Kenworth's lineup has 946 recorded NHTSA recalls across 25 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.1/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Kenworth's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Kenworth — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Kenworth Truck Company, based in Portland, Oregon, is renowned for building exceptionally durable and powerful heavy-duty trucks, primarily serving the long-haul trucking industry, government fleets, and specialized applications like refuse collection. These trucks are known for their robust construction and reliability, often seen on the longest routes across North America. ForCar.org allows you to decode any KENWORTH VIN to instantly access complete vehicle specifications, including recall history and a wealth of detailed information about the truck’s origins and features.
Buying or selling? See what used Kenworth models are worth, current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Kenworth models 25
Every Kenworth model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Kenworth More models 25
Kenworth recalls
Across the Kenworth lineup, ForCar tracks 946 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Kenworth recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Kenworth model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Kenworth T680 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Kenworth T880 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Kenworth T800 | 3.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Kenworth W900 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Kenworth T600 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Kenworth T300 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Kenworth C500 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Kenworth T2000 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 09 | Kenworth T480 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 10 | Kenworth W990 | 4.0 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Kenworth: Service Brakes, Air. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Kenworth reliable?
Across rated models, Kenworth averages a 4.1/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 19 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Kenworth competes in the North American Class 8 long-haul, vocational and medium-duty segments alongside PACCAR sibling Peterbilt against Freightliner, Volvo, Mack, International and Western Star. Kenworth and Peterbilt are platform-sharing siblings with separate dealer networks; combined market share runs approximately 28-30% of new US Class 8 sales. Kenworth's 2022 T680E launched the brand's first Class 8 battery-electric tractor.
Kenworth models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Kenworth model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Kenworth T680 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Kenworth W900 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Kenworth T800 | 3.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Kenworth T2000 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Kenworth T600 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Kenworth T880 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 07 | Kenworth T300 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Kenworth T380 | 3.0 /5 | |
| 09 | Kenworth K100 | 4.5 /5 | |
| 10 | Kenworth C500 | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Kenworth models
Fuel-economy rankings for Kenworth are being compiled — check the most fuel-efficient cars meanwhile.
Safest Kenworth models
NHTSA safety rankings for Kenworth are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a Kenworth window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Kenworth's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Kenworth window stickers →How to read a Kenworth VIN
Every Kenworth built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Kenworth and the country it was built in (real Kenworth codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- Mexico3WK · 3WM · 3XK
- USA1XK
- Canada2XK
- UKSFN
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Kenworth
Edgar K. Worthington and his uncle Captain Frederick Kent acquired Gerlinger Motor Truck Company in 1923, renaming it Kenworth Motor Truck Company. The Pacific Car and Foundry Company (later PACCAR) acquired Kenworth in 1945 and acquired Peterbilt in 1958, creating the PACCAR truck-brand structure that exists today. The 1953 Kenworth Conventional with Cummins engine became the standard configuration for North American long-haul; the 1961 W900 set the long-hood owner-operator template that remains in production.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1923 |
| Headquarters | Kirkland, USA |
| Parent company | PACCAR |
| Slogan | "The World's Best" |
| Models tracked | 25 (1981–2026) |
Kenworth — frequently asked
How do I decode a Kenworth VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Kenworth models are there?
ForCar tracks 25 Kenworth models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Kenworth made?
Kenworth is headquartered in Kirkland, USA, founded in 1923. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Kenworth recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Kenworth model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Kenworth is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Kenworth warranty?
New Kenworth vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Kenworth dealer.