1997 Kenworth T800 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: On certain vehicles equipped with cummins electronic control modules on the c8.3g and l10g engines, the ecm does not have the ability to detect a throttle fail-safe engine shutdown command. This could result in an unanticipated, uncommanded open throttle condition without warning.

Risk: If this event occurs, the vehicle operator will not have control of the engine speed, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Cummins will notify the customers and replace the ecm. Owners should contact cummins at 1-800-343-7357 or kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.

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.

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks built with arvinmeritor front axle ff-981. The wheel separator plates are incompatible with skf phase iv truck hub units incorporated into the arvinmeritor ff-981 front axle assemblies installed on vehicles with wheel mounting flanges of 10 mm or less and brake drum mounting flanges of 6 mm or less.

Risk: The combination of components could reduce the service life of the front hub, which could result in a fracture. If a hub fractures, vehicle control, braking, and stability can be affected. In extreme cases, the wheel could separate from the vehicle causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will change the front hubs. Owner notification began december 10, 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.

Problem: 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.

Risk: These vehicles would not be in compliance with federal regulations.

Fix: 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.

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.

Problem: Vehicle description: trucks assembled with skf level 2 truck hub units (thu) received from meritor. These hubs can fatigue crack.

Risk: This fatigue cracking can result in wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace these hubs with production level 3 hubs.

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.

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with design level 1, rockwell ff980 series front axle. The front axle hub flange can develop cracks due to high stress levels.

Risk: Cracks in a hub flange can result in a wheel separation.

Fix: Dealers will remove and replace the front hubs with an improved design level 2 hub.

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with kenworth airglide 200 rear suspension. Due to materials used in the sway bar arms and studs as well as the stud plating material, stress corrosion cracking and bending fatigue can occur in the rear suspension sway bar arms and studs causing the stud to fail prematurely.

Risk: This could cause a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the arm assembly manufactured from a different material. New studs will be installed with different threads and different finish.