Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Kenworth W900 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS". THE AIR RESERVOIR CAPACITY IS BELOW THAT ALLOWED BY THE STANDARD.
Remedy
DEALER WILL EITHER REPLACE THE EXISTING TANK WITH A LARGER TANK OR ADD A SECOND TANK, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
THE PARKING BRAKE VALVES MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY PIPED. IF THE PARKING BRAKE PIPING IS INCORRECTLY ROUTED, THERE IS NO WAY TO SET THE TRACTOR PARKING BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY OF THE TRAILER PARKING BRAKES. THIS COULD CAUSE THE PARKING BRAKES TO BACK OFF WHILE THE TRAILER AIR SUPPLY IS BEING CHARGED, CAUSING THE TRACTOR TO ROLL.
Remedy
TRAILER AIR SUPPLY WILL BE MOVED FROM THE DISCHARGE SIDE OF THE TRACTOR PARKING VALVE TO THE DISCHARGE SIDE OF THE COMBINATION PARKING VALVE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE DONE AT NO CHARGE.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Kenworth W900. 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.