What Kenworth T280 owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Kenworth T280 safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 31 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Kenworth T280 complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
The contact owns a 2023 Kenworth T280. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the gears were not shifting properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure, and a mechanic was sent to his residence on two occasions for a service call, where it was diagnosed that the transmission actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired both times; however, the failure recurred, and the contact then stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V425000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 1,200.
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
Information has been added to identify that ECAT incorrectly identifies PS386 as the correct transmission oil for TX-8 transmission on certain vehicles.[
"The PKC Group power distribution center (PDC) in certain vehicles may be contaminated with oil, which could result in a loss of power to the engine, antilock brake system, exterior lighting, windshield wipers, and/or defrost system. This issue may also result in non-compliance with multiple Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) regulations, such as FMVSS/CMVSS 103 (windshield defrosting and defogging systems), 104 (windshield wiping and washing systems), and 108 (lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment). PDC serial numbers
"Kenworth: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes. 2 chassis added to the chassis list. Peterbilt: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes. 10 chassis added to the chassis list."
Updated Sheppard Steering Gear Classification Tool link in Inspection Procedure
The verbiage in the Introduction section has been updated.
An improved transmission bracket is now available for replacement on certain chassis equipped with a PACCAR TX-12 transmission, featuring a more durable design for enhanced long-term performance.
"KW & PB: New software is available for download. The DAVIE4 cache must be cleared before attempting to reprogram a chassis that is experiencing problems to ensure the latest version of software is installed. Follow all steps in the attached procedures before submitting a TCS case."
The repair procedure has been updated to include diagnostic steps.
"KW: A new recommended repair has been added to verify the software level and close the campaign in SIR.The repair procedure has been updated with additional note boxes for clear instructions. PB: The repair procedure has been updated with additional note boxes for clear instructions."
KW: A Transmission Control Module (TCM) software update is now available for certain T280, T380, T480, T680, T880, and W990 chassis with PACCAR TX-12 and TX-18 transmissions, TCM software version R5.5 or later and an AT5 controller, where the TASPS fails. PB: A Transmission Control Module (TCM) software update is now available for certain Model 537, 548, 567, 579, and 589 chassis with PACCAR TX-12 and TX-18 transmissions, TCM software version R5.5 or later and an AT5 controller, where the TASPS fails.
Troubleshooting procedures for 2.1m cab power windows are now available.
Bogie Crossmember Torque Value Update - Procedure has been updated to correct torque values.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2021–2027, owners most often name: power train. 1 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.