Kenworth C500 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints and 45 safety recalls on file for the Kenworth C500, across 30 model years (1995–2025). The 2012 model year has the most complaints (1). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Kenworth C500 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
No C500 model year stands out with more than twice the complaints of a typical year.
Model years with the most complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Kenworth C500 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Kenworth C500 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 C500 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2023 C500 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2022 C500 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2021 C500 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2020 C500 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2019 C500 | 0 | 4 | — | — | |
| 2018 C500 | 0 | 5 | — | — | |
| 2017 C500 | 0 | 4 | — | — | |
| 2016 C500 | 0 | 3 | — | — | |
| 2015 C500 | 0 | 3 | — | — | |
| 2014 C500 | 0 | 4 | — | — | |
| 2013 C500 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2012 C500 | 1 | 3 | — | Wheels | |
| 2011 C500 | 0 | 6 | — | — | |
| 2010 C500 | 1 | 4 | — | Tires | |
| 2009 C500 | 0 | 5 | — | — | |
| 2008 C500 | 0 | 9 | — | — | |
| 2007 C500 | 1 | 6 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2006 C500 | 1 | 5 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2005 C500 | 0 | 5 | — | — | |
| 2004 C500 | 0 | 4 | — | — | |
| 2003 C500 | 0 | 3 | — | — | |
| 2002 C500 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2001 C500 | 0 | 4 | — | — | |
| 2000 C500 | 0 | 7 | — | — | |
| 1999 C500 | 1 | 7 | — | Trailer Hitches | |
| 1998 C500 | 0 | 3 | — | — | |
| 1997 C500 | 0 | 3 | — | — | |
| 1996 C500 | 0 | 4 | — | — | |
| 1995 C500 | 0 | 1 | — | — |
More from Kenworth: all Kenworth models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Kenworth C500 years should you stay away from?
No year stands out at twice the typical count; the most complaints are for 2012 (1), 2010 (1), 2007 (1). Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Kenworth C500?
Electrical System, with 1 complaint across 1 model year.
How many recalls does the Kenworth C500 have?
45 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.