Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1998 Kenworth T800
The 1998 Kenworth T800 has notable recall history, focusing on issues with engine control modules, suspension components, and braking systems. Due to a lack of owner complaints, concrete advice is limited, but prospective buyers should be vigilant during inspection and test drive. Several recalls indicate potential safety concerns, so confirm that all recall work has been completed.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1998 Kenworth T800 has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file as of . try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 1998 Kenworth T800. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #03V245000 PACCAR/KENWORTH/CUMMINS/ECM NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V125000 PACCAR/ARVINMERITOR/SKF/FRONT AXLE HUBS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V126000 PACCAR/KENWORTH/AIR RESERVOIR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V061001 PACCAR/DANA SPICER/TANDEM DRIVE AXLE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V142000 PACCAR/KENWORTH/PART 567/GAWR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V051000 PACCAR/KENWORTH/LOWER SWAY ARM BOLTS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V181001 PACCAR/ENGINE STALL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #98V129000 PACCAR/ELECTRICAL/FUEL LINE ROUTING NHTSA notice
Known issues to inspect
ECM throttle fail-safe error
How to check: Check ECM for recall completion certification.
Front hub bearings wear prematurely
How to check: Inspect front hubs for excessive play or noise.
Inadequate air reservoir volume
How to check: Confirm brake system has proper reservoir volume.
Rear suspension weld may fracture
How to check: Check for visible weld fractures on rear axle.
Ignition module software issues
How to check: Confirm ECM software version and updates.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for engine irregularities at idle.
Red flag: Engine stalling or surging sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Ensure engine idles smoothly without stalling.
Red flag: Rough idle or stalling
- 03
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for transmission responsiveness and power output.
Red flag: Delayed acceleration or lack of power
- 04
Hard braking
What to check: Assess braking performance and stability.
Red flag: Brakes feel spongy or uneven
- 05
Tight cornering
What to check: Listen for suspension noises on turns.
Red flag: Clunking or grinding noises
- 06
General cruise
What to check: Monitor for any dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights displayed
- 07
Uphill drive
What to check: Check engine and transmission strain.
Red flag: Overheating or loss of power
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recall repairs been completed?
- What kind of maintenance records do you have?
- Have there been any major repairs?
- Are there any unresolved issues currently?
- When was the last ECM update?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion documents
- Maintenance records
- Title and registration
- ECM software update logs
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1998 Kenworth T800 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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