Total Complaints
6 filings
KENWORTH T800 · model year
2005 KENWORTH T800
6 NHTSA complaints, and 12 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2005KENWORTHT800 carries 6 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 T800 is engine and engine cooling:engine with 1 filings, followed by structure:frame and members (1) and power train:driveline:driveshaft (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 12 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2005 T800. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
6
Complaints
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
0 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT | 1 |
| EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
Recalls (12)
09V23900030/06/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
KENWORTH IS RECALLING 3,423 MY 2004-2009 T2000, T800,T600, W900 AND T660 VEHICLES. INCREASED BRAKE EXCITATION IN A CERTAIN VEHICLE CONFIGURATION WHICH INCLUDES BENDIX DRUM BRAKES, WIDE BASE LOW PROFILE SINGLE TIRES, AND AN AG400 OR AG460 REAR SUSPENSION, DUE TO ITS UNIQUE BRAKE CLOCKING AND CAM TUB
05V54300029/11/2005
STEERING
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE BENDIX ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESP) SYSTEM, THE SYSTEM USES MULTIPLE SENSORS AND AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) TO CONTROL VEHICLE UNDER STEER, OVER-STEER, AND ROLLOVER SITUATIONS. THE SYSTEM RELIES ON VEHICLE SENSORS TO BE FUNCTIONING AND ALIGNED PROPERL
07V27900028/06/2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C11, C13 OR C15 ENGINES, THE OIL FILL CAP CAN BECOME DISLODGED DUE TO CAP DAMAGE OR IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND BECOME LODGED IN THE U-JOINT OF THE STEERING DRIVELINE AND STEERING GEAR.
05V18900028/04/2005
SUSPENSION
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS, THE SUSPENSION HAS TRANSVERSE BEAM CASTINGS THAT MAY FRACTURE UNDER NORMAL LOADS. IF A CASTING BREAKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING ON A ROADWAY THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR PIECES OF THE CASTING TO BECOME PROJECTILES AND THE SUSPENSION'S TRANSVERSE BEAM MAY DROP
07V26900026/06/2007
TRAILER HITCHES
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE REMOVABLE TOW HITCH ,WHEN USED TO TOW OR LIFT A VEHICLE, CAN FAIL DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL IN THE TOW HITCH.
08V48500024/09/2008
SUSPENSION
PACCAR IS RECALLING 130 MY 2004-2009 T2000, T800, T600, W900 AND T660 KENWORTH TRUCKS BUILT WITH AN AG400 REAR SUSPENSION, LONG STROKE BRAKE CHAMBERS, AND WIDE BASE TIRES (SUPER SINGLES). THESE VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP AN INCREASE IN LATERAL AND VERTICAL AXLE MOVEMENT. THIS MOVEMENT MAY CAUSE PART OR
05V57000022/12/2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON CERTAIN TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR DIESEL ENGINES, THE VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION OIL LINE MAY WEAR AGAINST THE SHARP EDGE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD IF NOT POSITIONED CORRECTLY.
09V16600019/05/2009
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC
PACCAR IS RECALLING 140 MY 2005, 2007-2009 T800, W900, AND T660 TRUCKS. THE CALIPER MOUNTING FASTENERS ATTACHING THE AIR DISC BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY TO THE TORQUE PLATE MAY HAVE RECEIVED INSUFFICIENT TORQUE DURING THE INSTALLATION PROCESS. THE INSUFFICIENT TORQUE MAY ALLOW THE AIR DISC BRAKE CALIP
05V23700019/05/2005
SUSPENSION:REAR
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH AIRGLIDE HIGH-ARTICULATION REAR SUSPENSIONS, THE C65-1006 SWAY BAR USED IN THIS REAR SUSPENSION MAY EXPERIENCE A REDUCTION IN FATIGUE LIFE DUE TO EITHER A MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR A HIGH INDUCED STRESS DURING AN EXTREME SUSPENSION ARTICULATION EVENT.
07V10700016/03/2007
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
08V09900004/03/2008
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SLACK ADJUSTERS
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 EFFEC
05V08400004/03/2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH WEBASTO HEATERS, THE BURNER TUBES ARE MADE OF MATERIAL THAT DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND COULD FAIL PREMATURELY.
Recent Complaints
20181022SUSPENSION
TAKARA RECALL- OPERATING DUMP TRUCK ON A LOCAL ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. DECELERATING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT. AS THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, THE LIGHT CHANGED AND AS I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE THE REAR OF THE TRUCK CAME UP OFF THE GROUND. WHEN I GOT OUT TO INSPECT WHAT HAPPENED, THE ENTIRE REAR AXEL DISCONNECTED FROM THE TRUCK AND WAS ON THE GROUND.
Mileage: 25
20080829FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KENWORTH T800. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLAMPS THAT HOLD THE BATTERY CABLES, WHICH LEAD FROM THE BATTERY TO THE STARTER, WERE NOT ADJUSTED PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, THE CABLES WERE CHAFFING. A FIRE IGNITED AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE AND CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND VEHICLE RE-BUILDER DIAGNOSED THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 250,000.
Mileage: 250,000
20050829ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
2004 AND 2005 T800 KENWORTH TRUCKS DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WHEN BACKING UP THERE IS A TWISTING OF THE ENGINE AND FRAME.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE TWISTING ALSO CAUSED THE COOLING FAN TO STRIKE THE FAN SHROUD CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE FAN AND LATER, FAILURE ALONG WITH THE RADIATOR. REPEATED FAILURE OF THE A/C CONDENSERS. THERE WERE SEVERAL FAILURES OF THE DRIVE-SHAFT CAUSING THE BOLTS ON THE REAR YOKE TO SHEAR OFF. THE DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY. *SC
20050829STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
2004 AND 2005 T800 KENWORTH TRUCKS DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WHEN BACKING UP THERE IS A TWISTING OF THE ENGINE AND FRAME.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE TWISTING ALSO CAUSED THE COOLING FAN TO STRIKE THE FAN SHROUD CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE FAN AND LATER, FAILURE ALONG WITH THE RADIATOR. REPEATED FAILURE OF THE A/C CONDENSERS. THERE WERE SEVERAL FAILURES OF THE DRIVE-SHAFT CAUSING THE BOLTS ON THE REAR YOKE TO SHEAR OFF. THE DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY. *SC
20050829POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
2004 AND 2005 T800 KENWORTH TRUCKS DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WHEN BACKING UP THERE IS A TWISTING OF THE ENGINE AND FRAME.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE TWISTING ALSO CAUSED THE COOLING FAN TO STRIKE THE FAN SHROUD CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE FAN AND LATER, FAILURE ALONG WITH THE RADIATOR. REPEATED FAILURE OF THE A/C CONDENSERS. THERE WERE SEVERAL FAILURES OF THE DRIVE-SHAFT CAUSING THE BOLTS ON THE REAR YOKE TO SHEAR OFF. THE DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY. *SC
20050829EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
2004 AND 2005 T800 KENWORTH TRUCKS DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WHEN BACKING UP THERE IS A TWISTING OF THE ENGINE AND FRAME.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE TWISTING ALSO CAUSED THE COOLING FAN TO STRIKE THE FAN SHROUD CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE FAN AND LATER, FAILURE ALONG WITH THE RADIATOR. REPEATED FAILURE OF THE A/C CONDENSERS. THERE WERE SEVERAL FAILURES OF THE DRIVE-SHAFT CAUSING THE BOLTS ON THE REAR YOKE TO SHEAR OFF. THE DRIVE SHAFT FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY. *SC
Compare 2005KENWORTHT800 to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2005 KENWORTH T800 have?▼
The 2005 KENWORTH T800 has 6 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 KENWORTH T800?▼
Yes, the 2005 KENWORTH T800 has 12 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, AIR. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 KENWORTH T800?▼
The most-complained component for the 2005 KENWORTH T800 is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE with 1 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS and POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT.
Is the 2005 KENWORTH T800 safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.