1998 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: On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.

Risk: Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace all front axle hubs. Notification began july 16, 2003. The manufacturer has advised us that parts will not be available until september 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy with a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201 or kenworth 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: On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with replacement dana spicer tandem drive axle models ds463 and ds521, installed on vehicles from may 1, 2001 through february 1, 2002, an undersized attachment weld may fracture without warning.

Risk: The loss of this attachment to the vehicle chassis can adversely affect vehicle handling or driver control.

Fix: Dana is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. The dealers will remove the suspect bracket, inspect the axle housing, and reweld the bracket to the axle housing. 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 dana at 616-567-1088 or kenworth at 425-828-5440.

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: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar engines and eaton autoshift transmissions. The engines can stall because of software problems.

Risk: Increased steering effort can occur.

Fix: Dealers will update these engines with software changes. Caterpillar is conducting the owner notification and remedy of this recall.

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.