Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1983 Kenworth W900 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING DUCT HOSES COULD CHAFE AND EXPOSE THE WIRE REINFORCEMENT. THE EXPOSED WIRE MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH ONE OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AND SHORT OUT.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH THE AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING HOSES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“1983 KENWORTH W900 UNIT 2 AND UNIT 1 WERE BOTH EAST BOUND, UNIT 2 RIGHT SIDE MIRROR CAME OFF AND STRUCK UNIT 1. *BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, A SMALL AUXILIARY MIRROR WAS ATTACHED TOO THE RIGHT SIDE VIA A BRACKET AND CAME OFF. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT# 10-0458-91) *JB”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1983 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.