2007 Kenworth C500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: Paccar is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 kenworth c500, t2000, t600, and t660, as well as model year 2009-2011 peterbilt 387 and 388 trucks equipped with caterpillar c15 engine and manufactured from may 11, 2006, through september 17, 2010. Degradation of a combustion tube weld can cause radial heat impingement on the body which may burn through certain bodies used on c15 engines.

Risk: This could result in a fire.

Fix: Caterpillar is handling the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Please see caterpillar's defect report 11e-006. Caterpillar will replace the single piece combustion tube with a thick wall combustion tube which will not allow the heat to break through. This service will be performed free of charge. Due to a parts supply issue, owners will be notified by the end of april 2011 about the safety defect, and will then be notified again once the free remedy is available, currently estimated to be around late july 2011. Owners may contact caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986.

Problem: Paccar is recalling 3,573 my 2007 kenworth c500, t800, t600, t2000, and w900 chassis built with phillips qcs ii trailer cable connection and trailer cable mounting bracket with 'u-shaped' cut out. Certain trailer cable mounting brackets have a 'u-shaped' cut out that only partially supports the trailer cable connection. Partial support of the cable connection may allow the molded boot and electrical ground pin to partially or completely pull away from the 7-way socket. Partial or complete detachment of the cable connection can cause reduced water resistance and potential loss of electrical ground. There is also a possibility the trailer lights may fail to illuminate without the operator's knowledge.

Risk: If this condition were to occur, other motorists may not be warned of the tractor/trailer movements, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a reinforcement bracket between the flexible back of the qcs ii molded boot and the frame bracket, and reattach the supporting bolts. The recall began on may may 30, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.

Problem: Paccar is recalling 130 my 2005-2007 kenworth c500, t800, w900, and peterbilt models 357 and 379 tractor trailers equipped with fabco slack adjusters on sisu axles. The slack adjusters may fail as a result of a fatigue crack rendering the slack adjuster inoperative. This could reduce braking effectiveness.

Risk: Reduction in braking capacity could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the slack adjusters free of charge. The recall began on march 21, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

Problem: On certain trucks, the rear hood mounting brackets can contact the front axle brake chamber during full axle articulation.

Risk: If contact occurs, two possible scenarios may result: (1) the front brake chamber may be damaged to a point resulting in the loss of air or cause sudden full application of one of the brakes on the front axle; or (2) the front brake chamber may be damaged causing a reduction in braking capacity, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the brake chamber and surrounding components for any damage and modify the rear hood support bracket to eliminate the potential for interference. If any brake components is damaged, the dealer will be instructed to replace the components free of charge. The recall began on may 14, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440.

Problem: On certain trucks, the wiring, parts, or transmission programming required for the auto neutral feature to function as designed were either not installed, connected, or programmed properly.

Risk: If any of these conditions exists, the transmission will not automatically shift into neutral when left in drive with the parking brake set engaged. The vehicle could move without warning increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles to ensure the auto neutral feature functions properly and, if needed, will make the necessary repairs free of charge. The recall began on may 9, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440.

Problem: Certain trucks fail to comply with the brake timing regulatory requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air brake systems." the brake valve was moved to the opposite rail, increasing the length of the air line, which in turn increased the wheelbase requiring a dual relay valve system. The vehicles were manufactured with a single valve system.

Risk: If stopping distance was limited, a vehicle crash could result.

Fix: Dealers will convert the single relay valve to a dual relay valve system free of charge. The recall began on may 21, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440.