The worst 2003 Kenworth T300 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
Recalls 5
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
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks equipped with caterpillar c7 or 3126e 2002 engines and horton fan hubs, the fan hub mounting bolts can fail, resulting in the hub and fan assembly separating from the engine. This loss of clamp load causes unwanted vibration in the assembly that leads to bolt failure.
- Risk
- If the bolts fail, the complete hub and fan assembly could separate from the engine resulting in equipment damage and/or personal injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new journal bracket. The recall began may 11, 2004. Owners should contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440.
Recall number 04V169000 · Recall details
Power train: axle hubs
- What is wrong
- On certain heavy duty trucks, the locking tab that locks the outer spindle nut onto the spindle was not engaged or properly bent over.
- Risk
- Failure to properly engage the locking feature into the nut could cause the nut to loosen which will eventually cause the wheel bearing to over heat and fail if undetected. If the loose nut is not detected, the outer end (tire, wheel and hub assembly) could become separated from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the hubs to determine if the locking tabs are properly bent. If the locking tabs are not bent, then dealers will inspect the appropriate components for premature wear and replace such components as required and properly secure the retaining nut by bending over the locking tab. Owner notification began september 17, 2003. Owners should contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440 or peterbilt at 940‑591‑4201.
Recall number 03V288000 · Recall details
Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks equipped with jost international jsk 37u series fifth wheels, a fatigue crack can develop in the bracket pin weld under certain loading conditions.
- Risk
- If left undetected or corrected it could lead to the separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure, possibly resulting in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the bracket pins and repair instructions free of charge. Peterbilt's owner notification began june 20, 2003. Kenworth's owner notification began june 12, 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 peterbilt at 940‑591‑4201 or kenworth 425‑828‑5440.
Recall number 03V168000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting
- What is wrong
- Certain trucks equipped with trailer connections fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards (fmvss) no. 121, "air brake systems," and no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the supplier removed a rubber grommet from the trailer light line connector. The vehicles are experiencing corrosion at the 7-way trailer connection. This causes intermittent flashing/flickering of the trailer lights.
- Risk
- This could cause an electrical short and/or possible fire hazard.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install the missing grommet on all affected chassis. If a connector is found defective, it will be replaced with a new connector. Owner notification is began on march 14, 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 03V045000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Kenworth T300 9
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.
- 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:
- Kenworth trucks: reduced engine power from fuel starvation
- Kenworth: the original publication identified chassis with PX-8 engines only
Compare the 2003 Kenworth T300
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Questions about the 2003 Kenworth T300
Is the 2003 Kenworth T300 reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2003 Kenworth T300.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Kenworth T300?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2003 Kenworth T300 have?
5 recalls, covering power train, engine and engine cooling and trailer hitches.
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