2012 Kenworth C500 recalls and problems
The 2012 Kenworth C500 has 3 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kenworth dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Kenworth C500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Kenworth C500 recalls
Recall 24V-145: Service Brakes, Air
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.
Recall 15V-271: Visibility
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.
Recall 11V-157: Service Brakes, Air
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.
2012 Kenworth C500 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 1 |
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Other Kenworth C500 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Kenworth C500 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Kenworth C500: 24V-145 (service brakes, air), 15V-271 (visibility), 11V-157 (service brakes, air). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Kenworth C500?
Owners report wheels problems most often (1 reports).
Are Kenworth recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kenworth dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.