Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1987 Kenworth T800 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SENSORS MAY FAIL TO RETURN TO IDLE DUE TO THROTTLE PEDAL STOP BEING INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED OF ALUMINUM INSTEAD OF STEEL.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF TRUCK CONTROL AND ANACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE ALUMINUM THROTTLE PEDAL STOPS WITH A STEEL VERSION, ALSO, REPLACE THROTTLE POTENTIOMETER IF IT HAS BEEN OVERLOADED.
Defect
THE THROTTLE LEVER IS NOT UNDER SUFFICIENT TENSION.
Consequence
TRUCKS DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 124.
Remedy
RELOCATE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING ANCHOR AND/OR THE SPRING ANCHOR WILL BE REPLACED.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Kenworth T800. 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.