1997 Kenworth W900
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 7 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD ALL 4 TIRES ON THIS TRAILER BLOW OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000824
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 CORROSI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ARM ASSEMBLY MANUFACTURED FROM A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. NEW STUDS WILL BE INSTALLED WITH DIFFERENT THREADS AND DIFFERENT FINISH.
Campaign 97V139000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DESIGN LEVEL 1, ROCKWELL FF980 SERIES FRONT AXLE. THE FRONT AXLE HUB FLANGE CAN DEVELOP CRACKS DUE TO HIGH STRESS LEVELS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE FRONT HUBS WITH AN IMPROVED DESIGN LEVEL 2 HUB.
Campaign 97V196003 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, ADJUST, AND REPAIR, IF NECESSARY, THE FUEL LINE AND ELECTRICAL HARNESS.
Campaign 98V129000 — check if this car was fixed
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 SU
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 TH
Campaign 01V051000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR FG941 STEER AXLES. THE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) WAS DETERMINED INCORRECTLY AND OVER-STATED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL. WI
Remedy: VEHICLES WILL BE REMEDIED EITHER BY ASSIGNING THE PROPER WEIGHT RATING OR, IF POSSIBLE, BY CHANGING THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS TO MEET THE CURRENTLY ASSIGNED WEIGHT RATING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUN
Campaign 01V142000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Kenworth W900 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V139000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V196003 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V129000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V051000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V142000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Kenworth W900 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Kenworth W900?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Kenworth W900 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.