The Kenworth T2000 spans 1996–2005 with 52 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1997, 2004, 1999 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1996, 2005, 2001. 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 T2000 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1996 to 2005 across multiple generations.
How to read a Kenworth T2000 VIN — every digit explained
Every Kenworth T2000 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 T2000.
- 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 T2000, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Kenworth T2000 have?
The Kenworth T2000 has 52 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1996–2005. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2005 Kenworth T2000 recalls 7
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. On certain trucks, the removable tow hitch ,when used to tow or lift a vehicle, can fail due to defective material in the tow hitch.
Risk. If the tow hitch assembly fails while a vehicle is being towed or lifted, it may cause an accident that could result in personal injury or death.
Fix. Dealers will replace the tow pin assembly free of charge. The recall began on september 4, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 940-591-4201.
Suspension
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the suspension has transverse beam castings that may fracture under normal loads. If a casting breaks when the vehicle is traveling on a roadway there is the potential for pieces of the casting to become projectiles and the suspension's transverse beam may drop down low enough to contact the road surface.
Risk. This could cause sparks that could potentially ignite and cause a fire.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the defective transverse beam assemblies free of charge. The recall began on june 10, 2005, with letters being mailed to peterbilt owners; and on june 17, 2005, for kenworth owners. Owners may contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201 or kenworth at 425-828-5440.
Engine And Engine Cooling
What's wrong. On certain tractors equipped with caterpillar diesel engines, the variable valve actuation oil line may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not positioned correctly.
Risk. The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.
Fix. Caterpillar, in conjunction with paccar, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309-675-6496, kenworth at 425-828-5440, or peterbilt at 940-591-4201.
Engine And Engine Cooling
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with caterpillar c11, c13 or c15 engines, the oil fill cap can become dislodged due to cap damage or improper installation and become lodged in the u-joint of the steering driveline and steering gear.
Risk. If the cap becomes dodged in this area, it may result in difficulty steering the vehicle or cause complete steering lock-up increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Paccar is working with caterpillar to repair these vehicles. Revised oil cap retention based on the engine model/configuration will be incorporated to prevent steering lock-up. The recall began during december 2007. Owners may contact caterpillar at 1-800-447-4986 or kenworth at 425-828-5440.
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. On certain trucks and tractors equipped with airglide high-articulation rear suspensions, the c65-1006 sway bar used in this rear suspension may experience a reduction in fatigue life due to either a manufacturing process or a high induced stress during an extreme suspension articulation event.
Risk. Both of these conditions can lead to a failure of the sway bar which could cause the rear axle to come loose, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. The inspection and repair of these vehicles will depend on the type of vehicle (tractor or truck) and the intended service application. This inspection and repair criteria will be forthcoming. The recall began on june 30, 2005. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
Service Brakes, Air
What's wrong. Kenworth is recalling 3,423 my 2004-2009 t2000, t800,t600, w900 and t660 vehicles. Increased brake excitation in a certain vehicle configuration which includes bendix drum brakes, wide base low profile single tires, and an ag400 or ag460 rear suspension, due to its unique brake clocking and cam tube length, can cause fatigue and cracking to brake assembly components.
Risk. Cracking can cause a complete fracture of the cam tube, which could increase stopping distance and decrease parking brake hold capability.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the rear axle brakes assembly, replace cracked rear axle brakes assembly components where required, and install cam tube support brackets on all rear axle wheel ends free of charge. The recall is expected to begin or before july 25, 2009. Owner may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
Suspension
What's wrong. Paccar is recalling 130 my 2004-2009 t2000, t800, t600, w900 and t660 kenworth trucks built with an ag400 rear suspension, long stroke brake chambers, and wide base tires (super singles). These vehicles may develop an increase in lateral and vertical axle movement. This movement may cause part or parts of the brake assembly (brake cam tube support, brake chamber bracket, brake chamber, brake spider) to develop fatigue cracks, possibly resulting in the failure of the part or parts within the brake assembly.
Risk. A failure may reduce vehicle brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will install the cam tube support brackets on all of the rear axle wheel ends. Inspect the rear axle brake assembly and replace it if cracked. The recall is expected to begin during november 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
2004 Kenworth T2000 recalls 7
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
What's wrong. On certain trucks, a locking tab in the hood lock cylinder was improperly located preventing the cylinder lock from engaging. The hood lock cylinder is designed to support the hood once it is raised for access to the engine compartment.
Risk. If the lock does not engage this could result in the hood closing without warning, increasing the risk of injury to someone working under the hood.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the hood lock cylinder and remove and replace any defective hood lock cylinders. The recall began january 23, 2005. Owners should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
Suspension
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the suspension has transverse beam castings that may fracture under normal loads. If a casting breaks when the vehicle is traveling on a roadway there is the potential for pieces of the casting to become projectiles and the suspension's transverse beam may drop down low enough to contact the road surface.
Risk. This could cause sparks that could potentially ignite and cause a fire.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the defective transverse beam assemblies free of charge. The recall began on june 10, 2005, with letters being mailed to peterbilt owners; and on june 17, 2005, for kenworth owners. Owners may contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201 or kenworth at 425-828-5440.
Engine And Engine Cooling
What's wrong. On certain tractors equipped with caterpillar diesel engines, the variable valve actuation oil line may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not positioned correctly.
Risk. The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.
Fix. Caterpillar, in conjunction with paccar, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309-675-6496, kenworth at 425-828-5440, or peterbilt at 940-591-4201.
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.
Service Brakes, Air
What's wrong. Kenworth is recalling 3,423 my 2004-2009 t2000, t800,t600, w900 and t660 vehicles. Increased brake excitation in a certain vehicle configuration which includes bendix drum brakes, wide base low profile single tires, and an ag400 or ag460 rear suspension, due to its unique brake clocking and cam tube length, can cause fatigue and cracking to brake assembly components.
Risk. Cracking can cause a complete fracture of the cam tube, which could increase stopping distance and decrease parking brake hold capability.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the rear axle brakes assembly, replace cracked rear axle brakes assembly components where required, and install cam tube support brackets on all rear axle wheel ends free of charge. The recall is expected to begin or before july 25, 2009. Owner may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
Suspension
What's wrong. Paccar is recalling 130 my 2004-2009 t2000, t800, t600, w900 and t660 kenworth trucks built with an ag400 rear suspension, long stroke brake chambers, and wide base tires (super singles). These vehicles may develop an increase in lateral and vertical axle movement. This movement may cause part or parts of the brake assembly (brake cam tube support, brake chamber bracket, brake chamber, brake spider) to develop fatigue cracks, possibly resulting in the failure of the part or parts within the brake assembly.
Risk. A failure may reduce vehicle brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will install the cam tube support brackets on all of the rear axle wheel ends. Inspect the rear axle brake assembly and replace it if cracked. The recall is expected to begin during november 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
Structure
What's wrong. On certain trucks, the bracket, used to support the battery box and step, can crack.
Risk. A crack in the bracket may lead to premature failure of the bracket causing the step to fail without warning, when an individual steps on it, causing a fall.
Fix. Dealers will change the battery box support bracket and step support bracket. The recall began on september 24, 2004. Owners should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
2003 Kenworth T2000 recalls 5
Unknown Or Other
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with vertical tail pipes, the frame access grabhandle is mounted too high.
Risk. This condition could cause a person to slip and/or fall and could lead to personal injury.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the grabhandle location and if determined to be mounted too high, the handle will be relocated to the proper height. Owner notification began july 29, 2003. Owners should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
Exterior Lighting
What's wrong. Certain trucks equipped with trailer connections fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards (fmvss) no. 121, "air brake systems," and no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the supplier removed a rubber grommet from the trailer light line connector. The vehicles are experiencing corrosion at the 7-way trailer connection. This causes intermittent flashing/flickering of the trailer lights.
Risk. This could cause an electrical short and/or possible fire hazard.
Fix. Dealers will install the missing grommet on all affected chassis. If a connector is found defective, it will be replaced with a new connector. Owner notification is began on march 14, 2003. 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 1-425-828-5440.
Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with dana spicer integral knuckle and steer arm assemblies, the steer axle assemblies may have a longitudinal crack in the steer arm.
Risk. If the crack should propagate over time, the ball could become loose resulting in a loss of steering, which could result in a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the knuckle and steer arm assemblies. Owner notification began january 5, 2004. Owners should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4201.
Structure
What's wrong. On certain trucks, the bracket, used to support the battery box and step, can crack.
Risk. A crack in the bracket may lead to premature failure of the bracket causing the step to fail without warning, when an individual steps on it, causing a fall.
Fix. Dealers will change the battery box support bracket and step support bracket. The recall began on september 24, 2004. Owners should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
Trailer Hitches:fifth Wheel Assembly
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.
Risk. If left undetected or corrected it could lead to the separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions free of charge. Peterbilt's owner notification began june 20, 2003. Kenworth's owner notification began june 12, 2003. 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 940-591-4201 or kenworth 425-828-5440.
2002 Kenworth T2000 recalls 3
Unknown Or Other
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with vertical tail pipes, the frame access grabhandle is mounted too high.
Risk. This condition could cause a person to slip and/or fall and could lead to personal injury.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the grabhandle location and if determined to be mounted too high, the handle will be relocated to the proper height. Owner notification began july 29, 2003. Owners should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
Exterior Lighting
What's wrong. Certain trucks equipped with trailer connections fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards (fmvss) no. 121, "air brake systems," and no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the supplier removed a rubber grommet from the trailer light line connector. The vehicles are experiencing corrosion at the 7-way trailer connection. This causes intermittent flashing/flickering of the trailer lights.
Risk. This could cause an electrical short and/or possible fire hazard.
Fix. Dealers will install the missing grommet on all affected chassis. If a connector is found defective, it will be replaced with a new connector. Owner notification is began on march 14, 2003. 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 1-425-828-5440.
Trailer Hitches:fifth Wheel Assembly
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.
Risk. If left undetected or corrected it could lead to the separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions free of charge. Peterbilt's owner notification began june 20, 2003. Kenworth's owner notification began june 12, 2003. 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 940-591-4201 or kenworth 425-828-5440.
2001 Kenworth T2000 recalls 5
Trailer Hitches:fifth Wheel Assembly
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.
Risk. If left undetected or corrected it could lead to the separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions free of charge. Peterbilt's owner notification began june 20, 2003. Kenworth's owner notification began june 12, 2003. 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 940-591-4201 or kenworth 425-828-5440.
Unknown Or Other
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with vertical tail pipes, the frame access grabhandle is mounted too high.
Risk. This condition could cause a person to slip and/or fall and could lead to personal injury.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the grabhandle location and if determined to be mounted too high, the handle will be relocated to the proper height. Owner notification began july 29, 2003. Owners should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.
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.
Suspension:front:hub
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.
Risk. Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace all front axle hubs. Notification began july 16, 2003. The manufacturer has advised us that parts will not be available until september 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy with a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201 or kenworth 425-828-5440.
Power Train:driveline:universal Joint
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The driveline u-joint fasteners at the output yoke of the transmission were improperly tightened.
Risk. Under-tightened fasteners can lead to the driveline becoming detached from the vehicle resulting in property damage or personal injury.
Fix. Dealers will tighten the driveline fasteners to the proper specification. Owner notification began november 26, 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 T2000 recalls 6
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.
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.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with eaton autoshift gen ii transmission assemblies. Due to a software problem in the transmission assemblies, the transmission will select the wrong gear.
Risk. If an inappropriate gear is selected without the driver's knowledge, the vehicle will react differently than expected, possibly resulting in injury or crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the autoshift transmissions. Eaton performed the campaign for the kenworth portion. However peterbilt will be conducting their own campaign.
Suspension:front:hub
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.
Risk. Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace all front axle hubs. Notification began july 16, 2003. The manufacturer has advised us that parts will not be available until september 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy with a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201 or kenworth 425-828-5440.
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.
Service Brakes, Air:supply:quick Release Valve
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with brake valves manufactured by honeywell bendix. The orientation and location of the brake valve is such that water can get into the valve through a vent in the valve. The water will contaminate the air system and could freeze the brake valve.
Risk. If frozen, the operator will not be able to modulate the brake forces with the brake pedal.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the air brake system and modifications will be made to the brake valve.
1999 Kenworth T2000 recalls 8
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.
Electrical System:ignition:module
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar engines and eaton autoshift transmissions. The engines can stall because of software problems.
Risk. Increased steering effort can occur.
Fix. Dealers will update these engines with software changes. Caterpillar is conducting the owner notification and remedy of this recall.
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.
Suspension:front:hub
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.
Risk. Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace all front axle hubs. Notification began july 16, 2003. The manufacturer has advised us that parts will not be available until september 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy with a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201 or kenworth 425-828-5440.
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.
Service Brakes, Air:supply:quick Release Valve
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with brake valves manufactured by honeywell bendix. The orientation and location of the brake valve is such that water can get into the valve through a vent in the valve. The water will contaminate the air system and could freeze the brake valve.
Risk. If frozen, the operator will not be able to modulate the brake forces with the brake pedal.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the air brake system and modifications will be made to the brake valve.
1998 Kenworth T2000 recalls 4
Electrical System:ignition:module
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar engines and eaton autoshift transmissions. The engines can stall because of software problems.
Risk. Increased steering effort can occur.
Fix. Dealers will update these engines with software changes. Caterpillar is conducting the owner notification and remedy of this recall.
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.
Suspension:front:hub
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.
Risk. Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace all front axle hubs. Notification began july 16, 2003. The manufacturer has advised us that parts will not be available until september 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy with a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201 or kenworth 425-828-5440.
1997 Kenworth T2000 recalls 4
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
What's wrong. A secondary bend operation was not performed during assembly of the door latch which could cause the door latch to jam when locked.
Risk. The door latch will not release from either the inside or the outside of the vehicle.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the door latches for certain date codes and replace suspect latches with new latches.
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:rear
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with kenworth airglide 200 rear suspension. Due to materials used in the sway bar arms and studs as well as the stud plating material, stress corrosion cracking and bending fatigue can occur in the rear suspension sway bar arms and studs causing the stud to fail prematurely.
Risk. This could cause a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the arm assembly manufactured from a different material. New studs will be installed with different threads and different finish.
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 T2000 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.
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with kenworth airglide 200 rear suspension. Due to materials used in the sway bar arms and studs as well as the stud plating material, stress corrosion cracking and bending fatigue can occur in the rear suspension sway bar arms and studs causing the stud to fail prematurely.
Risk. This could cause a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the arm assembly manufactured from a different material. New studs will be installed with different threads and different finish.
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.
Best and worst years for the Kenworth T2000
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 10 tracked years, the worst years are 1997, 2004, 1999 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1996, 2005, 2001.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 T2000 | — | Best | |
| 1997 T2000 | Visibility | Avoid | |
| 1998 T2000 | Suspension | Average | |
| 1999 T2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 2000 T2000 | Power Train | Average | |
| 2001 T2000 | Service Brakes | Best | |
| 2002 T2000 | Tires | Average | |
| 2003 T2000 | Exterior Lighting | Average | |
| 2004 T2000 | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2005 T2000 | — | Best |
What are the most common Kenworth T2000 problems?
The most-reported Kenworth T2000 problems are Air (1 reports), Other (1 reports) and Tires (2 reports) — out of 25 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:
Visibility 5 Read
Vehicle is experiencing problems with the heating ventilation air conditioner, not being able to effectively defrost the windshield while driving, consumer states there is a recall for this problem, however the model or year does not apply to his vehicle.*jb
Radiator failed.
Windshield failed.
Power windows failed.
The curved windshield has a flat spot on the driver's side. Manufacturer was contacted. *ak
Engine And Engine Cooling 3 Read
1999 kenworth conventional. Consumer states that while driving he noticed a strange smell coming from the truck consumer pulled over the truck had caught on fire. *mc (ohio traffic crash report. *tr
While driving at an undetermined speed vehicle stalled, causing the consumer to pull off the road. Consumer took the vehicle to a mechanic. *ak
Radiator failed.
Structure 3 Read
Brakets under vehicle failed. Not air bag complaint ( e.g., seat belt, trailer suspension air bag, etc.) added on 09-07-1999. *ak
Door lock failed.
Dashboard failed.
Tires 2 Read
2004 kenworth t2000 right front tire blew. *ts the vehicle sustained to damage to the right front steer tire, hood, right front rim, right headlight and signals and right rearview mirror (ohio traffic crash report). *nm
I brought a set of cooper steer tires for my semi truck from a flying j in black river falls wi. The tires shortly after started wearing unevenly, cupping badly and seem to be falling apart. This began after approximately 30k miles, i tried effortlessly to contact cooper to inform of the defects and issues and was blown off. I contacted the flying j i purchased them from and was told they were recalled and that cooper had come and taken the tires from the store and that neither the flying j or cooper tire had any intention or thought about contacting the purchasers of these tires. After i spoke to someone in there corporate office they were not recalled tires they were simply just known "for problems" and they refused to explain why no one was contacted. I was then told that they would give me 75% credit for the tires that they knew had safety issues and would be given a national discount i agreed and assumed i would follow up even more so with cooper. When i contacted cooper again via email and explained this to them again i was told that they don't warranty safety and that i would have to contact a dealer for further information. These tires are a major safety risk to the general public and after i was told by the flying j personnel in there corporate office that these are the 13th set of steer tires just from that location alone that they have had to replace due to the same defects i think that warrants someone doing or saying something!!!!! Think how many accidents these tires may have caused or could have caused recently, how many families must lose loved ones due to coopers outright negligence. *tr
Exterior Lighting 2 Read
Problems with with kenworth t2000.*mr this trailer is equipped with turn signal indicatior that sound like alarm clocks when activated. When the drivers are driving as a team (2 driver's) one driver has to sleep while one driver operates the trailer. The sleeping driver is constantly aroused from sleep when the oerator has to use the turn signals. The driver's believes this noise is more annoying than safety related. The slppeing driver isn't able to get noise free rest therefore they believe it's more of a safety risk if the driver are not well rested when behind the wheel. *nm
Vehicle has several safety defects including problems with the front end alignment, doors, transmission, headliner, and tail lights.
Service Brakes 2 Read
Brake cam brackets on rear axle broke due to poor welding. *tr
Consumer states vehicle is experiencing brake problems, three of the four air brake cam supports are broken and the brake bracket welds are broken.*jb
Suspension 2 Read
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 kenworth t2000. While driving at 55 mph, the rear of the vehicle failed to remain in position. The contact had to steer the vehicle in excess in order to keep the vehicle in position. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the lateral pins holding the suspension had shifted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that both rear sway bars needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 01v051000 (suspension) but the vin was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,200,000.
Vehicle has several safety defects including problems with the front end alignment, doors, transmission, headliner, and tail lights.
Equipment 2 Read
Door lock failed.
C.b. Radio failed.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Kenworth T2000 specifications & dimensions
The 2005 Kenworth T2000. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Kenworth T2000 window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Kenworth T2000 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the T2000 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 T2000 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 T2000 get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Kenworth T2000 have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Kenworth T2000 cost to own?
A Kenworth T2000 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 T2000 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 T2000 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 T2000 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 T2000 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the T2000 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 T2000 last?
A well-maintained Kenworth T2000 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 T2000’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this T2000’s VIN free →All Kenworth T2000 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Kenworth T2000 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 T2000 | 7 recalls | — | — |
| 2004 T2000 | 7 recalls | — | — |
| 2003 T2000 | 5 recalls | — | — |
| 2002 T2000 | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2001 T2000 | 5 recalls | — | — |
| 2000 T2000 | 6 recalls | — | — |
| 1999 T2000 | 8 recalls | — | — |
| 1998 T2000 | 4 recalls | — | — |
| 1997 T2000 | 4 recalls | — | — |
| 1996 T2000 | 3 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 T2000?
By owner-complaint volume, 1997, 2004, 1999 drew the most reports. 1996, 2005, 2001 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the T2000 have?
52 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1996–2005. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a T2000 last?
A well-maintained T2000 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the T2000 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the T2000 is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Kenworth T2000 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 T2000 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your T2000'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 T2000 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.