1995 Kenworth T800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1995 Kenworth T800 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other T800 years?

T800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all T800 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 Kenworth T800 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Steering	1	50%	new
Transmission	1	50%	new

Does the 1995 Kenworth T800 have recalls?

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

03V245000Speed ControlJuly 9, 2003 · 18 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES ON THE C8.3G AND L10G ENGINES, THE ECM DOES NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO DETECT A THROTTLE FAIL-SAFE ENGINE SHUTDOWN COMMAND. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNANTICIPATED, UNCOMMANDED OPEN THROTTLE CONDITION WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence

IF THIS EVENT OCCURS, THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WILL NOT HAVE CONTROL OF THE ENGINE SPEED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

CUMMINS WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE ECM. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 OR KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.

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.

97V139000SuspensionAugust 20, 1997 · 13,200 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH KENWORTH AIRGLIDE 200 REAR SUSPENSION. DUE TO MATERIALS USED IN THE SWAY BAR ARMS AND STUDS AS WELL AS THE STUD PLATING MATERIAL, STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AND BENDING FATIGUE CAN OCCUR IN THE REAR SUSPENSION SWAY BAR ARMS AND STUDS CAUSING THE STUD TO FAIL PREMATURELY.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ARM ASSEMBLY MANUFACTURED FROM A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. NEW STUDS WILL BE INSTALLED WITH DIFFERENT THREADS AND DIFFERENT FINISH.

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.

“THE STEERING COUPLING SEPARATED DUE TO INADEQUATE TIGHTENING OF THE TETAINING NUT AND BOLT, A FAULTY SLIP JOINT AND PERHAPS FAULTY METAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COUPLING, BOTH MALE AND FEMALE PARTS. KENWORTH WILL NOT RESPOND TO OUR LETTERS. THERE IS A RECALL IN 1997 FOR THIS SAME YEAR, MAKE AND…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 24, 2002 · crash

1995 Kenworth T800 — common questions

Is the 1995 Kenworth T800 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1995 Kenworth T800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 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.

How does 1995 compare to other T800 years?

What are the most common 1995 Kenworth T800 problems?

Does the 1995 Kenworth T800 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1995 Kenworth T800 — common questions

Is the 1995 Kenworth T800 reliable?

Does the 1995 Kenworth T800 have recalls?

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