1997 Kenworth T2000 Problems: 3 Complaints, 4 Recalls

The worst 1997 Kenworth T2000 problems

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

Visibility
2
Airbags
1
Body
1
Engine
1
Lights
1

Problems by type

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

Visibility
2
Airbags
1
Body
1
Engine
1
Lights
1
Locks
1
Suspension
1

Recalls 4

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

Suspension: rearReported August 20, 1997 · 13,200 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with kenworth airglide 200 rear suspension. Due to materials used in the sway bar arms and studs as well as the stud plating material, stress corrosion cracking and bending fatigue can occur in the rear suspension sway bar arms and studs causing the stud to fail prematurely.
Risk: This could cause a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the arm assembly manufactured from a different material. New studs will be installed with different threads and different finish.

Recall number 97V139000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latchReported May 22, 1997 · 1,352 vehicles affected

What is wrong: A secondary bend operation was not performed during assembly of the door latch which could cause the door latch to jam when locked.
Risk: The door latch will not release from either the inside or the outside of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the door latches for certain date codes and replace suspect latches with new latches.

Recall number 97V085000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 1997 Kenworth T2000

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Kenworth T2000 14

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

Feb 10, 2021 Service bulletinInformation Only – Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate
Jun 8, 2020 Service bulletinInformation Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure...
Mar 17, 2020 Service bulletinInformation Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment...
Nov 6, 2019 Service bulletinInformation Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal...
Oct 23, 2008 Service bulletinKenworth trucks: reduced engine power from fuel starvation. any model kenworth equipped with the 2007...
Feb 15, 1999 Service bulletinSubject regarding smartwheel / multiplex steering wheel controls. tt
Feb 1, 1999 Service bulletinInformation on replacing door seals and bump stops. tt
Feb 1, 1999 Service bulletinA condition may exist where the odometer rolls over to zero miles instead of 100,000; mileage displayed...
Jan 1, 1999 Service bulletinSome vehicles HVAC units may have heating and air conditioning performance issues and/ or intermittent...
Dec 15, 1998 Service bulletinA condition with the top of the cab doors exhibiting a loud wind noise during strong cross winds or at...

See all 14 bulletins for the 1997 Kenworth T2000

What 1997 Kenworth T2000 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 10, 1998 · Airbags, Body · PA

Brakets under vehicle failed. Not air bag complaint ( e.g., seat belt, trailer suspension air bag, etc.) added on 09-07-1999.

Filed May 7, 1998 · Lights, Locks · WA

Vehicle has several safety defects including problems with the front end alignment, doors, transmission, headliner, and tail lights.

Filed Aug 5, 1997 · Visibility · CA

The curved windshield has a flat spot on the driver's side. Manufacturer was contacted.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1997 Kenworth T2000 before you buy

Compare the 1997 Kenworth T2000

Other model years

19971998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2008

Questions about the 1997 Kenworth T2000

Is the 1997 Kenworth T2000 reliable?

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1997 Kenworth T2000, 1.5 times a typical T2000 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Kenworth T2000?

Windows, wipers and visibility, with 2 complaints. Next is airbags (1).

How many recalls does the 1997 Kenworth T2000 have?

4 recalls, covering suspension, electrical system and latches/locks/linkages.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1997 Kenworth T2000?

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

Check its history

1997 Kenworth T2000 problems