Every 2012 Kenworth C500 recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA 24V145000
Feb 23, 2024Service Brakes, Air:Supply:Reservoir/Tank
- Problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2009-2021 Kenworth C500, 2012-2021 Kenworth T440, 2009-2015 Kenworth T660, 2015-2024 Kenworth T680, 2009-2024 Kenworth T800, 2009-2020 Kenworth T370, 2014-2023 Kenworth T880, 2011-2016 Kenworth T470, 2023 Kenworth T480, and 2009-2019 Kenworth W900 vehicles. The air tanks have an insufficient volume of air for the brake system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
- Risk
- Insufficient air volume can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install the correct volume air tanks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 12, 2024. Additional owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2025. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's number for this recall is 24KWD.
Full recall details for 24V145000 →Visibility · NHTSA 15V271000
Aug 5, 2015Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
- Problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, C500, C540, C550, T660, T800, W900, and 963 trucks manufactured November 1, 2010, to April 6, 2015. In the affected trucks, water may leak into the wiper motor.
- Risk
- As water leaks in, the wiper may cease to function on the 'intermittent' setting, reducing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the water may cause corrosion which, over time, may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- PACCAR is still developing and testing a remedy. The recall is expected to begin in July 2015. An interim letter was sent to owners on July 2, 2015. The recall began on September 2, 1015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 15KWF.
Full recall details for 15V271000 →Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA 11V157000
Jul 3, 2011Service Brakes, Air:Slack Adjusters
- Problem
- PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 KENWORTH T270/370, T440/T470, T800, T660, W900 AND C500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 18, 2010, AND JANUARY 28, 2011. CERTAIN CAST IRON SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSINGS, WHICH TRANSMIT BRAKING FORCE FROM THE BRAKE CHAMBER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE CAM TUBE, MAY INCLUDE A FLOW NOTCH IN THE HANDLE PORTION OF THE HOUSING DUE TO AN ERROR DURING THE CASTING PROCESS. A FLOW NOTCH IN THE HANDLE PORTION MAY REDUCE THE EFFECTIVE CROSS SECTION STRUCTURE AND CAUSE THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING TO FRACTURE.
- Risk
- IF THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING WERE TO FRACTURE, THE WHEEL BRAKE TO WHICH THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING IS ATTACHED WOULD NO LONGER FUNCTION, WHICH COULD INCREASE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES, AND IF MOUNTED ON THE STEER AXLE, COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO ONE SIDE DURING BRAKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SLACK ADJUSTER HOUSING AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440.
Full recall details for 11V157000 →
2012 Kenworth C500 complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Kenworth C500. Kenworth has issued at least 14 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
Service bulletins by component
- Electrical System (4)
- Equipment (3)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (2)
- Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (2)
- Steering (2)
- Engine (1)
Read Kenworth C500 owner complaints and bulletins, every year
What people reported
Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Kenworth C500. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
“WE DID 20+ HOURS OF WORK ON THIS TRUCK AND ALL AFTER HOUR RATES. THIS COMPANY IS WITHHOLDING MONEY THEY OWED. WE HAVE ASKED TO WORK WITH US AND NOW THEY WILL NOT ANSWER ANY PHONE CALLS FROM US OR OUR LAWYERS. STOP THIS TRUCK.”
2012 KENWORTH C500Apr 10, 2014
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 10579000
Check your C500 by VIN
Not every 2012 Kenworth C500 is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Kenworth dealer.
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