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2008 Kenworth W900 problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Kenworth W900 is steering. Its complaint count is close to a typical W900 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
20
Service bulletins
30
Worst area
Steering

The worst 2008 Kenworth W900 problems

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

  • Steering
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Steering
    1

Recalls 20

Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning lightReported April 6, 2020 · 460,515 vehicles affected
What is wrong
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX Software. In the event that the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the dash warning light for the ABS may not illuminate to warn the driver of the loss of ABS. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems," and 136, "Electronic Stability Control System on Heavy Vehicles."
Risk
If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the NAMUX software within the cab control module, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on June 4, 2020. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1‑425‑828‑5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1‑940‑591‑4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20pbc AND 20KWB.

Recall number 20V199000 · Recall details

Service brakesReported November 18, 2013 · 18 vehicles affected
What is wrong
PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 Kenworth T800 and W900 trucks manufactured March 22, 2006, through July 15, 2013 and equipped with Primaax tridem rear suspensions and a pusher and/or tag axle. The affected trucks have brake chambers that take longer to apply or release the brakes than the required time limit. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Risk
Brakes that take longer to apply may lengthen the distance needed to stop the truck, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will modify the air brake system, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2014. Owners may contact PACCAR at 1‑425‑468‑7400. Kenworth's recall number is 13KWL.

Recall number 13V573000 · Recall details

Fuel system, other: storage: tank assemblyReported February 23, 2011 · 4,664 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 kenworth t2000, t660, t700, t800, and w900, as well as model year 2009-2012 peterbilt 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, and 587 trucks equipped with paccar mx engines. The oil module centrifugal spinner filter cap in the paccar mx engine may become loose, possibly allowing the cap to come off and engine oil to partially discharge from the oil module onto exhaust components.
Risk
The discharge of engine oil onto exhaust components which are hot, such as when the engine is under significant load, may cause a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will re-torque the oil module filter cap and install a secondary retention device on the secondary centrifugal spinner filter cap. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440 and peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4196.

Recall number 11V127000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assemblyReported December 13, 2010 · 12,873 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 kenworth and peterbilt vehicles manufactured from february 2, 2006 through april 30, 2007. The bearing surfaces of the extended lube universal joint that attaches the inter-axle driveline to the drive axle may become prematurely worn due to breakdown of lubrication and/or excessive heat. Prematurely worn bearing surfaces may result in the u-joint becoming loose and/or binding. This condition may result in universal joint failure, allowing the inter-axle driveline to detach from the axle.
Risk
Detachment of the driveline from the axle may cause the vehicle to lose power and become disabled in the roadway. Also, the driveline could drop from the vehicle into the roadway increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Paccar is working with its supplier to remedy the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2011. Owners may contact kenworth at 425‑828‑5440 and peterbilt at 940‑591‑4196.

Recall number 10V634000 · Recall details

Steering: columnReported July 2, 2010 · 9,697 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 trucks equipped with trw steering shafts. The circumferential weld around the steering shaft tube that welds the splined tube to the non-splined tube may be mislocated. Mislocation of the circumferential weld may allow the splined tube and non-splined tube to rotate relative to one another during a low speed, high torque turn, possibly resulting in a separation of the two tubes.
Risk
A separation of the splined and non-splined tubes would cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the steering shaft using a weld placement gauge provided by trw. Any steering shaft found to have been welded improperly will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall began on july 30, 2010. Owners may contact kenworth at 425‑828‑5440 and peterbilt at 940‑591‑4196.

Recall number 10V308000 · Recall details

Service brakes, airReported June 30, 2009 · 3,423 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kenworth is recalling 3,423 my 2004-2009 t2000, t800,t600, w900 and t660 vehicles. Increased brake excitation in a certain vehicle configuration which includes bendix drum brakes, wide base low profile single tires, and an ag400 or ag460 rear suspension, due to its unique brake clocking and cam tube length, can cause fatigue and cracking to brake assembly components.
Risk
Cracking can cause a complete fracture of the cam tube, which could increase stopping distance and decrease parking brake hold capability.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear axle brakes assembly, replace cracked rear axle brakes assembly components where required, and install cam tube support brackets on all rear axle wheel ends free of charge. The recall is expected to begin or before july 25, 2009. Owner may contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440.

Recall number 09V239000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: discReported May 19, 2009 · 140 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling 140 my 2005, 2007-2009 t800, w900, and t660 trucks. The caliper mounting fasteners attaching the air disc brake caliper assembly to the torque plate may have received insufficient torque during the installation process. The insufficient torque may allow the air disc brake caliper assembly to become loose and possibly separate from the vehicle.
Risk
This could result in reduced braking capacity and also a road debris hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect air disc brake caliper assemblies and replace the caliper mounting fasteners and torque properly. This service will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440.

Recall number 09V166000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported January 16, 2009 · 1,098 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling 1098 kenworth my 2008 t800, w900, my 2008-2009 t2000 and peterbilt my 2007-2009 379 and 387 trucks equipped with c15 caterpillar diesel engines. The aftertreatment regeneration device (ard) may develop a hole and heat and flame may escape during a regeneration of the diesel particulate filter.
Risk
This may result in a fire hazard.
Remedy
Paccar is working with caterpillar and will inspect and remedy the engines free of charge. Owners may contact caterpillar at 1‑800‑447‑4986, kenworth at 425‑828‑5440 or peterbilt at 940‑591‑4196.

Recall number 09V019000 · Recall details

SuspensionReported September 24, 2008 · 130 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling 130 my 2004-2009 t2000, t800, t600, w900 and t660 kenworth trucks built with an ag400 rear suspension, long stroke brake chambers, and wide base tires (super singles). These vehicles may develop an increase in lateral and vertical axle movement. This movement may cause part or parts of the brake assembly (brake cam tube support, brake chamber bracket, brake chamber, brake spider) to develop fatigue cracks, possibly resulting in the failure of the part or parts within the brake assembly.
Risk
A failure may reduce vehicle brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install the cam tube support brackets on all of the rear axle wheel ends. Inspect the rear axle brake assembly and replace it if cracked. The recall is expected to begin during november 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440.

Recall number 08V485000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported September 23, 2008 · 4,883 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling 4,883 my 2006-2009 kenworth t600, t660, t800, w900, t2000 and my 2008-2009 peterbilt 365, 367, 379, 384, 386, 387, 388 and 389 trucks. Inadequate stiffness of the diesel particulate filter (dpf) bracket could result in separation of the dpf from the chassis.
Risk
A vehicle crash could occur if another vehicle strikes the dpf on the roadway.
Remedy
Paccar is working with caterpillar to repair these vehicles (please see 08e041). Owners may contact caterpillar at 1‑800‑447‑4986 or kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440 or peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4196.

Recall number 08V487000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported September 22, 2008 · 263 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling 263 my 2008-2009 kenworth t800, w900 and peterbilt 365 and 384 trucks equipped with c7 or c9 caterpillar diesel engines. The fuel pump outlet check plug may be cracked which could cause fuel to spray and leak.
Risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Paccar is working with caterpillar (please see 08e042). Caterpillar will replace the fuel pump plug free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during september 2008. Owners may contact caterpillar at-1‑800‑447‑4986 or kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440 or peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4196.

Recall number 08V486000 · Recall details

Parking brake: conventional: airReported March 21, 2008 · 1,043 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling 1,043 my 2008-2009 kenworth c500, t2000,t660, t800 and w900 trucks equipped with bendix mv-3 dash control valves. The molded valve body has an incorrect core pin in the injection mold causing the valve body to be oversized in the double check valve area. This condition can allow the rubber double check valve to become lodged in the body opening under certain circumstances.
Risk
If the double check valve becomes lodged, in the event of a primary reservoir failure, air pressure can leak past the lodged double check valve thereby depleting the secondary reservoir, causing reduced ability for modulating the service emergency brakes. In such an event, the operator should observe an air leak, indications of low air pressure via the primary and secondary air gauges, and audible and visual low air pressure warning alarms. A vehicle crash is possible if these warnings are not heeded.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the bendix mv-3 dash control valves free of charge. The recall began on april 14, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑4196.

Recall number 08V128000 · Recall details

Trailer hitchesReported March 10, 2008 · 318 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling 318 my 2007-2009 kenworth t800, w900, and peterbilt 357, 365, 367, 378, 379, 384, 385, 386,388, and 389 trucks equipped with premier trailer hitch assemblies. The pintle hitch assemblies may have been manufactured in a manner resulting in a reduction of fatigue strength of the pivot pins.
Risk
This reduction of fatigue strength could cause the pivot pin to crack and eventually break, causing the trailer to detach from the truck while in motion, which could cause a crash that could result in personal injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the potentially defective pivot pin free of charge. The recall began on april 18, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440 or peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4196.

Recall number 08V104000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latchReported February 7, 2008 · 6,169 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling 6,169 my 2008 kenworth t300, t660, t800, t2000, w900 and c500 vehicles and my 2008-2009 peterbilt models 365, 367, 384, 387, 388, 389 and 389 kits. Certain door latch assemblies on these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 206, 'door locks and door retention components." the rotor in some of these door latch assemblies did not receive the proper heat treatment and may be soft.
Risk
In the event of a crash, force could cause the rotor to crack and the door would not have primary or secondary closing security which could possibly lead to injury of the vehicle occupant.
Remedy
Paccar is working with trimark and will inspect and replace the door latch if it is found to be defective. The recall began on march 14, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440 or peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4196.

Recall number 08V065000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported January 8, 2008 · 2,794 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain trucks equipped with eaton synflex eclipse brand extruded nylon air brake hose tubing fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 106, "brake hoses." the tubing was manufactured with only four layers of nylon material, instead of the specified five layers.
Risk
The diameter of the hose affects the fittings which may allow air to leak from the brakes and create the potential for a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the air brake hoses and, if necessary, replace the hoses. The recall began on february 22, 2008. Owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440 or peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4196.

Recall number 08V002000 · Recall details

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported April 18, 2007 · 302 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain truck equipped with behr cables, the cables were installed incorrectly and are too long.
Risk
If the hood begins to fall, the longer cable will cause the hood to fall too far, potentially injuring someone working in the engine compartment.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace any cable that are long free of charge. The recall began on april 27, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425‑828‑5440.

Recall number 07V165000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: deliveryReported April 10, 2007 · 306 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks, if the ignition switch is turned on prior to initial start up in the manufacturing plant or during the filter replacement in the field, a small flame will ignite when the fuel is added to prime the system.
Risk
The possibility exists for the flame to spread resulting in possible equipment damage or physical injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the filter for the date codes of the suspect filters and replace those heating elements free of charge. The recall began on march 21, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425‑828‑5440 and peterbilt at 940‑591‑4201.

Recall number 07V153000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assemblyReported March 22, 2007 · 245 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks, the axle housings may have been manufactured with steel that was out of specification which could result in a fatigue failure over time.
Risk
If a fatigue failure occurs and is left unattended, the axle may lock up or the end of the axle could come off, which may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the axles free of charge. The recall began on may 9, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425‑828‑5440 and peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4196.

Recall number 07V132000 · 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

Steering: columnReported November 24, 2006 · 443 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks equipped with a trw tilt/telescoping steering column, the tilt locking mechanism on the steering column may disengage. This could prevent the steering column from locking in to predetermined positions.
Risk
Should the locking mechanism disengage, the tilting travel of the column would be unrestricted. This unrestricted travel allows the steering wheel to impact the dash and could limit the movement of the steering wheel potentially resulting in difficulty maneuvering the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the tilt locking mechanism with a revised design that incorporates a new bracket for restraining the tilting mechanism. The recall began on december 22, 2006. Owners may contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440.

Recall number 06V447000 · Recall details

See all 20 recalls for the 2008 Kenworth W900

Defect investigations

Driveshaft separates from tractorOpened August 2, 2010, closed December 23, 2010

SummaryOn July 13, 2010, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened an investigation on model year (MY) 2007-2009 Peterbilt tractors equipped with the (SPL170XL extended lube inter-axle driveline).ODI opened this investigation based on one Vehicle Owners Questionnaire (VOQ) and certain Peterbilt field reports.During the course of the investigation, ODI reviewed PACCAR's IR (October 22, 2010) response with associated data related to Warranty and complaint information, mined field data, interviewed customers and visited local dealers within the Washington Metropolitan area.PACCARconducted testing regarding torsional loading and identified various causative factors contributed to this safety defect finding.The Defect is a consequence of the bearing surfaces of the SPL170XL extended lube universal joint that attaches the inter-axle driveline to the drive axle becoming prematurely worn due to a breakdown of lubrication and/or excessive heat.Prematurely worn bearing surfaces may result in the u-joint becoming loose and/or binding.This condition may result in universal joint failure, allowing the inter-axle driveline to detach from the axle, which may cause the drive shaft to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage hazard.ODI learned that the affected population of the alleged defect extended to peer models within PACCAR.In summary, the following vehicles are being recalled: MY 2007 and 2008 Kenworth trucks, models T600, T660, T2000, T800 and W900 and MY 2007/2008 Peterbilt trucks, models357, 378, 379, 385, 386, 387, 388, and 389 allequipped with extended lube inter-axle drivelines manufactured by Dana Corporation.The recall affects vehicles manufactured between February 2, 2006 and April 30, 2007.At this time PACCAR has not yet identified a fix for the inner-axle safety defect and is currently conducting testing with the intent to provide a solution to the failure.ODI will monitor the development of PACCARS testing and ensure a timely repair for the consumer.This investigation is closed.

PE10029

Horton Fan Hub FailuresOpened May 29, 2009, closed August 27, 2010

PACCAR is conducting an Owner Notification Program (ONP) for select vehicles within the subject and peer populations.The ONP are attached to the closing report and can be found in the federal safety agency Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) database. (TSB: 10033585, 10033584)See Closing report for investigation details.

EA09008

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Kenworth W900 30

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

See all 30 bulletins for the 2008 Kenworth W900

What 2008 Kenworth W900 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 23, 2025 · Steering · LA · crash

See attached document for complaint.

Compare the 2008 Kenworth W900

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Questions about the 2008 Kenworth W900

Is the 2008 Kenworth W900 reliable?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2008 Kenworth W900, close to a typical W900 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Kenworth W900?

Steering, with 1 complaint.

How many recalls does the 2008 Kenworth W900 have?

20 recalls, covering service brakes, air, service brakes and fuel system, other.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Kenworth W900 steering?

Yes, 2 recalls: 10V308000, 06V447000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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