VehicleVerdict

1994 Kenworth T800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1994 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other T800 years?

T800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted8 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 8 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 4 complaints2000: 6 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 3 complaints2005: 6 complaints2006: 4 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 2 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 1 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
T800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all T800 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Kenworth T800 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes150%
Tires & Wheels150%

Does the 1994 Kenworth T800 have recalls?

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

03V126000BrakesMarch 31, 2003 · 45 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR P 18X7 BRAKES WITH 36" BRAKE CHAMBERS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE TRUCKS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A COMBINED AIR RESERVOIR VOLUME LESS THAN 12 TIMES THE COMBINED VOLUME OF ALL SERVICE BRAKE CHAMBERS.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD AN ADDITIONAL TANK OR CHANGE ONE OF THE EXISTING AIR TANKS TO A LARGER SIZE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 5, 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.

01V142000OtherApril 24, 2001 · 14 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR FG941 STEER AXLES. THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) WAS DETERMINED INCORRECTLY AND OVER-STATED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL. WITH THE INCORRECT GAWR LISTED, THESE LABELS DO NOT MEET THE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "REQUIREMENTS FOR MANUFACTURERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES." VEHICLES WILL BE REMEDIED EITHER BY ASSIGNING THE PROPER WEIGHT RATING OR, IF POSSIBLE, BY CHANGING THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS TO MEET THE CURRENTLY ASSIGNED WEIGHT RATING.

Consequence

THESE VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATIONS.

Remedy

VEHICLES WILL BE REMEDIED EITHER BY ASSIGNING THE PROPER WEIGHT RATING OR, IF POSSIBLE, BY CHANGING THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS TO MEET THE CURRENTLY ASSIGNED WEIGHT RATING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 22, 2001. 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 1-425-828-5000.

95V098000SeatsMay 16, 1995 · 3,649 units

Defect

AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION BETWEEN THE BACK CUSHION AND THE RECLINER HANDLE CAN CAUSE AN INCOMPLETE LATCHING OF THE RECLINER MECHANISM.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO "RATCHET" REARWARD. REARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT BACK INCREASES TO WHERE THE SEATBACK HAS MOVED TO A FULLY RECLINED HORIZONTAL POSITION. COMPLETE LOSS OF BACK SUPPORT COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW RECLINER LATCH SPRING AND HANDLE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“A NORMAL DAY AT THE FARM I START MY TRUCK TO LET IT WARM UP. I LEAVE THE TRUCK AND COME BACK SEVERAL MINUTES LATER RELEASING MY PARKING BRAKES AND THING SEEMS NORMAL. I PULL FORWARD TOWARD A CORAL AND HIT MY BRAKES AND THERE WAS NONE. AS WAS ABOUT TO HIT CORAL I FINALLY GOT PARKING BRAKES ON. COME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 28, 2007

“THIS WAS A STEER TIRE ON A BIG RIG THE POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF LIFE AND PROPERTY COULD HAVE BEEN CATSTROPHIC.*AK (DOT NUMBER: MJ4K39AW16 TIRESIZE: GY285-75-2)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 31, 2002

1994 Kenworth T800 — common questions

Is the 1994 Kenworth T800 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1994 Kenworth T800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 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.