2001 Kenworth C500 Problems: 0 Complaints, 4 Recalls

The worst 2001 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

Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC systemReported September 26, 2001 · 2,670 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: certain heavy duty trucks fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging systems." the mode door in an HVAC system can become inoperable. The mode door cam and actuator could bind, causing the cam retaining tabs to shear off.
Risk: This failure may inhibit the ability to direct air blowing from the HVAC system to the windshield, potentially reducing the driver's visibility.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the mode door operation and replace the HVAC cab mode housing assembly if necessary. Owner notification began november 7, 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 01V305000 · 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: fuses and circuit breakersReported February 5, 2001 · 1,992 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with an optional firewall-mounted circuit breaker. The main cab power and battery power leads were attached incorrectly. This condition can result in the main cab power being unprotected.
Risk: If a wiring short occurred anywhere along the cab power circuit, the available battery power could arc and cause subsequent damage to the vehicle or a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and correct the problem, as needed. Owner notification began february 26, 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 01V021000 · 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 2001 Kenworth C500 before you buy

Is the 2001 Kenworth C500 reliable?

Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2001 Kenworth C500.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Kenworth C500?

There are not enough complaints to tell.

How many recalls does the 2001 Kenworth C500 have?

4 recalls, covering service brakes, air, visibility and suspension.

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.