The Kenworth T2000 has 27 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1996–2005. On average a defect was admitted 1.46 years after the car was built, the slowest took 5 years. The most recalled system is Suspension (6 campaigns). Owners also filed 11 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Kenworth T2000
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Suspension 6 Read
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
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
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
Steering 5 Read
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
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…
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…
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…
Electrical System 3 Read
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
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
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
Trailer Hitches 2 Read
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
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…
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…
Engine And Engine Cooling 2 Read
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
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
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
Service Brakes, Air 2 Read
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
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
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
Latches/Locks/Linkages 2 Read
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
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
Power Train 2 Read
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
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
Structure 1 Read
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
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
Unknown Or Other 1 Read
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
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
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
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 1.46 years |
| Slowest campaign | 5 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 5.8% |
| Campaigns on record | 27 |
Which T2000 years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Suspension | |
| 2004 | Structure | |
| 2003 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2002 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2001 | Suspension | |
| 2000 | Service Brakes, Air | |
| 1999 | Service Brakes, Air | |
| 1998 | Suspension | |
| 1997 | Suspension | |
| 1996 | Suspension |
Check your own car
Each of these 27 campaigns covers a range of production, not every Kenworth T2000 ever built — two cars of the same year can differ by a single week at the plant. Whether yours is among them, and whether the free repair was already carried out, is answered only by the number on its windscreen: check this T2000 by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Kenworth T2000 have?
27 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1996–2005. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my T2000 still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 1.46 years, and the slowest campaign came 5 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.