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1998 Kenworth W900Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1998 Kenworth W900, most often about the structure. It is covered by 6 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls6Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage158kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 16, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Kenworth W900 has problems

3 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
Structure20
Electrical system10
Fuel system, gasoline10

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

6 recalls

1998 Kenworth W900 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.

–no report yet

Suspension: rear

Recall 02V-061 · Feb 27, 2002 · 116 vehicles

Risk. THE LOSS OF THIS ATTACHMENT TO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING OR DRIVER CONTROL.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
–no report yet

Wiring: front underhood

Recall 98V-129 · Jun 11, 1998 · 9,500 vehicles

Risk. THIS CHAFFING CAN CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE AND A POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

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

1998 vs. every other W900 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 W900 median. How we score

'75'76'77'78'82'83'91'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'27
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What W900 owners report

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

REFERENCE VOQ#10259426. I FILED A COMPLAINT IN FEBRUARY 2009 FOR A FRAME RAIL THAT CRACKED ON MY 1998 KENWORTH W900. I SPENT $11,470 TO HAVE THE RAIL REPLACED AT AN AUTHORIZED KENWORTH DEALER. I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK NEW, WITH NO EXTRAS OR ADD-ONS SINCE OWNING THE TRUCK. ALL SERVICING HAS BEEN DONE…
Complaint 10448152 · Feb 16, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KENWORTH W900. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HOOD WAS KNOCKING ON THE MAIN CAB AND WAS NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CHASSIS WAS CRACKED AND DEFECTIVE. THE…
Complaint 10259426 · Feb 20, 2009 · 158,117 miles

Own a 1998 W900?

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