IllustrationTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KENWORTH W900. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME RAIL FAILED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE DEALER REPLACED THEM EACH TIME. THE FRAME RAIL CRACKED AND CUT THE POWER STEERING HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OIL LEAK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 211,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
2000 Kenworth W900
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all W900 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 1 of 7 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
7 reportsCONSUMER STATES THAT HE IS HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH HIS BIG RIG. HE STATES THAT HE CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE LIGHTS CUT OFF, THEN LATER ON THEY COME BACK ON. HE STATES THAT HE HAS HAD THIS TRUCK IN THE SHOP 60 PLUS TIMES, AND NO ONE CAN FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. HE STATES HE HAS HAD THE MOTOR REBUILT TW…
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CONSUMER STATES THAT HE IS HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH HIS BIG RIG. HE STATES THAT HE CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE LIGHTS CUT OFF, THEN LATER ON THEY COME BACK ON. HE STATES THAT HE HAS HAD THIS TRUCK IN THE SHOP 60 PLUS TIMES, AND NO ONE CAN FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. HE STATES HE HAS HAD THE MOTOR REBUILT TWICE, REPLACED THE HEADS, REPLACE GASKET ETC AT LEASE TWICE, AND NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM.
KENWORTH HAS A REPUTATION OF PUTTING A CUSTUMER OFF UNTILL WARRANTY IS OUT. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS WHERE TO BE ADDRESSED. AND THERE ARE MORE. HARD TO EXPLAIN IN SHORT WORDS. I DO HAVE DOCUMENTATION IN THE FORM OF MAINT. FILES WITH DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNTS OF ALL PROBLEMS , NONE OF WHICH HAVE BEEN ACCURATLY REPAIRED. I'V BEEN INTO VA…
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KENWORTH HAS A REPUTATION OF PUTTING A CUSTUMER OFF UNTILL WARRANTY IS OUT. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS WHERE TO BE ADDRESSED. AND THERE ARE MORE. HARD TO EXPLAIN IN SHORT WORDS. I DO HAVE DOCUMENTATION IN THE FORM OF MAINT. FILES WITH DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNTS OF ALL PROBLEMS , NONE OF WHICH HAVE BEEN ACCURATLY REPAIRED. I'V BEEN INTO VARIOUS SHOPS CONCERNING RR SUSPENSION, RIDE HEIGHT PRB. HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE ISSUE. THIS EFFECTS EVERY ASSPECT OF DRIVEABILITY, AT FIRST WAS THOUGTH TO BE ALLIGNMENT BUT THEN STARTED TO NOTICE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE TWO WHEN CONTROL VALVES STARTED LEAKING DOWN, AFTER 15 OR SO TRIPS TO SHOP , I BEGAN TO LEARN ALL I COULD ABOUT IT. AND AFTER 50 OR SO TIMES ADJUSTING MYSELF HAVE FOUND NO REAL SOLLUTION. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM EVER SINCE THE TRUCK WAS NEW AND IS ON THE TOP OF MY LIST BECAUSE NOT ONLY DOES THIS CREAT A MECHANICAL FALURE NIGHTMARE BUT IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO CERTAIN SAFTEY ISSUES BECAUSE TRK IS NOT VERY CONTROLABLE. AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL ACCIDENTS DUE TO VEHICLE HANDLING AND , I COULD TALK IN GREAT LENTHS ABOUTIT . ALSO THE OTHER ITEMS ARE VERY SIMILAR WHEN IT COMES TO SAFE OPPORATION. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER EXPLANATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION. *AK
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ENGINE WOULD STALLS WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AND THE PROBLEM REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. NLM
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED OF 20 MPH OR LESS RIGHT FRONT TIE ROD END BROKE, AND CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFROMATION.*AK
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 01V051000. SHE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH DEALERSHIP REGARDING THIS RECALL, AND DEALERSHIP INFORMED HER THEY HAD NO INFORMATION REGARDING RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
THE TRUCK HAS A VIBRATION, WHICH SHAKES BOLTS LOOSE AND THE SLEEPER DOORS LEAKS. *ET
Official recalls
903V125000 · Suspension:front:hub
Apr 1, 2003
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SEIZURE OF THE BEARINGS CAN CAUSE WHEEL SEPARATION OR WHEEL END FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
02V037003 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
Jul 15, 2002
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
02V061001 · Suspension:rear
Feb 27, 2002
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH REPLACEMENT DANA SPICER TANDEM DRIVE AXLE MODELS DS463 AND DS521, INSTALLED ON VEHICLES FROM MAY 1, 2001 THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2002, AN UNDERSIZED ATTACHMENT WELD MAY FRACTURE WITHOUT WARNING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE LOSS OF THIS ATTACHMENT TO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING OR DRIVER CONTROL.
Remedy: DANA IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. THE DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SUSPECT BRACKET, INSPECT THE AXLE HOUSING, AND REWELD THE BRACKET TO THE AXLE HOUSING. 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 DANA AT 616-567-1088 OR KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440.
02V033000 · Electrical System:wiring
Feb 4, 2002
ON SOME HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ALCOA FUJIKURA LTD. (AFL) POWER DISTRIBUTION BOXES (PD BOX), THE PD BOXES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH INSUFFICIENT TORQUE APPLIED TO THE NUT OF THE MAIN POWER FEED-THROUGH STUD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INSUFFICIENT TORQUE CAN LEAD TO (1) ELECTRICAL ARCING OF THE WIRES INSIDE OF THE PD BOX, OR (2) AN INTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY TO THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EITHER OF WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE ELECTRICAL POWER AND POSSIBLY VEHICLE CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE NUT ON THE MAIN POWER FEED-THROUGH STUD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 25, 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 KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.
01V140006 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
Aug 28, 2001
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
01V167001 · Suspension
May 17, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CHALMERS 1000 SERIES AND 800 SERIES SUSPENSION KITS. THESE SUSPENSION KITS MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT PENETRATION OF THE WELD ATTACHING THE TORQUE ROD EYE TO THE TORQUE ROD TUBE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FAILURE OF THE WELD COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE EYE AND TUBE, CAUSING A LOCK OF AXLE RETENTION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL CHALMERS FIXED TORQUE RODS ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 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 PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4000 OR KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5000.
01V142000 · Equipment:other:labels
Apr 24, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR FG941 STEER AXLES. THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) WAS DETERMINED INCORRECTLY AND OVER-STATED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL. WITH THE INCORRECT GAWR LISTED, THESE LABELS DO NOT MEET THE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "REQUIREMENTS FOR MANUFACTURERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES." VEHICLES WILL BE REMEDIED EITHER BY ASSIGNING THE PROPER WEIGHT RATING OR, IF POSSIBLE, BY CHANGING THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS TO MEET THE CURRENTLY ASSIGNED WEIGHT RATING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THESE VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATIONS.
Remedy: VEHICLES WILL BE REMEDIED EITHER BY ASSIGNING THE PROPER WEIGHT RATING OR, IF POSSIBLE, BY CHANGING THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS TO MEET THE CURRENTLY ASSIGNED WEIGHT RATING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 22, 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.
01V051000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
Feb 20, 2001
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FAILURE OF THE LOWER SWAY ARM ATTACHING BOLTS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: 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.
01V021000 · Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
Feb 5, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL FIREWALL-MOUNTED CIRCUIT BREAKER. THE MAIN CAB POWER AND BATTERY POWER LEADS WERE ATTACHED INCORRECTLY. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE MAIN CAB POWER BEING UNPROTECTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF A WIRING SHORT OCCURRED ANYWHERE ALONG THE CAB POWER CIRCUIT, THE AVAILABLE BATTERY POWER COULD ARC AND CAUSE SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM, AS NEEDED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.