2011 KENWORTH C500

6 recalls, 0 complaints - 20 TSBs

24V145000 Feb 23, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:RESERVOIR/TANK
Defect Description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2009-2021 Kenworth C500, 2012-2021 Kenworth T440, 2009-2015 Kenworth T660, 2015-2024 Kenworth T680, 2009-2024 Kenworth T800, 2009-2020 Kenworth T370, 2014-2023 Kenworth T880, 2011-2016 Kenworth T470, 2023 Kenworth T480, and 2009-2019 Kenworth W900 ve... Read more
Consequence
Insufficient air volume can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install the correct volume air tanks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 12, 2024. Additional owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2025. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's number for this recall is 24KWD.
936 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
15V271000 May 8, 2015
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Defect Description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, C500, C540, C550, T660, T800, W900, and 963 trucks manufactured November 1, 2010, to April 6, 2015. In the affected trucks, water may leak into the wiper motor.
Consequence
As water leaks in, the wiper may cease to function on the 'intermittent' setting, reducing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the water may cause corrosion which, over time, may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
PACCAR is still developing and testing a remedy. The recall is expected to begin in July 2015. An interim letter was sent to owners on July 2, 2015. The recall began on September 2, 1015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 15KWF.
104,807 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
11V203000 Mar 24, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
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 FR... Read more
5,831 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR INCORPORATED
11V157000 Mar 7, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SLACK ADJUSTERS
Defect Description
PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 KENWORTH T270/370, T440/T470, T800, T660, W900 AND C500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 18, 2010, AND JANUARY 28, 2011. CERTAIN CAST IRON SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSINGS, WHICH TRANSMIT BRAKING FORCE FROM THE BRAKE CHAMBER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE CAM TUB... Read more
Consequence
IF THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING WERE TO FRACTURE, THE WHEEL BRAKE TO WHICH THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING IS ATTACHED WOULD NO LONGER FUNCTION, WHICH COULD INCREASE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES, AND IF MOUNTED ON THE STEER AXLE, COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO ONE SIDE DURING BRAKING, INCREASING THE RISK... Read more
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440.
280 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR INCORPORATED
10V452000 Sep 29, 2010
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
KENWORTH IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 T660, T800, W900, C500, T440, AND T470 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 1, 2009, THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2010. ONE OF THE FOUR HARNESS SPADE TERMINAL CONNECTIONS TO THE CHASSIS LOAD CENTER MAY BECOME COMPLETELY UNSEATED. A COMPLETELY UNSEATED CONNECTION MAY... Read more
Consequence
POWER LOSS OF THE VEHICLE'S EXTERIOR LIGHTING MAY REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO OTHER DRIVERS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITH THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HARNESS AND RE-SEATING THE FEMALE CONNECTORS ON THE MALE SPADE TERMINALS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.
3,040 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR INCORPORATED
10V212000 May 18, 2010
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
Defect Description
KENWORTH IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 C500 TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2008 THROUGH JANUARY 13, 2010. DURING MANEUVERS WITH CERTAIN COMBINATIONS OF WHEEL TURN, ARTICULATION, AND BUMP, THE BRAKE CHAMBER CAN CONTACT THE REAR HOOD SUPPORT.
Consequence
THE CONTACT CAN DAMAGE THE BRAKE CHAMBER LEADING TO A LOSS OF BRAKING FUNCTION AT THE AFFECTED WHEEL END, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
KENWORTH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.
10 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR INCORPORATED

No complaints found for this vehicle.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2011 KENWORTH C500

20 manufacturer communications from 15 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM4
350000 EQUIPMENT3
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
015200 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS1
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
017210 STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION1
092000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY1
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
24KWD Apr 9, 2024
040000 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Certain C500/T440/T470/T660/T680/T800/T880/W900 chassis may have air tank reservoirs that do not meet air volume requirements per FMVSS/CMVSS 121 ??A?A?Air Brake Systems??A?A?. This bulletin will be updated when repair parts and procedur
02-160 Feb 10, 2021
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Information Only a?? Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
02-160 Feb 10, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
Information Only a?? Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
02-160 Feb 10, 2021
136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Information Only a?? Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
02-160 Feb 10, 2021
130000 VISIBILITY
Information Only a?? Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
32-015 Jun 8, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Information Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure the appropriate tests for battery warranty are performed in order to prevent battery warranty claims filed with incorrect or incomplet
32-016 Mar 17, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage.
34-085 Mar 3, 2020
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Information Only a?? Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to water intrusion and corrosion in some vehicles.
34-085 Mar 3, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Information Only a?? Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to water intrusion and corrosion in some vehicles.
03-071 Dec 18, 2019
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Information Only - Vehicles built with NAMUX software from 2013 to present may experience accuracy issues with the tachometer. The issue can be temporarily resolved using any one of the included procedures.
01-075 Nov 6, 2019
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal failure of the A/C compressor.
TIB43-062 Sep 27, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
Information Only ??A?A? This bulletin provides information about the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) and Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP).
TIB43-062 Sep 27, 2019
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Information Only ??A?A? This bulletin provides information about the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) and Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP).
TIB-03-047 Jul 2, 2012
092000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY
KENWORTH: DIAGNOSTICS INDICATE FAILED FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FUNCTION IN REPAIRS AND BEFORE COMPONENT IS REPLACED, DIAL FACE SHOULD BE CLEANED AND FAILURE VERIFIED. ALL KENWORTH MODELS WITH OHM DIAL OR OPEN CARD STYLE FUEL SENDERS. *
TIB-15-021 Apr 20, 2012
017210 STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
KENWORTH: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE CHASSIS MAY NOT HAVE THE PROPER ASSEMBLY CONTROLS IN PLACE FOR DRAGLINK CONNECTIONS TORQUE. MODELS C500, K500, T660, T800 AND W900 2011-2012. *PE
TIB-43-025 Jan 26, 2012
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
KENWORTH: THE STANDARD PRODUCTION COMPONENTS ARE REPLACING THE PRE-PRODUCTION COMPONENTS. *PE
TIB-43-23 Nov 8, 2011
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
KENWORTH: INFORMATION REGARDING REAR NOX SENSOR REPAIRS SHOULD INCLUDE SYSTEM UPDATES FOR CHASSIS OPERATING IN CONDITIONS WHICH RESULT IN MOISTURE RELATED SENSOR FAILURES WITH IMPROVED MOISTURE PROTECTION EXHAUST DESIGN FOR REAR NOX SENS
TIB-43-22 Oct 31, 2011
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
KENWORTH: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. BULLETIN REFERS TO THE DUAL EXHAUST REAR NOX SENSOR MOISTURE PROTECTION CAMPAIGN. TO DIVERT MOISTURE FROM THE REAR (SCR OUTLET) NOX SENSOR THERE IS A NEW DESIGN FOR EXHAUST ELEMENT.
TIB-15-20 May 11, 2011
015200 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
PACCAR SERVICE BULLETIN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE HYDRAULIC HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED. KENWORTH C500. *RM
TIB-43-019 Feb 22, 2011
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
PACCAR: THE CHASSIS NEED PRE-PRODUCTION PARTS REMOVED AND RETROFITTED WITH PRODUCTION PARTS. *RM

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KENWORTH C500

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE08011 Opened: Feb 8, 2008 , Closed: May 5, 2008
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006
TRAILER LIGHT PLUG FAILURE
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF KENWORTH PRODUCTS BASED ON THEIR FIELD COMMUNICATION TIB # 34-31.KENWORTH INTRODUCED THE QCS II STA-DRY TRAILER CABLE IN MAY 2006.THE TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN STEMMED FROM FIELD FEEDBACK THAT INDICATED A FLEXIBILIT... Read more

KENWORTH C500 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KENWORTH C500 across all model years (1975, 2025).

130 Total Recalls
5 Total Complaints
1 Investigations
1 Reported Crashes
1 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

KENWORTH C500 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2025 1 0 View
2023 1 0 View
2022 1 0 View
2021 1 0 View
2020 1 0 View
2019 4 0 View
2018 5 0 View
2017 4 0 View
2016 3 0 View
2015 3 0 View
2014 4 0 View
2013 2 0 View
2012 3 1 View
2011 (current) 6 0
2010 4 1 View
2009 5 0 View
2008 9 0 View
2007 6 1 View
2006 5 1 View
2005 5 0 View
2004 4 0 View
2003 3 0 View
2002 2 0 View
2001 4 0 View
2000 7 0 View
1999 7 1 View
1998 3 0 View
1997 3 0 View
1996 4 0 View
1995 1 0 View
1994 1 0 View
1993 1 0 View
1992 1 0 View
1991 3 0 View
1990 1 0 View
1989 1 0 View
1981 1 0 View
1980 1 0 View
1979 1 0 View
1978 2 0 View
1977 2 0 View
1976 2 0 View
1975 2 0 View

Other KENWORTH Models

Model Recalls Complaints
T800 354 49 View
T880 330 12 View
T680 329 110 View
W900 291 42 View
T380 222 2 View
T480 181 0 View
W990 178 0 View
T660 165 10 View