1998 Kenworth W900
Only 3 complaints 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 3 complaints 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 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 3 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
REFERENCE VOQ#10259426. I FILED A COMPLAINT IN FEBRUARY 2009 FOR A FRAME RAIL THAT CRACKED ON MY 1998 KENWORTH W900. I SPENT $11,470 TO HAVE THE RAIL REPLACED AT AN AUTHORIZED KENWORTH DEALER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120216
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KENWORTH W900. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HOOD WAS KNOCKING ON THE MAIN CAB AND WAS NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090220
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING THE FUEL LINE CHAFED A HOLE, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE. A RECALL WAS ORDERED ON MAKE MODEL AND YEAR. THIS PARTICULAR TRUCK WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER RECALL 98V-129000. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980908
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING THE FUEL LINE CHAFED A HOLE, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE. A RECALL WAS ORDERED ON MAKE MODEL AND YEAR. THIS PARTICULAR TRUCK WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER RECALL 98V-129000. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980908
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRUCK HUB UNITS MANUFACTURED BY SKF EXCLUSIVELY FOR USE ON ARVINMERITOR'S FF98X SERIES NON-DRIVE STEER AXLES, THE HUB UNIT BEARINGS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FRONT AXLE HUBS. NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 16, 2003. THE MANUFACTURER HAS ADVISED US THAT PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO
Campaign 03V125000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR ENGINES AND EATON AUTOSHIFT TRANSMISSIONS. THE ENGINES CAN STALL BECAUSE OF SOFTWARE PROBLEMS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THESE ENGINES WITH SOFTWARE CHANGES. CATERPILLAR IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THIS RECALL.
Campaign 99V181001 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH REPLACEMENT DANA SPICER TANDEM DRIVE AXLE MODELS DS463 AND DS521, INSTALLED ON VEHICLES FROM MAY 1, 2001 THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2002, AN UNDERSIZED ATTACHMENT WELD MAY FRACTURE WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DANA IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. THE DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SUSPECT BRACKET, INSPECT THE AXLE HOUSING, AND REWELD THE BRACKET TO THE AXLE HOUSING.
Campaign 02V061001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Kenworth W900 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V181001 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V061001 (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.
- Verify recall 03V125000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 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 1998 Kenworth W900?
The most-reported component is structure:frame and members, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Kenworth W900 have?
6 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.