VehicleVerdict

2020 Kenworth W990 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2020 Kenworth W990 — 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

Does the 2020 Kenworth W990 have recalls?

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

22V277000SteeringApril 25, 2022 · 17,641 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, T660, T680, T880, T800, W900, W990; and 2018-2020 Peterbilt 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 567, and 579 vehicles. The Dana D-Series axle steer arm fasteners that attach the steering arm to the steering knuckle may fail.

Consequence

Fastener failure can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace and torque the steer arm fasteners, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2022. 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 are 22 PBB and 22 KWB.

21V906000Electrical SystemNovember 19, 2021 · 908 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Kenworth T880, W990, Peterbilt 567, 579, 389, and 2022 Peterbilt 536, 537 wrecker and auto hauler vehicles. The work brake (winch brake) may unintentionally disengage the service brakes during winching operations, causing the vehicle to roll.

Consequence

Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3, 2022. 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 21KWG and 21PBM.

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.

19V911000TransmissionDecember 19, 2019 · 148 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Kenworth T800, T880 and W990 and Peterbilt 348, 367, 389, 520, and 567 vehicles. The forward rear axle output shafts may have been improperly heat treated during manufacturing, possibly resulting in the shafts fracturing.

Consequence

If the rear axle output shaft fractures, the shaft or interaxle driveline could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the output shafts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 19KWE and 19PBG.

19V176000SuspensionMarch 5, 2019 · 93 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Kenworth T680, T800, T880, W900 and W990 trucks. The rear axles may not contain oil.

Consequence

Without lubricating oil, the bearings, hub and axle shafts may wear, resulting in the separation of a wheel end from the axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Paccar will notify owners, and Kenworth dealers will inspect all of the rear axles for the presence of oil. If no oil is present, the wheels ends will be removed and the bearings, hub and axle shaft will be inspected for damage. If excessive wear or heat damage is evident, the components will be replaced, as necessary. Oil will then be added per the axle specifications. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2019. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888. Paccar's number for this recall is 19KWA.

2020 Kenworth W990 — common questions

Is the 2020 Kenworth W990 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 2020 Kenworth W990 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Kenworth W990. 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.