VehicleVerdict

2021 Kenworth T800b problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2021 Kenworth T800b — 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other T800b years?

T800b NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted1 complaints1996: 1 complaints2000: 1 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
T800b NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all T800b years to avoid →

Does the 2021 Kenworth T800b have recalls?

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

24V915000Electrical SystemDecember 9, 2024 · 220,764 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Peterbilt and Kenworth vehicles, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop functioning.

Consequence

Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System) may not function properly or at all, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24KWL and 24PBL.

23V717000Seat BeltsOctober 26, 2023 · 3,841 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Kenworth T660, 2018-2024 Kenworth T800 and W900 vehicles. An additional spacer may have been added to the joint that connects the seat to the seat belt tether and buckle, causing an unsecured connection.

Consequence

An unsecured seat belt connection may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and remove the additional spacer and replace the bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 20, 2024. Owners may contact PACCAR's customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's number for this recall is 23KWK.

21V391000Fuel SystemMay 26, 2021 · 612 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Peterbilt 337, 348, 365, 367, 520, 567, Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, T800 and T880 vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the rail threads and fuel lines, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888 (Kenworth) or 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 21KWC and 21PBD.

21V080000EngineFebruary 17, 2021 · 132 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Kenworth T680, T880, W990, T800, W900 and Peterbilt 579, 567, 389, 367 vehicles equipped with a Cummins X15 engine. The capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may have been improperly torqued, allowing the flywheel to detach.

Consequence

A detached flywheel can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, driveline pieces may be ejected from the engine compartment, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will properly torque the capscrews and the engine will also be inspected for damage and, if necessary, repaired, free of charge. The recall began on March 29, 2021. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888 (Kenworth) or 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 21KWA and 21PBB.

20V506000TransmissionAugust 26, 2020 · 1,097 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Peterbilt 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 567 and Kenworth T800, T880, W900, W990 vehicles equipped with Watson and Chalin steerable lift axle suspension systems (model SL2065). The axles may have lower rear pivot bolts that are not long enough to sufficiently engage the locking feature of the corresponding nuts.

Consequence

The short screws can cause the hardware to separate from the suspension system and become road hazards, increasing the risk of a crash and/or injury.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect suspect chassis and replace the pivot bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall is 20PBE and 20KWC.

2021 Kenworth T800b — common questions

Is the 2021 Kenworth T800b reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Kenworth T800b have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Kenworth T800b. 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.