2016 Kenworth T880Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2016 Kenworth T880, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 15 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-145 the manufacturer reports only 24% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 15, 2025. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Kenworth T880 has problems

2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

15 recalls

2016 Kenworth T880 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.

24%repaired · 2026 Q2

Supply: reservoir/tank

Recall 24V-145 · Feb 23, 2024 · 936 vehicles · 225 repaired

Risk. Insufficient air volume can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

27%repaired · 2022 Q1

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Recall 20V-199 · Apr 6, 2020 · 460,515 vehicles · 125,765 repaired

Risk. If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

61%repaired · 2020 Q2

Exterior lighting

Recall 18V-816 · Nov 16, 2018 · 1,619 vehicles · 988 repaired

Risk. Missing reflex reflectors can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

30%repaired · 2022 Q1

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Recall 18V-368 · Jun 1, 2018 · 85,626 vehicles · 26,063 repaired

Risk. If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 11 more recalls
63%repaired · 2019 Q1

Steering

Recall 17V-593 · Sep 22, 2017 · 17,737 vehicles · 11,099 repaired

Risk. If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

67%repaired · 2018 Q4

Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 17V-471 · Jul 25, 2017 · 5,731 vehicles · 3,830 repaired

Risk. A short in the spotlight circuitry may increase the risk of a fire at the cab fuse block.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

61%repaired · 2018 Q3

Service brakes, air

Recall 17V-322 · May 16, 2017 · 23 vehicles · 14 repaired

Risk. An incorrectly sized airline may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

41%repaired · 2018 Q3

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 17V-103 · Feb 15, 2017 · 465 vehicles · 189 repaired

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

56%repaired · 2017 Q1

Power train: manual transmission

Recall 15V-639 · Oct 9, 2015 · 27 vehicles · 15 repaired

Risk. Even though the transmission has been shifted out of reverse into neutral, the vehicle may unexpectedly move backwards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

78%repaired · 2016 Q4

Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights

Recall 15V-458 · Jul 22, 2015 · 12,551 vehicles · 9,824 repaired

Risk. If the hazard warning lamps are overridden by the DRL, oncoming vehicles may fail to be warned, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

76%repaired · 2016 Q4

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Recall 15V-272 · May 11, 2015 · 49 vehicles · 37 repaired

Risk. If the rear wheel lug nuts are undertorqued, the wheels may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

76%repaired · 2016 Q4

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 15V-270 · May 8, 2015 · 1,494 vehicles · 1,138 repaired

Risk. If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2015 Q4

Power train: axle assembly

Recall 15V-196 · Apr 3, 2015 · 24 vehicles · 24 repaired

Risk. Without adequate lubrication to the wheel end hub assembly, the bearings may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a wheel-end fire or crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2016 vs. every other T880 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 T880 median. How we score

'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What T880 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Kenworth T880. The contact stated that while driving, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of…
Complaint 11673654 · Jul 15, 2025 · 700,000 miles
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Kenworth T880. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle to the dealer and obtaining a Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private…
Complaint 11673257 · Jul 14, 2025 · 700,000 miles

Own a 2016 T880?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.