NHTSA vehicle safety data

2005 Kenworth T600 Recalls & Complaints

The 2005 Kenworth T600 has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 4 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Kenworth dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Kenworth T600. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2005 Kenworth T600 owner complaints

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Kenworth T600, describing incidents dated July 7, 2005 to October 30, 2009.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 3 complaints
Engine 1 complaint
Structure 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #10303465 · Filed January 31, 2010
09V239000 RECALL REPAIR WAS MADE TO MY 2005 KENWORTH T600, BUT THE WELDING THAT WAS PERFORMED TO CONNECT THE SUPPORT BRACKETS TO THE AXLE HAVE FULLY CRACKED AND SEPERATED,MECHANICS AT KENWORTH DEALERSHIPS ARE NOT CERTIFIED WELDERS,THE CHICKEN !@#$%'. WELDING DOES NOT PENETRATE THE AXLE METAL…
ODI #10290530 · Filed November 1, 2009
2005 KENWORTH T600 LAST 8 OF VIN 099664 AIR BRAKE CHAMBER MOUNTING BRACKET FAILED/CRACKED IN HALF,BRAKE CHAMBER HANGING BY HOSES ONLY, DRIVER SIDE REAR AXLE. *TR
ODI #10283553 · Filed September 10, 2009
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KENWORTH T600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCES INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES AND DECREASED PARKING BRAKE HOLD CAPABILITY. HE THEN RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 09V239000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR). HOWEVER HE HAS ALREADY PAID AN EXPENSE OF $2500.00 TO REPLACE VARIOUS BRAKING…

Read all 4 complaints

DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLIES

NHTSA #09V239000 · Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA notice

Reported June 30, 2009 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 3,423 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 09KW7 · Owners notified July 20, 2009 · Vehicles built April 23, 2003 – September 17, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

CRACKING CAN CAUSE A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE CAM TUBE, WHICH COULD INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE AND DECREASE PARKING BRAKE HOLD CAPABILITY.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

PACCAR RECALL NO. 09KW7.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

BRAKE ASSEMBLIES/AIRGLIDE 400 REAR SUSPENSION

NHTSA #08V485000 · Suspension · NHTSA notice

Reported September 24, 2008 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 130 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 08KWB · Owners notified January 26, 2009 · Vehicles built July 7, 2003 – September 11, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A FAILURE MAY REDUCE VEHICLE BRAKE PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

KENWORTH RECALL NO. 08KWB. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

OIL FILL CAP/CATERPILLAR

NHTSA #07V279000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported June 28, 2007 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 28,968 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 07KWB · Owners notified December 14, 2007 · Vehicles built August 8, 2004 – November 13, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

KENWORTH RECALL NO. 07KWB.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

REMOVABLE FRONT TOW HITCH

NHTSA #07V269000 · Trailer Hitches · NHTSA notice

Reported June 26, 2007 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 9,571 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 507E & 07KWA · Owners notified September 4, 2007 · Vehicles built August 9, 2004 – May 4, 2007 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

PETERBILT RECALL NO.507E AND KENWORTH RECALL NO. 07KWA.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION OIL LINE/OIL LEAK

NHTSA #05V570000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported December 22, 2005 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 30,995 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05KW7 & 1205E · Owners notified April 17, 2006 · Vehicles built April 9, 2003 – December 14, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THE OIL LINE MAY BE CUT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSING AN OIL LEAK AND A POSSIBLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

KENWORTH RECALL NO. 05KW7 AND PETERBILT RECALL NO. 1205E.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236(TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

ESP/STEERING COLUMN SHAFT ALIGNMENT

NHTSA #05V543000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported November 29, 2005 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 241 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05KW6 & 1105D · Owners notified December 7, 2005 · Vehicles built July 1, 2004 – November 15, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE BENDIX ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESP) SYSTEM, THE SYSTEM USES MULTIPLE SENSORS AND AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) TO CONTROL VEHICLE UNDER STEER, OVER-STEER, AND ROLLOVER SITUATIONS. THE SYSTEM RELIES ON VEHICLE SENSORS TO BE FUNCTIONING AND ALIGNED PROPERLY. THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE MISALIGNED WITH THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT, THEREBY PROVIDING INCORRECT INFORMATION TO THE BENDIX ECU.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD AFFECT VEHICLE THROTTLE CONTROL AND BRAKING, THEREBY LEADING TO LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

BECAUSE OF THE IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL RISK, KENWORTH AND PETERBILT DEALERS WILL FIRST DEACTIVATE THE YAW CONTROL FEATURE OF THE BENDIX ESP SYSTEM PREVENTING INADVERTENT ESP ACTIVATION. WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE, THE STEERING COLUMN WILL BE REPLACED TO INSURE PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE STEERING SHAFT SENSOR AND THE FULL ESP SYSTEM WILL BE REACTIVATED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2005. PARTS TO COMPLETE THE REMEDY ARE ESTIMATED TO BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4201.

Notes

KENWORTH RECALL NO. 05KW6 AND PETERBILT RECALL NO. 1105D. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

AIRGLIDE HIGH-ARTICULATION REAR SUSPENSION

NHTSA #05V237000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported May 19, 2005 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 850 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05KW4 · Owners notified June 30, 2005 · Vehicles built December 6, 2004 – May 13, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

KENWORTH RECALL NO. 05KW4.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FRACTURE SUSPENSION BEAM/HOLLAND

NHTSA #05V189000 · Suspension · NHTSA notice

Reported April 28, 2005 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 1,026 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05KW3 & 405-B · Owners notified June 10, 2005 · Vehicles built January 1, 2004 – December 31, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE SPARKS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY IGNITE AND CAUSE A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

PETERBILT RECALL NO. 405-B AND KENWORTH RECALL NO. 05KW3.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2005 Kenworth T600. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

4 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Kenworth T600.

Service Brakes, Air; Structure

ODI #10303465

Incident: October 18, 2009 · Filed: January 31, 2010

09V239000 RECALL REPAIR WAS MADE TO MY 2005 KENWORTH T600, BUT THE WELDING THAT WAS PERFORMED TO CONNECT THE SUPPORT BRACKETS TO THE AXLE HAVE FULLY CRACKED AND SEPERATED,MECHANICS AT KENWORTH DEALERSHIPS ARE NOT CERTIFIED WELDERS,THE CHICKEN !@#$%'. WELDING DOES NOT PENETRATE THE AXLE METAL..... *TR

Service Brakes, Air

ODI #10290530

Incident: October 30, 2009 · Filed: November 1, 2009

2005 KENWORTH T600 LAST 8 OF VIN 099664 AIR BRAKE CHAMBER MOUNTING BRACKET FAILED/CRACKED IN HALF,BRAKE CHAMBER HANGING BY HOSES ONLY, DRIVER SIDE REAR AXLE. *TR

Service Brakes, Air

ODI #10283553

Incident: November 15, 2007 · Filed: September 10, 2009

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KENWORTH T600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCES INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES AND DECREASED PARKING BRAKE HOLD CAPABILITY. HE THEN RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 09V239000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR). HOWEVER HE HAS ALREADY PAID AN EXPENSE OF $2500.00 TO REPLACE VARIOUS BRAKING COMPONENTS, AND YET THE FAILURES HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 360,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 690,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10194631

Incident: July 7, 2005 · Filed: June 25, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KENWORTH T600. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MINUTES LATER. THE FAILURE USUALLY OCCURS WHEN DRIVING UPHILL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE 6 OR 7 TIMES. THE RADIATOR, FAN, AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY THE LABOR FEES FOR EACH REPAIR. THE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CURRENT COST TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IS $20,000. THE DEALER STATED THAT BOTH THE HEAD GASKET AND ENGINE HAVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE AN INVOICE. THE # OF CYLINDERS, POWERTRAIN, AND FUEL SYSTEM WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 530,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

Other Kenworth T600 model years

Check your 2005 Kenworth T600 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Kenworth T600 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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