

15V457000BrakesJuly 22, 2015 · 334 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kenworth T440, T470, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks manufactured February 16, 2015, to March 9, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with an SR-7 spring brake valve assembly that may have had the primary and secondary service brake applications installed in reverse. In the event of a failure in the primary or secondary circuit, the redundant circuit would not provide adequate service brake functionality. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence

A loss of braking ability would increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kenworth will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and correct the air line installations as required, free of charge. The recall began on September 16, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 15KWK.

15V272000Tires & WheelsMay 11, 2015 · 49 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kenworth T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks manufactured February 1, 2015, to April 20, 2015. During assembly, the affected vehicles did not undergo the rear wheel mounting torque verification process, and thus the rear wheels may be loose.

Consequence

If the rear wheel lug nuts are undertorqued, the wheels may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kenworth will notify owners, and dealers will verify that the rear wheel lug nuts are correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. Kenworth's number for this recall is 15KWG.

15V270000Electrical SystemMay 8, 2015 · 1,494 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Kenworth T660, T680, T880 trucks manufactured February 18, 2013, to April 10, 2015, and 2011-2016 Peterbilt 386, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured December 13, 2010, to April 20, 2015. The affected trucks, equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Delco-Remy 40SI alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon discharge line.

Consequence

If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line, free of charge. PACCAR issued an interim notification to owners on July 10, 2015. The recall began on September 16, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 15KWE and 515-F.

15V196000TransmissionApril 3, 2015 · 24 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks manufactured November 17, 2014, to January 5, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with Meritor MT-40-14X rear drive axles that may circulate an inadequate amount of lubricant to the wheel end hub assembly.

Consequence

Without adequate lubrication to the wheel end hub assembly, the bearings may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a wheel-end fire or crash.

Remedy

Kenworth will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective rear drive axle and inspect the wheel ends for damage, replacing them, as needed, free of charge. The recall began May 29, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 15KWB.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KENWORTH T680. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEEL DRUM FROM THE TIRE FRACTURED IN PIECES WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEEL PLATE DRUM WAS NOT WELDED CORRECTLY. THE STEEL PLATE DRUM WAS REPLACED.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 15, 2016

THERE ARE NUMEROUS SERVICE BULLETINS ON QUANTUM'S WEBSITE, WWW.QTWW.COM , UNDER PRODUCTS AND SERVICE BULLETINS THAT SAY MANY DIFFERENT PARTS OF THEIR FUEL SYSTEMS WILL FAIL. IT ALSO STATES THAT THEIR BRACKET SYSTEM HOLDING THE TANKS IN PLACE WILL ALLOW THE HIGH PRESSURE TANKS TO MOVE LATERALLY THAT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 1, 2015

THE DEFROST DOORS IN THE T680 IS WEAK AND BREAKS OFTEN LEAVING THE DRIVER WITHOUT ANY DEFROST CAUSING HIS VISIBILITY TO DECREASE IN AN UNSAFE MANNER. KENWORTH HAS BEEN UNWILLING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND REPAIR IT. WHEN I CONTACTED OUR DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER HE KNEW THE PART NUMBER OF THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 26, 2016

SEAT BELT CABLE BECOMES FRAYED AND BREAKS. WILL BREAK COMPLETELY IF IN AN ACCIDENT. WITH NOTHING HOLDING DRIVER IN DRIVER WILL BECOME INJURED AND POSSIBLY DEATH. REPLACE WITH A BETTER CONSTRUCTED DEVICE

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · November 5, 2020

HAVE SOMEONE REMOTELY HACKING INTO ECM BOARD TURNING OFF THINGS ON TRUCKS HAD FREIGHTLINER YEARS BACK THEY KEPT REMOTELY SHUTTING OFF OPT IDLE AN JAKE BRAKE HAD INTERNATIONAL IN 2014 THEY THREW ON TRAILER BRAKES TRYING TO WRECK TRUCK STRAIGHTENED OUT THEN THEY DID AGAIN IN SNOW STORM? ON I-80 IN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 11, 2018

2016 Kenworth T680 — common questions

Is the 2016 Kenworth T680 reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 16 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Kenworth T680 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Kenworth T680. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Kenworth T680 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.