2003 Kenworth T600 recalls and problems

The 2003 Kenworth T600 has 5 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kenworth dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
2
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Kenworth T600 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Kenworth T600 recalls

Recall 04V-174: Electrical System

Reported Apr 12, 2004 · 25 vehicles affected · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Problem: 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 interlock and transmission braking effect." the cab transmission harness could have been incorrectly wired during production installation.

Risk: This could cause the neutral start feature of the transmission to disable allowing the vehicle to start in gear increasing the potential for a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-285: Electrical System

Reported Aug 5, 2003 · 117 vehicles affected · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-234: Unknown or Other

Reported Jul 1, 2003 · 84 vehicles affected · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Problem: On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with vertical tail pipes, the frame access grabhandle is mounted too high.

Risk: This condition could cause a person to slip and/or fall and could lead to personal injury.

Fix: 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 contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.

Recall 03V-168: Trailer Hitches

Reported May 5, 2003 · 483 vehicles affected · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Problem: 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.

Risk: If left undetected or corrected it could lead to the separation of the fifth wheel top plate from its mounting structure, possibly resulting in a crash.

Fix: 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 their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201 or kenworth 425-828-5440.

Recall 03V-045: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 13, 2003 · 9,890 vehicles affected · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Problem: 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 devices, and associated equipment." the supplier removed a rubber grommet from the trailer light line connector. The vehicles are experiencing corrosion at the 7-way trailer connection. This causes intermittent flashing/flickering of the trailer lights.

Risk: This could cause an electrical short and/or possible fire hazard.

Fix: 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. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440.

2003 Kenworth T600 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Air1
Equipment1
Air Bags1

Most reported parts

  • Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 175,000 miles (median of owner reports).

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.

Recent 2003 Kenworth T600 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 76,241 miles · reported Apr 24, 2009
The contact owns a 2003 kenworth t600. While driving 60mph in light rain, snow and heavy wind weather conditions. The strong wind pushed the vehicle over onto the driver side, begin sliding down a hill and crashed into a ditch. The contacts head hit the steering wheels and was cut by broken glass. The contact was forced to kick the passenger front window out to escape from vehicle. A police report was filed and the contact was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. During the crash, none of the air bags deployed. The contact is aware of the safety risk when air bags do not deploy. The current…

Other Kenworth T600 years

Compare all Kenworth T600 years · All Kenworth models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Kenworth T600 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Kenworth T600: 04V-174 (electrical system), 03V-285 (electrical system), 03V-234 (unknown or other), 03V-168 (trailer hitches), 03V-045 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Kenworth T600?

Owners report service brakes, air problems most often (1 reports), followed by equipment (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 175,000 miles.

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.