repaired · 2026 Q2
Supply: reservoir/tank
Risk. Insufficient air volume can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
2012 Kenworth T800Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2012 Kenworth T800, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 10 safety recalls, and for recall 13V-573 the manufacturer reports only 6% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 23, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Kenworth T800 has problems
1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.
1Visibility
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
10 recalls
2012 Kenworth T800 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q1
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Service brakes, air
Risk. An incorrectly sized airline may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If engine oil comes into contact with a hot surface, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Show 6 more recalls
repaired · 2016 Q4
Windshield wiper/washer: motor
Risk. 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.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Service brakes
Risk. Brakes that take longer to apply may lengthen the distance needed to stop the truck, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Supply: check valve
Risk. UNEXPECTED CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND LEAD TO A FIRE.
no report yet
Electrical system: software
Risk. IF THE FAST IDLE CONTROL FUNCTION IS ENGAGED WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR, THE VEHICLE COULD UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATE AND OVERRIDE THE PARKING BRAKE AND,…
no report yet
Service brakes, air: slack adjusters
Risk. 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…
no report yet
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. THE DISCHARGE OF ENGINE OIL ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS WHICH ARE HOT, SUCH AS WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER SIGNIFICANT LOAD, MAY CAUSE A FIRE.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kenworth.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other T800 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the T800 median. How we score
'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What T800 owners report
Recent visibility complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KENWORTH T800. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V271000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE RECALL PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…
Own a 2012 T800?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.