The Kenworth C550 spans 1981–2005 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Kenworth C550 — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
Overview
The Kenworth C550 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2005 across multiple generations.
How to read a Kenworth C550 VIN — every digit explained
Every Kenworth C550 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit 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 this C550.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- Mexico3WK · 3WM · 3XK
- USA1XK
- Canada2XK
- UKSFN
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your C550, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Kenworth C550 have?
The Kenworth C550 has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2005. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Kenworth C550
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Kenworth C550 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Kenworth C550 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Kenworth C550 — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Kenworth C550 specifications & dimensions
The 2005 Kenworth C550. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Kenworth C550 window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Kenworth C550 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the C550 holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Kenworth C550 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Kenworth C550 get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Kenworth C550 have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Kenworth C550 cost to own?
A Kenworth C550 holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used C550 is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this C550 loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the C550 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Kenworth C550 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the C550 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Kenworth C550 last?
A well-maintained Kenworth C550 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.
Check your Kenworth C550’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this C550’s VIN free →All Kenworth C550 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Kenworth C550 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 2004 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 2003 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 2002 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 2001 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 2000 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1999 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1998 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1997 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1996 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1995 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1994 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1993 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1992 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1991 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1990 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1989 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1988 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1987 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1986 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1985 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1984 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1983 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1982 C550 | 0 | — | — |
| 1981 C550 | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the C550?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Kenworth C550.
How many recalls does the C550 have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2005. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a C550 last?
A well-maintained C550 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the C550 reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Kenworth C550 — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the Kenworth C550 warranty?
New Kenworth models carry 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.
Where is the Kenworth C550 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your C550's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Kenworth may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the C550 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.