Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1990 Kenworth T800 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
SPRAGUE WIPER ASSEMBLY PIVOT CAN SEIZE DUE TO GALVANIC CORROSION BETWEEN THE ZINC-PLATED STEEL SHAFT AND THE BRONZE BUSHINGS.
Consequence
THIS CORROSION CAN CAUSE WIPER ARM/BLADE ASSEMBLY TO STOPWIPING WINDSHIELD, THIS COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY AND RESULT IN ANACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE SPRAGUE WIPER ASSEMBLY PIVOT WITH AN ASSEMBLY NOT SUSCEPTIBLE TO GALVANIC CORROSION.
Defect
AIR BRAKE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED BY ADDING A LONGER AIR LINE BETWEEN THE ABS SOLENOID AND THE TRANSFER TEE TO SIMPLIFY MANUFACTURING. THIS MODIFICATION CAUSED THE TRUCKS TO BE IN NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 121, BRAKE TIMING TEST.
Consequence
THE MISTIMED BRAKE AND ABS SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE TRUCK TOFAIL THE STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIREMENT OF THE FMVSS, WHICH MAY LEAD TO ANACCIDENT.
Remedy
REMOVE THE EXTRA LENGTH OF AIR LINE AND INSTALL THE TRANSFER TEE AT THE ABS SOLENOID.
Defect
REAR AXLE STABILIZER (SWAY) BAR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY HEAT TREATED.
Remedy
REPLACE THE STABILIZER BAR.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 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.