1997 Kenworth C500 Problems: 0 Complaints, 3 Recalls

The worst 1997 Kenworth C500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Service brakes, airReported March 31, 2003 · 45 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Certain trucks equipped with meritor p 18x7 brakes with 36" brake chambers fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 121, "air brake systems." these trucks were manufactured with a combined air reservoir volume less than 12 times the combined volume of all service brake chambers.
Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy: Dealers will add an additional tank or change one of the existing air tanks to a larger size. Owner notification began on may 5, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440.

Recall number 03V126000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: control arm: lower armReported February 20, 2001 · 209 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with 54" rear axle spacing configuration of the airglide 200 suspension with the service application identified as logger, dump truck, or tanker. The rear suspension is regularly subjected to extreme articulation, resulting in flexing of the joint.
Risk: Failure of the lower sway arm attaching bolts could result in loss of vehicle control.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lower sway arm brackets. Owner notification began march 27, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5000.

Recall number 01V051000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported June 11, 1998 · 9,500 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar 3406e engines. The routing of the electrical and fuel lines can cause chaffing of the wiring harness on the fuel line.
Risk: This chaffing can cause fuel leakage and a potential for a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, adjust, and repair, if necessary, the fuel line and electrical harness.

Recall number 98V129000 · Recall details

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1997 Kenworth C500 before you buy

Is the 1997 Kenworth C500 reliable?

Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 1997 Kenworth C500.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Kenworth C500?

There are not enough complaints to tell.

How many recalls does the 1997 Kenworth C500 have?

3 recalls, covering service brakes, air, suspension and electrical system.

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