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
The worst 2006 Kenworth C500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical1
Recalls 5
Service brakes, air: slack adjusters
- 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 transmission
- 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, air
- 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: driveline
- 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 cooling
- 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 failure
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.
- Updated the warranty section for PRWS compatibility.
- Due to supplier constraints, an authorized aftermarket surge tank has been made available.
- Kenworth: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes
- Information Only – Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate
- This SKU is a Climate Control Module
- Information Only:
- Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment...
- Information Only – Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed,...
- Information Only:
- Kenworth service campaign: top tank replacement for C500 and W900 with isx; field campaign. early design...
What 2006 Kenworth C500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2006 Kenworth C500
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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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