Defect
ROUTING OF FUEL LINE COULD ALLOW IT TO CONTACT THE ELECTRICIAL CONNECTION ON THE STARTER SOLENOID.
Consequence
SUCH CONTACT COULD RESULT IN A TRUCK FIRE.
Remedy
REROUTE FUEL LINE AND SECURE AWAY FROM STARTER SOLENOID.
1988 Kenworth T800 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1988 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
How does 1988 compare to other T800 years?
Does the 1988 Kenworth T800 have recalls?
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.
1988 Kenworth T800 — common questions
Is the 1988 Kenworth T800 reliable?
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.
Does the 1988 Kenworth T800 have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Kenworth T800. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.