The Kenworth K100 spans 1981–2026 with 22 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2004, 2026, 2025 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1983. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Kenworth K100 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Kenworth K100 VIN — every digit explained
Every Kenworth K100 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 K100.
- 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 K100, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Kenworth K100 have?
The Kenworth K100 has 22 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2004 Kenworth K100 recalls 1
Electrical System:wiring
What's wrong. On certain trucks, the power feed harness p92-1993 terminals were not properly crimped.
Risk. This could lead to intermittent power loss affecting the electrical system and possibly result in a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the harness. The recall began january 13, 2005. Owners should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
2001 Kenworth K100 recalls 1
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
What's wrong. Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with 54" rear axle spacing configuration of the airglide 200 suspension with the service application identified as logger, dump truck, or tanker. The rear suspension is regularly subjected to extreme articulation, resulting in flexing of the joint.
Risk. Failure of the lower sway arm attaching bolts could result in loss of vehicle control.
Fix. Dealers will replace the lower sway arm brackets. Owner notification began march 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5000.
2000 Kenworth K100 recalls 4
Suspension
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with chalmers 1000 series and 800 series suspension kits. These suspension kits may have insufficient penetration of the weld attaching the torque rod eye to the torque rod tube.
Risk. Failure of the weld could result in separation of the eye and tube, causing a lock of axle retention, which could result in loss of vehicle control.
Fix. Dealers will replace all chalmers fixed torque rods on these vehicles. Owner notification began july 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000 or kenworth at 1-425-828-5000.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
What's wrong. Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with 54" rear axle spacing configuration of the airglide 200 suspension with the service application identified as logger, dump truck, or tanker. The rear suspension is regularly subjected to extreme articulation, resulting in flexing of the joint.
Risk. Failure of the lower sway arm attaching bolts could result in loss of vehicle control.
Fix. Dealers will replace the lower sway arm brackets. Owner notification began march 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5000.
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain meritor axles. The tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness.
Risk. This can lead to premature wear with possible separation of the ball stud from the socket, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle.
Fix. Dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends. Owner notification began october 24, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000 or kenworth at 1-425-828-5000.
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
What's wrong. Heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain arvinmeritor and dana axles. Peterbilt will recall 1,434 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor axles manufactured from december 11, 1999, to may 14, 2000, and from july 22 to september 30, 2000. Kenworth will recall 859 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor vehicles manufactured from december 11, 1999, to may 23, 2000, and from july 27, 2000, to september 30, 2000 and kennworth will recall an additional 4,151 vehicles equipped with dana axles and manufactured from june 23 to december 6, 1999, and from may 23 to september 30, 2000. The tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness.
Risk. This can lead to premature wear with possible separation of the ball stud from the socket, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle.
Fix. Dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends. Owner notification began july 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4201 or kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
1999 Kenworth K100 recalls 5
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with tie rod assemblies manufactured by trw. The suspect tie rods contain 24-dl model ball sockets. Certain of the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below-specification case depth and/or hardness, which can lead to premature wear of the socket.
Risk. If this condition occurs, the driver can lose partial control of the right front wheel, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the defective ball sockets and/or drag links. Owner notification began on april 10, 2001, to kenworth owners and on april 25, 2001, to peterbilt owners. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5000, peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000 or trw customer service at 1-866-280-3287.
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain meritor axles. The tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness.
Risk. This can lead to premature wear with possible separation of the ball stud from the socket, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle.
Fix. Dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
What's wrong. Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with 54" rear axle spacing configuration of the airglide 200 suspension with the service application identified as logger, dump truck, or tanker. The rear suspension is regularly subjected to extreme articulation, resulting in flexing of the joint.
Risk. Failure of the lower sway arm attaching bolts could result in loss of vehicle control.
Fix. Dealers will replace the lower sway arm brackets. Owner notification began march 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5000.
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain meritor axles. The tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness.
Risk. This can lead to premature wear with possible separation of the ball stud from the socket, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle.
Fix. Dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends. Owner notification began october 24, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000 or kenworth at 1-425-828-5000.
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
What's wrong. Heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain arvinmeritor and dana axles. Peterbilt will recall 1,434 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor axles manufactured from december 11, 1999, to may 14, 2000, and from july 22 to september 30, 2000. Kenworth will recall 859 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor vehicles manufactured from december 11, 1999, to may 23, 2000, and from july 27, 2000, to september 30, 2000 and kennworth will recall an additional 4,151 vehicles equipped with dana axles and manufactured from june 23 to december 6, 1999, and from may 23 to september 30, 2000. The tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness.
Risk. This can lead to premature wear with possible separation of the ball stud from the socket, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle.
Fix. Dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends. Owner notification began july 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4201 or kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
1998 Kenworth K100 recalls 2
Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar 3406e engines. The routing of the electrical and fuel lines can cause chaffing of the wiring harness on the fuel line.
Risk. This chaffing can cause fuel leakage and a potential for a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix. Dealers will inspect, adjust, and repair, if necessary, the fuel line and electrical harness.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
What's wrong. Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with 54" rear axle spacing configuration of the airglide 200 suspension with the service application identified as logger, dump truck, or tanker. The rear suspension is regularly subjected to extreme articulation, resulting in flexing of the joint.
Risk. Failure of the lower sway arm attaching bolts could result in loss of vehicle control.
Fix. Dealers will replace the lower sway arm brackets. Owner notification began march 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5000.
1997 Kenworth K100 recalls 2
Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar 3406e engines. The routing of the electrical and fuel lines can cause chaffing of the wiring harness on the fuel line.
Risk. This chaffing can cause fuel leakage and a potential for a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix. Dealers will inspect, adjust, and repair, if necessary, the fuel line and electrical harness.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
What's wrong. Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with 54" rear axle spacing configuration of the airglide 200 suspension with the service application identified as logger, dump truck, or tanker. The rear suspension is regularly subjected to extreme articulation, resulting in flexing of the joint.
Risk. Failure of the lower sway arm attaching bolts could result in loss of vehicle control.
Fix. Dealers will replace the lower sway arm brackets. Owner notification began march 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5000.
1996 Kenworth K100 recalls 3
Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar 3406e engines. The routing of the electrical and fuel lines can cause chaffing of the wiring harness on the fuel line.
Risk. This chaffing can cause fuel leakage and a potential for a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix. Dealers will inspect, adjust, and repair, if necessary, the fuel line and electrical harness.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
What's wrong. The wires that correspond to the vehicle's rear turn signals were reversed when installed in the electrical connector.
Risk. This condition will cause the rear turn signals to flash opposite from the direction intended by the driver increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the turn signal switch and, if necessary, replace the turn signal switch.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
What's wrong. Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with 54" rear axle spacing configuration of the airglide 200 suspension with the service application identified as logger, dump truck, or tanker. The rear suspension is regularly subjected to extreme articulation, resulting in flexing of the joint.
Risk. Failure of the lower sway arm attaching bolts could result in loss of vehicle control.
Fix. Dealers will replace the lower sway arm brackets. Owner notification began march 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5000.
1986 Kenworth K100 recalls 1
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
What's wrong. The circuit breakers may fail and allow the circuit to overheat. Consequence of defect: a fire could occur as a result of the circuit breaker failure.
Fix. Remove circuit breakers and replace with fuses.
1985 Kenworth K100 recalls 1
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
What's wrong. The circuit breakers may fail and allow the circuit to overheat. Consequence of defect: a fire could occur as a result of the circuit breaker failure.
Fix. Remove circuit breakers and replace with fuses.
1984 Kenworth K100 recalls 1
Latches/locks/linkages
What's wrong. Improper rear cab latch may not latch properly causing inadequate cab-to-frame attachment at the rear cab.
Fix. Replacement of cab latch assembly with a different cab latch.
1981 Kenworth K100 recalls 1
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
Fix. Dealer will replace the steering arm and adjust the pressure settings properly at no charge to owner.
Best and worst years for the Kenworth K100
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 46 tracked years, the worst years are 2004, 2026, 2025 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1983.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 K100 | — | Best | |
| 1982 K100 | — | Best | |
| 1983 K100 | — | Best | |
| 1984 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1985 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1986 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1987 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1988 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1989 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1990 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1991 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1992 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1993 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1994 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1995 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1996 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1997 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1998 K100 | — | Average | |
| 1999 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2000 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2001 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2002 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2003 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2004 K100 | Equipment | Avoid | |
| 2005 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2006 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2007 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2008 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2009 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2010 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2011 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2012 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2013 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2014 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2015 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2016 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2017 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2018 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2019 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2020 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2021 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2022 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2023 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2024 K100 | — | Average | |
| 2025 K100 | — | Avoid | |
| 2026 K100 | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Kenworth K100 problems?
The most-reported Kenworth K100 problems are Equipment (1 reports) — out of 1 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Equipment 1 Read
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) a driver by the name of [xxx] aka [xxx] is a owner operator under contract with dd&s express out of baltimore md. Is running his truck illegally he has been running with over a 53 foot trailer that has been modified to be longer he also has been forging his log book also he has several times ran over size loads with out permits or escorts also some permits that he don't get he copies them and changes dates and loads he runs alot thru tx and ca and sometimes mi and va and he does all this quite often and he has also paid someone to forge his dot physical and i hope you take him off the road he is a vary unsafe driver thank you *tr
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Kenworth K100 specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Kenworth K100. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Kenworth K100 window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Kenworth K100 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the K100 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 K100 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 K100 get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Kenworth K100 have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Kenworth K100 cost to own?
A Kenworth K100 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 K100 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 K100 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 K100 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 K100 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the K100 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Kenworth K100 last?
A well-maintained Kenworth K100 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Kenworth K100’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this K100’s VIN free →All Kenworth K100 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Kenworth K100 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2023 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2022 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2021 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2020 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2019 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2018 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2017 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2016 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2015 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2014 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2013 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2012 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2011 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2010 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2009 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2008 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2007 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2006 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2005 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2004 K100 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2003 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2002 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 2001 K100 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2000 K100 | 4 recalls | — | — |
| 1999 K100 | 5 recalls | — | — |
| 1998 K100 | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1997 K100 | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1996 K100 | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1995 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 1994 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 1993 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 1992 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 1991 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 1990 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 1989 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 1988 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 1987 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 1986 K100 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1985 K100 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1984 K100 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1983 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 1982 K100 | 0 | — | — |
| 1981 K100 | 1 recall | — | — |
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 K100?
By owner-complaint volume, 2004, 2026, 2025 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1983 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the K100 have?
22 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a K100 last?
A well-maintained K100 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the K100 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the K100 is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Kenworth K100 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 K100 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your K100'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 K100 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.