Kenworth T800 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 31 owner complaints and 126 safety recalls on file for the Kenworth T800, across 31 model years (1995–2025). The 2006 model year has the most complaints (4). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Kenworth T800 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
No T800 model year stands out with more than twice the complaints of a typical year.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2006 T800: 4 complaints, 13 recalls
- 1999 T800: 4 complaints, 12 recalls
- 2005 T800: 3 complaints, 12 recalls
Model years with the fewest 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 T800 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 7 | 5 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Power Train | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Steering | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Equipment | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Kenworth T800 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 T800 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2024 T800 | 0 | 4 | — | — | |
| 2023 T800 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2022 T800 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2021 T800 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2020 T800 | 0 | 9 | — | — | |
| 2019 T800 | 0 | 8 | — | — | |
| 2018 T800 | 1 | 11 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2017 T800 | 0 | 8 | — | — | |
| 2016 T800 | 1 | 12 | — | Tires | |
| 2015 T800 | 0 | 12 | — | — | |
| 2014 T800 | 0 | 12 | — | — | |
| 2013 T800 | 0 | 8 | — | — | |
| 2012 T800 | 1 | 10 | — | Visibility | |
| 2011 T800 | 1 | 13 | — | Service Brakes | |
| 2010 T800 | 1 | 11 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2009 T800 | 2 | 19 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2008 T800 | 1 | 25 | — | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2007 T800 | 1 | 20 | — | Trailer Hitches | |
| 2006 T800 | 4 | 13 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2005 T800 | 3 | 12 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2004 T800 | 3 | 12 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2003 T800 | 1 | 7 | — | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2002 T800 | 0 | 6 | — | — | |
| 2001 T800 | 1 | 10 | — | Service Brakes | |
| 2000 T800 | 1 | 10 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1999 T800 | 4 | 12 | — | Suspension | |
| 1998 T800 | 1 | 8 | — | Service Brakes, Air | |
| 1997 T800 | 1 | 9 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1996 T800 | 1 | 8 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 1995 T800 | 2 | 5 | — | Power Train |
More from Kenworth: all Kenworth models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Kenworth T800 years should you stay away from?
No year stands out at twice the typical count; the most complaints are for 2006 (4), 1999 (4), 2005 (3). 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 T800?
Electrical System, with 7 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Kenworth T800 have?
126 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.