VehicleVerdict

2005 Kenworth T800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2005 Kenworth T800 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 12 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

12

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other T800 years?

See all T800 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Kenworth T800 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)117%
Electrical System117%
Engine117%
Body & Structure117%
Suspension117%
Transmission117%

Does the 2005 Kenworth T800 have recalls?

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

09V239000BrakesJune 30, 2009 · 3,423 units

Defect

KENWORTH IS RECALLING 3,423 MY 2004-2009 T2000, T800,T600, W900 AND T660 VEHICLES. INCREASED BRAKE EXCITATION IN A CERTAIN VEHICLE CONFIGURATION WHICH INCLUDES BENDIX DRUM BRAKES, WIDE BASE LOW PROFILE SINGLE TIRES, AND AN AG400 OR AG460 REAR SUSPENSION, DUE TO ITS UNIQUE BRAKE CLOCKING AND CAM TUBE LENGTH, CAN CAUSE FATIGUE AND CRACKING TO BRAKE ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS.

Consequence

CRACKING CAN CAUSE A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE CAM TUBE, WHICH COULD INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND DECREASE PARKING BRAKE HOLD CAPABILITY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR AXLE BRAKES ASSEMBLY, REPLACE CRACKED REAR AXLE BRAKES ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS WHERE REQUIRED, AND INSTALL CAM TUBE SUPPORT BRACKETS ON ALL REAR AXLE WHEEL ENDS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN OR BEFORE JULY 25, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.

09V166000BrakesMay 19, 2009 · 140 units

Defect

PACCAR IS RECALLING 140 MY 2005, 2007-2009 T800, W900, AND T660 TRUCKS. THE CALIPER MOUNTING FASTENERS ATTACHING THE AIR DISC BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO THE TORQUE PLATE MAY HAVE RECEIVED INSUFFICIENT TORQUE DURING THE INSTALLATION PROCESS. THE INSUFFICIENT TORQUE MAY ALLOW THE AIR DISC BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO BECOME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPACITY AND ALSO A ROAD DEBRIS HAZARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AIR DISC BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLIES AND REPLACE THE CALIPER MOUNTING FASTENERS AND TORQUE PROPERLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.

08V485000SuspensionSeptember 24, 2008 · 130 units

Defect

PACCAR IS RECALLING 130 MY 2004-2009 T2000, T800, T600, W900 AND T660 KENWORTH TRUCKS BUILT WITH AN AG400 REAR SUSPENSION, LONG STROKE BRAKE CHAMBERS, AND WIDE BASE TIRES (SUPER SINGLES). THESE VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP AN INCREASE IN LATERAL AND VERTICAL AXLE MOVEMENT. THIS MOVEMENT MAY CAUSE PART OR PARTS OF THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY (BRAKE CAM TUBE SUPPORT, BRAKE CHAMBER BRACKET, BRAKE CHAMBER, BRAKE SPIDER) TO DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN THE FAILURE OF THE PART OR PARTS WITHIN THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY.

Consequence

A FAILURE MAY REDUCE VEHICLE BRAKE PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CAM TUBE SUPPORT BRACKETS ON ALL OF THE REAR AXLE WHEEL ENDS. INSPECT THE REAR AXLE BRAKE ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE IT IF CRACKED. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.

08V099000BrakesMarch 4, 2008 · 130 units

Defect

PACCAR IS RECALLING 130 MY 2005-2007 KENWORTH C500, T800, W900, AND PETERBILT MODELS 357 AND 379 TRACTOR TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH FABCO SLACK ADJUSTERS ON SISU AXLES. THE SLACK ADJUSTERS MAY FAIL AS A RESULT OF A FATIGUE CRACK RENDERING THE SLACK ADJUSTER INOPERATIVE. THIS COULD REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS.

Consequence

REDUCTION IN BRAKING CAPACITY COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SLACK ADJUSTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.

07V279000EngineJune 28, 2007 · 28,968 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C11, C13 OR C15 ENGINES, THE OIL FILL CAP CAN BECOME DISLODGED DUE TO CAP DAMAGE OR IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND BECOME LODGED IN THE U-JOINT OF THE STEERING DRIVELINE AND STEERING GEAR.

Consequence

IF THE CAP BECOMES DODGED IN THIS AREA, IT MAY RESULT IN DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE OR CAUSE COMPLETE STEERING LOCK-UP INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

PACCAR IS WORKING WITH CATERPILLAR TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES. REVISED OIL CAP RETENTION BASED ON THE ENGINE MODEL/CONFIGURATION WILL BE INCORPORATED TO PREVENT STEERING LOCK-UP. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING DECEMBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CATERPILLAR AT 1-800-447-4986 OR KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440.

07V269000Trailer HitchJune 26, 2007 · 9,571 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE REMOVABLE TOW HITCH ,WHEN USED TO TOW OR LIFT A VEHICLE, CAN FAIL DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL IN THE TOW HITCH.

Consequence

IF THE TOW HITCH ASSEMBLY FAILS WHILE A VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED OR LIFTED, IT MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TOW PIN ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.

07V107000TransmissionMarch 16, 2007 · 4,592 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE WIRING, PARTS, OR TRANSMISSION PROGRAMMING REQUIRED FOR THE AUTO NEUTRAL FEATURE TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED WERE EITHER NOT INSTALLED, CONNECTED, OR PROGRAMMED PROPERLY.

Consequence

IF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL WHEN LEFT IN DRIVE WITH THE PARKING BRAKE SET ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE COULD MOVE WITHOUT WARNING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AFFECTED VEHICLES TO ENSURE THE AUTO NEUTRAL FEATURE FUNCTIONS PROPERLY AND, IF NEEDED, WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440.

05V570000EngineDecember 22, 2005 · 30,995 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR DIESEL ENGINES, THE VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION OIL LINE MAY WEAR AGAINST THE SHARP EDGE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD IF NOT POSITIONED CORRECTLY.

Consequence

THE OIL LINE MAY BE CUT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSING AN OIL LEAK AND A POSSIBLE FIRE.

Remedy

CATERPILLAR, IN CONJUNCTION WITH PACCAR, WILL BE CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CALL CATERPILLAR AT 309-675-6496, KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440, OR PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.

05V543000SteeringNovember 29, 2005 · 241 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE BENDIX ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESP) SYSTEM, THE SYSTEM USES MULTIPLE SENSORS AND AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) TO CONTROL VEHICLE UNDER STEER, OVER-STEER, AND ROLLOVER SITUATIONS. THE SYSTEM RELIES ON VEHICLE SENSORS TO BE FUNCTIONING AND ALIGNED PROPERLY. THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE MISALIGNED WITH THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT, THEREBY PROVIDING INCORRECT INFORMATION TO THE BENDIX ECU.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD AFFECT VEHICLE THROTTLE CONTROL AND BRAKING, THEREBY LEADING TO LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

BECAUSE OF THE IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL RISK, KENWORTH AND PETERBILT DEALERS WILL FIRST DEACTIVATE THE YAW CONTROL FEATURE OF THE BENDIX ESP SYSTEM PREVENTING INADVERTENT ESP ACTIVATION. WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE, THE STEERING COLUMN WILL BE REPLACED TO INSURE PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE STEERING SHAFT SENSOR AND THE FULL ESP SYSTEM WILL BE REACTIVATED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2005. PARTS TO COMPLETE THE REMEDY ARE ESTIMATED TO BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4201.

05V237000SuspensionMay 19, 2005 · 850 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH AIRGLIDE HIGH-ARTICULATION REAR SUSPENSIONS, THE C65-1006 SWAY BAR USED IN THIS REAR SUSPENSION MAY EXPERIENCE A REDUCTION IN FATIGUE LIFE DUE TO EITHER A MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR A HIGH INDUCED STRESS DURING AN EXTREME SUSPENSION ARTICULATION EVENT.

Consequence

BOTH OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN LEAD TO A FAILURE OF THE SWAY BAR WHICH COULD CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO COME LOOSE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

THE INSPECTION AND REPAIR OF THESE VEHICLES WILL DEPEND ON THE TYPE OF VEHICLE (TRACTOR OR TRUCK) AND THE INTENDED SERVICE APPLICATION. THIS INSPECTION AND REPAIR CRITERIA WILL BE FORTHCOMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.

05V189000SuspensionApril 28, 2005 · 1,026 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS, THE SUSPENSION HAS TRANSVERSE BEAM CASTINGS THAT MAY FRACTURE UNDER NORMAL LOADS. IF A CASTING BREAKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING ON A ROADWAY THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR PIECES OF THE CASTING TO BECOME PROJECTILES AND THE SUSPENSION'S TRANSVERSE BEAM MAY DROP DOWN LOW ENOUGH TO CONTACT THE ROAD SURFACE.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE SPARKS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY IGNITE AND CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TRANSVERSE BEAM ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 10, 2005, WITH LETTERS BEING MAILED TO PETERBILT OWNERS; AND ON JUNE 17, 2005, FOR KENWORTH OWNERS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201 OR KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440.

05V084000EngineMarch 4, 2005 · 39 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH WEBASTO HEATERS, THE BURNER TUBES ARE MADE OF MATERIAL THAT DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND COULD FAIL PREMATURELY.

Consequence

SHOULD THE BURNER TUBE FAIL, THE COOLANT HEATER COULD OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECTED DEFECTIVE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2004. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KENWORTH T800. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLAMPS THAT HOLD THE BATTERY CABLES, WHICH LEAD FROM THE BATTERY TO THE STARTER, WERE NOT ADJUSTED PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, THE CABLES WERE CHAFFING. A FIRE IGNITED AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE AND CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 18, 2008 · fire

2004 AND 2005 T800 KENWORTH TRUCKS DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WHEN BACKING UP THERE IS A TWISTING OF THE ENGINE AND FRAME.[REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED]. *MR THE TWISTING ALSO CAUSED THE COOLING FAN TO STRIKE THE FAN SHROUD CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE FAN AND LATER, FAILURE ALONG WITH THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Climate Control (A/C & Heat) · August 1, 2005

2004 AND 2005 T800 KENWORTH TRUCKS DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WHEN BACKING UP THERE IS A TWISTING OF THE ENGINE AND FRAME.[REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED]. *MR THE TWISTING ALSO CAUSED THE COOLING FAN TO STRIKE THE FAN SHROUD CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE FAN AND LATER, FAILURE ALONG WITH THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 1, 2005

TAKARA RECALL- OPERATING DUMP TRUCK ON A LOCAL ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. DECELERATING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT. AS THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, THE LIGHT CHANGED AND AS I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE THE REAR OF THE TRUCK CAME UP OFF THE GROUND. WHEN I GOT OUT TO INSPECT WHAT HAPPENED, THE ENTIRE REAR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 19, 2018

2004 AND 2005 T800 KENWORTH TRUCKS DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WHEN BACKING UP THERE IS A TWISTING OF THE ENGINE AND FRAME.[REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED]. *MR THE TWISTING ALSO CAUSED THE COOLING FAN TO STRIKE THE FAN SHROUD CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE FAN AND LATER, FAILURE ALONG WITH THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2005

2005 Kenworth T800 — common questions

Is the 2005 Kenworth T800 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 12 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 Kenworth T800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Kenworth T800. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Kenworth T800 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.