2003 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: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THIS FORCED THE DRIVER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE THE LACK OF VISIBILITY. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT HEADLIGHT WIRING MELTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040311
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 D
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. OWNER
Campaign 03V045000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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
Campaign 03V168000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH VERTICAL TAIL PIPES, THE FRAME ACCESS GRABHANDLE IS MOUNTED TOO HIGH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE GRABHANDLE LOCATION AND IF DETERMINED TO BE MOUNTED TOO HIGH, THE HANDLE WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE PROPER HEIGHT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CO
Campaign 03V234000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, THE MAIN CAB WIRING HARNESS WAS INCORRECTLY CONNECTED TO THE 50 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKER INSTEAD OF THE 135 AMP BREAKER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND THE WIRING WILL BE CORRECTED IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 16, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.
Campaign 03V285000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EATON FULLER ULTRASONIC TRANSMISSIONS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER IN
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE CONNECTIONS IN THE WIRING HARNESS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440.
Campaign 04V174000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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. OWNE
Campaign 07V107000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Kenworth W900 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V045000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V168000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V234000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V285000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V174000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V107000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 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 2003 Kenworth W900?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting:headlights, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 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.