1998 Kenworth C500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 2, 2003 · 0 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other C500 years
Not enough data 6th of 30 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

NHTSA has received no owner complaints about the 1998 Kenworth C500 so far. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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1998 Kenworth C500 recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Service brakes, airMar 31, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V126000 · 45 vehicles

Problem: Certain trucks equipped with meritor p 18x7 brakes with 36" brake chambers fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 121, "air brake systems." these trucks were manufactured with a combined air reservoir volume less than 12 times the combined volume of all service brake chambers.

Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Fix: Dealers will add an additional tank or change one of the existing air tanks to a larger size. Owner notification began on may 5, 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 reasonable time should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.

Suspension:front:control arm:lower armFeb 20, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V051000 · 209 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Failure of the lower sway arm attaching bolts could result in loss of vehicle control.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:wiring:front underhoodJun 11, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V129000 · 9,500 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar 3406e engines. The routing of the electrical and fuel lines can cause chaffing of the wiring harness on the fuel line.

Risk: This chaffing can cause fuel leakage and a potential for a fire in the engine compartment.

Fix: Dealers will inspect, adjust, and repair, if necessary, the fuel line and electrical harness.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Other Kenworth C500 years

← 1997 C500 · 1999 C500 →

See all Kenworth C500 problems by year, every Kenworth model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Kenworth C500?

NHTSA has no owner complaints on file yet.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Kenworth C500?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1998 Kenworth C500 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other C500 model years, the 1998 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.