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2006 Kenworth C500 problems

The most common problem on the 2006 Kenworth C500 is electrical system. Its complaint count is close to a typical C500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
11
Worst area
Electrical

The worst 2006 Kenworth C500 problems

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

  • Electrical
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Electrical
    1

Recalls 5

Service brakes, air: slack adjustersReported March 4, 2008 · 130 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling 130 my 2005-2007 kenworth c500, t800, w900, and peterbilt models 357 and 379 tractor trailers equipped with fabco slack adjusters on sisu axles. The slack adjusters may fail as a result of a fatigue crack rendering the slack adjuster inoperative. This could reduce braking effectiveness.
Risk
Reduction in braking capacity could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the slack adjusters free of charge. The recall began on march 21, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440 and peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4196.

Recall number 08V099000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported March 16, 2007 · 4,592 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks, the wiring, parts, or transmission programming required for the auto neutral feature to function as designed were either not installed, connected, or programmed properly.
Risk
If any of these conditions exists, the transmission will not automatically shift into neutral when left in drive with the parking brake set engaged. The vehicle could move without warning increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles to ensure the auto neutral feature functions properly and, if needed, will make the necessary repairs free of charge. The recall began on may 9, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425‑828‑5440.

Recall number 07V107000 · Recall details

Service brakes, airReported March 9, 2007 · 65 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain trucks fail to comply with the brake timing regulatory requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air brake systems." the brake valve was moved to the opposite rail, increasing the length of the air line, which in turn increased the wheelbase requiring a dual relay valve system. The vehicles were manufactured with a single valve system.
Risk
If stopping distance was limited, a vehicle crash could result.
Remedy
Dealers will convert the single relay valve to a dual relay valve system free of charge. The recall began on may 21, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425‑828‑5440.

Recall number 07V090000 · Recall details

Power train: drivelineReported October 13, 2006 · 572 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks equipped with chalmers rear suspensions, the adjustable torque rod end castings may be brittle. A brittle rod end casting may fracture without warning, causing the vehicles' rear axles to become misaligned.
Risk
This misalignment can cause the vehicle to lose directional stability at speeds that may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine if they were manufactured with a suspect torque rod end. If a suspect torque rod end is found, the entire torque rod will be replaced. The recall began on october 9, 2006. Owners may contact peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4196 or kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440.

Recall number 06V391000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported December 22, 2005 · 30,995 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain tractors equipped with caterpillar diesel engines, the variable valve actuation oil line may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not positioned correctly.
Risk
The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.
Remedy
Caterpillar, in conjunction with paccar, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309‑675‑6496, kenworth at 425‑828‑5440, or peterbilt at 940‑591‑4201.

Recall number 05V570000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2006 Kenworth C500

Defect investigations

Trailer light plug failureOpened February 8, 2008, closed May 5, 2008

The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation of kenworth products based on their field communication tib # 34-31.kenworth introduced the qcs ii sta-dry trailer cable in may 2006.the technical information bulletin stemmed from field feedback that indicated a flexibility problem with the qcs ii cable connection, which could result in a loss of lighting to the trailer.odi believes a loss of lighting would adversely affect the trailer's visibility. Further, the resulting loss of brake lights is inherently critical to highway safety, day or night.kenworth has upgraded the tib repair to a safety recall.kenworth dealers will install a reinforcement bracket between the back of the qcs ii molded boot and the frame bracket, thus providing abetter cable connection. The defect notification was submitted on 4/25/08 (copy attached).trailers built between may 24 and november 21, 2006 (model year 2007 trailers) will be remedied.the population to be remedied is 3,573 in the united states.this investigation is closed.

PE08011

Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Kenworth C500 11

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

See all 11 bulletins for the 2006 Kenworth C500

What 2006 Kenworth C500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 6, 2011 · Electrical · MI · fire

2006 kenworth conventional, was traveling on the ohio turnpike at mile post 201 eastbound when the truck caught on fire. *bf according to the police report, line/wire caught on fire. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0753-91) updated 02/15/11

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Questions about the 2006 Kenworth C500

Is the 2006 Kenworth C500 reliable?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2006 Kenworth C500, close to a typical C500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Kenworth C500?

Electrical system, with 1 complaint.

How many recalls does the 2006 Kenworth C500 have?

5 recalls, covering service brakes, air, power train and engine and engine cooling.

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