The Kenworth K300 spans 1992–2026 with 8 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. 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 K300 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1992 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Kenworth K300 VIN — every digit explained
Every Kenworth K300 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 K300.
- 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 K300, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Kenworth K300 have?
The Kenworth K300 has 8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1992–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2016 Kenworth K300 recalls 1
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Peterbilt 220 and Kenworth K300 trucks manufactured September 1, 2014, to March 30, 2015. Each time the cruise control speed decrease button is pressed, the vehicle speed will actually increase by one mile per hour.
Risk. If a driver is intending to slow down a vehicle but instead it inadvertently speeds up, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix. PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the cab controller software, free of charge. The recall began on June 5, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000, or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 415-E and 15KWC.
2015 Kenworth K300 recalls 2
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Peterbilt 220 and Kenworth K300 trucks manufactured September 1, 2014, to March 30, 2015. Each time the cruise control speed decrease button is pressed, the vehicle speed will actually increase by one mile per hour.
Risk. If a driver is intending to slow down a vehicle but instead it inadvertently speeds up, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix. PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the cab controller software, free of charge. The recall began on June 5, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000, or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 415-E and 15KWC.
Electrical System
What's wrong. PACCAR Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Kenworth K300 and Peterbilt 210, 220, and 320 chassis manufactured March 14, 2012 to July 14, 2014. The affected vehicles may have loose fitting electrical connectors on the power distribution module which may cause the engine to shut off.
Risk. An unexpected engine shut down increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install nylon tie straps to hold the connectors in place until the permanent remedy, a connection position device, becomes available. Both remedies will be provided free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2015. For more information, Peterbilt owners may call 1-940-591-4220 and Kenworth owners may call 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 14KWH (Kenworth), and 714-G (Peterbilt).
2014 Kenworth K300 recalls 2
Electrical System
What's wrong. PACCAR Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Kenworth K300 and Peterbilt 210, 220, and 320 chassis manufactured March 14, 2012 to July 14, 2014. The affected vehicles may have loose fitting electrical connectors on the power distribution module which may cause the engine to shut off.
Risk. An unexpected engine shut down increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install nylon tie straps to hold the connectors in place until the permanent remedy, a connection position device, becomes available. Both remedies will be provided free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2015. For more information, Peterbilt owners may call 1-940-591-4220 and Kenworth owners may call 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 14KWH (Kenworth), and 714-G (Peterbilt).
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2012 through 2014 model year Kenworth K300 and Peterbilt 210 and 220 chassis equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for electrical insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
Risk. If the potting compound is exposed to heat and conducts electricity, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire and personal injury.
Fix. PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective component with a new battery equalizer or DC-DC converter, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact PACCAR at 1-425-468-7400. Kenworth's number for this recall is 14KWD. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 1213J.
2013 Kenworth K300 recalls 2
Electrical System
What's wrong. PACCAR Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Kenworth K300 and Peterbilt 210, 220, and 320 chassis manufactured March 14, 2012 to July 14, 2014. The affected vehicles may have loose fitting electrical connectors on the power distribution module which may cause the engine to shut off.
Risk. An unexpected engine shut down increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install nylon tie straps to hold the connectors in place until the permanent remedy, a connection position device, becomes available. Both remedies will be provided free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2015. For more information, Peterbilt owners may call 1-940-591-4220 and Kenworth owners may call 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 14KWH (Kenworth), and 714-G (Peterbilt).
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2012 through 2014 model year Kenworth K300 and Peterbilt 210 and 220 chassis equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for electrical insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
Risk. If the potting compound is exposed to heat and conducts electricity, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire and personal injury.
Fix. PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective component with a new battery equalizer or DC-DC converter, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact PACCAR at 1-425-468-7400. Kenworth's number for this recall is 14KWD. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 1213J.
2012 Kenworth K300 recalls 1
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2012 through 2014 model year Kenworth K300 and Peterbilt 210 and 220 chassis equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for electrical insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
Risk. If the potting compound is exposed to heat and conducts electricity, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire and personal injury.
Fix. PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective component with a new battery equalizer or DC-DC converter, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact PACCAR at 1-425-468-7400. Kenworth's number for this recall is 14KWD. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 1213J.
Best and worst years for the Kenworth K300
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Kenworth K300 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Kenworth K300 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Kenworth K300 — 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 K300 specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Kenworth K300. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Kenworth K300 window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Kenworth K300 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the K300 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 K300 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 K300 get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Kenworth K300 have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Kenworth K300 cost to own?
A Kenworth K300 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 K300 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 K300 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 K300 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 K300 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the K300 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
Tired of ads? Go Pro.
- Zero ads — clean, fast pages
- Exact mileage-adjusted car values
- Full research reports + PDF
- Market charts & price-drop alerts
- …and much more
How many miles does a Kenworth K300 last?
A well-maintained Kenworth K300 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 K300’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this K300’s VIN free →All Kenworth K300 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Kenworth K300 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2023 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2022 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2021 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2020 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2019 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2018 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2017 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2016 K300 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2015 K300 | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2014 K300 | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2013 K300 | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2012 K300 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2011 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2010 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2009 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2008 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2007 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2006 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2005 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2004 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2003 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2002 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2001 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 2000 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 1999 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 1998 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 1997 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 1996 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 1995 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 1994 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 1993 K300 | 0 | — | — |
| 1992 K300 | 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 K300?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Kenworth K300.
How many recalls does the K300 have?
8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1992–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a K300 last?
A well-maintained K300 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the K300 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the K300 is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Kenworth K300 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 K300 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your K300'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 K300 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.