The Kenworth T180 spans 2022–2026 with 12 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 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 T180 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2022 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Kenworth T180 VIN — every digit explained
Every Kenworth T180 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 T180.
- 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 T180, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Kenworth T180 have?
The Kenworth T180 has 12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2022–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2025 Kenworth T180 recalls 3
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 365, 367, 389, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480, T680, T880 and W990 trucks. The right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors may have been improperly crimped, resulting in a loss of communication.
Risk. A loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after coming to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the gear shifter assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 15, 2025, then phased after that. 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 24PBE and 24KWE.
Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Kenworth T480, T680, T880, W990, Peterbilt 520, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, 589, 2025 Kenworth T180, Peterbilt 535, 2025-2026 Kenworth T280, T380 and L770 vehicles. The tail brake light, upper and lower beam headlights, reverse light, and turn signal may not illuminate as intended. In addition, the lift axles, if lowered, may revert to a raised position, or oscillate up and down when the signal warning lights are activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Risk. Delayed and unsteady headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an unexpected position change of the lift axles may increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will update the VCU software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 25PACF.
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2025 Kenworth T180, Peterbilt 535, 567, 2025-2026 Kenworth T280, 2023-2026 Kenworth T380, 2024-2026 Kenworth T480, 2024-2026 Peterbilt 536, 537, and 548 trucks. The exterior lighting switch may fail, resulting in the hazard lights and the instrument display back-light brightness adjustment not functioning. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Risk. Inoperative hazard lights cannot alert other drivers as intended. In addition, the inability to adjust the brightness on the instrument panel display can make it difficult to see critical safety information or distract the driver. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will update the vehicle cab controller unit (VECU) software, free of charge. Owners are advised that a non-responsive switch can be temporarily reset by a key cycle. Owner notification letters were mailed March 26, 2025. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 25KWB and 25PBB.
2024 Kenworth T180 recalls 3
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Peterbilt 535, 536, 537, 548, 2023-2024 Kenworth T280, T380, T480, and 2024 Kenworth T180 trucks. The throttle pedal assembly may contain an oversized magnet carrier, slowing the responsiveness or causing the pedal to stick.
Risk. A pedal that sticks increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the throttle pedal as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 and Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 25PBA and 25KWA.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 365, 367, 389, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480, T680, T880 and W990 trucks. The right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors may have been improperly crimped, resulting in a loss of communication.
Risk. A loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after coming to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the gear shifter assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 15, 2025, then phased after that. 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 24PBE and 24KWE.
Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Peterbilt 535, 536, 537, 548, and Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480 trucks. The glass lock ring on the cab mirror assembly may not be fully seated, allowing the mirror glass to detach.
Risk. A detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the mirror glass lock ring and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 23, 2024. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and/or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24KWA and 24PBA.
2023 Kenworth T180 recalls 2
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 365, 367, 389, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480, T680, T880 and W990 trucks. The right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors may have been improperly crimped, resulting in a loss of communication.
Risk. A loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after coming to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the gear shifter assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 15, 2025, then phased after that. 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 24PBE and 24KWE.
Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Peterbilt 535, 536, 537, 548, and Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480 trucks. The glass lock ring on the cab mirror assembly may not be fully seated, allowing the mirror glass to detach.
Risk. A detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the mirror glass lock ring and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 23, 2024. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and/or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24KWA and 24PBA.
2022 Kenworth T180 recalls 4
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 365, 367, 389, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480, T680, T880 and W990 trucks. The right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors may have been improperly crimped, resulting in a loss of communication.
Risk. A loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after coming to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the gear shifter assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 15, 2025, then phased after that. 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 24PBE and 24KWE.
Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Peterbilt 535, 536, 537, 548, and Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480 trucks. The glass lock ring on the cab mirror assembly may not be fully seated, allowing the mirror glass to detach.
Risk. A detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the mirror glass lock ring and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 23, 2024. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and/or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24KWA and 24PBA.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
What's wrong. PACCAR, Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022 Kenworth T180, 2021-2023 Kenworth T280, 2022-2023 Kenworth T380, 2022-2023 Peterbilt 536, and 537 vehicles. Internal components of the transmission actuator may slip, causing the actuator to become miscalibrated.
Risk. A miscalibrated actuator may cause the transmission to shift into an unexpected gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the transmission actuator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2022. Owners may contact PACCAR's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 (Kenworth); 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's number for this recall is 22KWD and 22PBD.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:abs Warning Light
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022 Kenworth T180 and 2023 Kenworth T280 and Peterbilt 535 vehicles. The ABS telltale was not enabled on certain vehicles, and will not illuminate even during an ABS malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."
Risk. An inoperational ABS system may not notify the driver of a malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will perform a complete software update to correct the parameter setting, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact PACCAR's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 (Kenworth); 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's number for this recall is 22KWC and 22PBC.
Best and worst years for the Kenworth T180
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Kenworth T180 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Kenworth T180 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Kenworth T180 — 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 T180 specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Kenworth T180. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Kenworth T180 window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Kenworth T180 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the T180 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 T180 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 T180 get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Kenworth T180 have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Kenworth T180 cost to own?
A Kenworth T180 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 T180 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 T180 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 T180 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 T180 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the T180 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Kenworth T180 last?
A well-maintained Kenworth T180 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 4.0/5.
Check your Kenworth T180’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this T180’s VIN free →All Kenworth T180 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Kenworth T180 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 T180 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 T180 | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2024 T180 | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2023 T180 | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2022 T180 | 4 recalls | — | — |
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 T180?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Kenworth T180.
How many recalls does the T180 have?
12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2022–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a T180 last?
A well-maintained T180 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the T180 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the T180 is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Kenworth T180 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 T180 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your T180'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 T180 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.