Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Kenworth T880, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Service brakes1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 35 2021 T880 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 4 people died inside them, and 5 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Kenworth T880 failed the safety check 0.73% of the time — 23% less often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 115,959 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Recalls in Canada
10 Transport Canada recalls for the 2021 Kenworth T880.
| 2024744 9 Dec 2024 | Brakes Issue: On certain trucks, poor signal strength could cause the electronic control unit (ECU) to stop working or not to work properly. As a result, some safety … |
| 2024161 8 Mar 2024 | Powertrain Issue: On certain trucks, the wiring in the right-hand shift stalk may not be properly connected. As a result, you may not be able to shift the transmission b… |
| 2024121 23 Feb 2024 | Brakes Issue: On certain trucks, the reservoir tank for the air brake system is too small. In certain situations, this could cause reduced braking. Canadian regulati… |
| 2022185 14 Apr 2022 | Lights And Instruments Issue: On certain trucks, the daytime running lamps (DRLs) may not turn on when the vehicle starts moving. Canadian regulations require that DRLs must be on w… |
| 2021713 19 Nov 2021 | Brakes Issue: On certain trucks, the work brake (also known as a winch brake) may suddenly release while using the winch. If this happens, the truck could move sudde… |
| 2021323 26 May 2021 | Fuel System Issue: On certain trucks, the fuel rail assembly could develop a leak. Note: This recall only affects trucks equipped with a Cummins L9 or ISX12 diesel engi… |
| 2021287 14 May 2021 | Lights And Instruments Issue: On certain trucks, the driver may be able to turn off the daytime running lamps (DRLs) while driving. Canadian regulations require that DRLs must stay … |
| 2021069 17 Feb 2021 | Powertrain Issue: On certain vehicles, the cap screws that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the flywheel could de… |
| 2020551 12 Nov 2020 | Structure Issue: On certain trucks, the welds that attach the trailer hitch may crack due to improper welding. As a result, the hitch could detach from the truck while … |
| 2020399 27 Aug 2020 | Suspension Issue: On certain trucks, the lift axle pivot bolts may be too short and may not be properly tightened. As a result, the bolts could come loose or break. If t… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Peterbilt and Kenworth vehicles, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop functioning.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 365, 367, 389, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480, T680, T880 and W990 trucks. The right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors may have been improperly crimped, resulting in a loss of communication.
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."
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Peterbilt 567, 579, 2021-2022 Peterbilt 536, 2017-2021 Kenworth T880, 2016-2022 Kenworth T680, 2018-2020 Kenworth T440, 2020 Kenworth T270, and 2021 Kenworth T280 vehicles. The methane detection system will not function if the system loses power.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Kenworth T880, W990, Peterbilt 567, 579, 389, and 2022 Peterbilt 536, 537 wrecker and auto hauler vehicles. The work brake (winch brake) may unintentionally disengage the service brakes during winching operations, causing the vehicle to roll.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Peterbilt 337, 348, 365, 367, 520, 567, Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, T800 and T880 vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Kenworth T680, T880, W990, T800, W900 and Peterbilt 579, 567, 389, 367 vehicles equipped with a Cummins X15 engine. The capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may have been improperly torqued, allowing the flywheel to detach.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Peterbilt 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 567 and Kenworth T800, T880, W900, W990 vehicles equipped with Watson and Chalin steerable lift axle suspension systems (model SL2065). The axles may have lower rear pivot bolts that are not long enough to sufficiently engage the locking feature of the corresponding nuts.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kenworth told its dealers about the 2021 Kenworth T880: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10254164 | Certain C500/T440/T470/T660/T680/T800/T880/W900 chassis may have air tank reservoirs that do not meet air volume requirements per FMVSS/CMVSS 121 Air Brake Systems. This bulletin will be updated when repair parts and procedures are available. |
| 10252589 | Safety Recall INTERIM NOTIFICATION Parts are not currently available for this safety recall. This bulletin will be updated once repair parts are available. The right-hand shift stalk may have an improper wire harness terminal crimp within the wire harness connector. Loss of communication between the right-hand shift stalk and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after it comes to a stop thereby increasing the risk of crash or injury. A transmission fault will appear on the dash display if communication is lost. |
| 10244489 | PACCAR MX-11 & MX-13 EPA2021 Fuel Filter Drain & Change Info Incorrect fuel filter drain and replacement procedures on EPA21 MX-11 and MX-13 engines can result in the following Debris and contaminants introduced into the high-pressure fuel system. Denial of warranty claims for injector and/or fuel system faults. Misfire, rough running, engine knock, and other associated faults and symptoms. Correct fuel filter procedures are outlined in attached service documentation. |
| 10241500 | There is currently a repair procedure available for T680E and T880E chassis that will address issues caused by the previous BEV2 R5.00_002 software update. This repair involves replacement of the Bendix ABS control module with an updated version and a software update to R5.00_003. |
| 10238389 | FIX-AS-FAIL Updated procedures and claim filing information. EPA2021 injector cleaning is referenced in RMI for certain injector faults. Complete the procedures in E290. Refer to E300 for in-tank additive information |
| 10238382 | Certain chassis with Engine Model Year 2016-2021 PACCAR MX-11/MX-13, or EPA13 and EPA21 Cummins ISX12/ISX15/X15 engines that had a previously failed DEF sensor and with DEF sensor software disabled due to industry DEF sensor shortages will now be able to receive a replacement DEF sensor, DEF tank heater coolant control valve, and re-enabled DEF diagnostic software. Please note that chassis equipped with PACCAR PX engines will be eligible for this repair at a future date when software is available. |
| 10233554 | FIX-AS-FAIL Updated procedures and claim filing information. EPA2021 injector cleaning is referenced in RMI for certain injector faults. Complete the procedures in E290. Refer to E300 for in-tank additive information |
| 10233553 | PACCAR will reimburse customers for the local purchase of in-tank fuel additive for EPA2021 compliant MX engines. This is a one-time reimbursement. Only customers who have received E290 injector cleaning qualify for this reimbursement. See bulletin for limits and purchase tracking requirements. |
| 10232496 | Certain Model Year 2021-2024 chassis with PACCAR MX engines and optional fuel filter restriction virtual gauge may display incorrect restriction levels. The virtual gauge will be temporarily disabled until a revised sensor strategy is developed. |
| 10231101 | This campaign is the final opportunity to replace the oil filter screw cap to reduce occurrences of broken bypass valve tabs. Broken oil valve tabs can cause oil flow obstruction to critical engine parts, resulting in serious engine damage. Customers that do not receive this repair may be responsible for progressive engine damage caused by broken oil bypass valve tabs. |
| 10225578 | Info Only - PACCAR is introducing Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for engine MY17 and newer chassis equipped with Cummins X15, X12, ISX12, ISX12N, L9N, PX-7, and PX-9 engines The technology will leverage the existing Remote Diagnostic cs hardware to deliver secure software updates remotely. This will reduce downtime and save on maintenance costs for eligible vehicles. |
| 10218895 | Kenworth is providing guidance for PACCAR MX Engine Composite Oil Pan leak troubleshooting to avoid over-repairs and to provide warrantable repair guidance. Oil leaks, if not repaired, can lead to severe engine damage. |
| 10213089 | Safety Recall Interim Notification - The Dana D-Series front axle steer arm fasteners that attach the steer arm to the steering knuckle may fail, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Repair information will be added when a repair procedure and parts are available. |
| 10209715 | Engine Model Year 2021B and later PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 Fuel Injector Adjustment During First C Service |
| 10209712 | nformation Only New Level 1 required tools are available to support MY21B MX engines. |
| 10208770 | Due to major data carriers phasing out 3G networks, chassis currently utilizing first generation Peoplenet Mobile Gateway (PMG001) will experience severe 3G service degradation as early as January of 2022. Chassis currently utilizing 3G antennas as a primary antenna may experience this degradation |
| 10206079 | Non-Safety Campaign: Certain DC tools were incorrectly calibrated. The resulting torque issue could affect the EPA21 MX-11 and MX-13 Oil Pan and/or the Exhaust Manifold. |
| 10206066 | Information Only: Due to differences between the PACCAR MX-11 or MX-13 2021A and 2021B engines, technicians must be able to identify which of these engines are in a chassis. |
| 10201965 | Fix-As-Fail Due to undersupply issues, only a limited supply of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors are available. As a temporary solution, after PACCAR confirms a DEF sensor is not available, a temporary software update will allow a vehicle to continue operation with a failed DEF sensor by disabling the DEF sensor diagnostics. |
| 10201956 | Information Only - Rear axle Quarter Fenders with less than two inches of clearance between the top of the quarter fender and the bottom of the trailer/equipment are susceptible to damage. The lack of clearance could result in cracked/broken quarter fenders or complete separation if undetected or un-remedied. |
| 10200930 | Safety Recall Interim Notification - Certain Mahle HVAC control heads may have a soldering defect which may result in inoperative HVAC controls. Inoperative HVAC defrost may reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of an accident. This bulletin will be updated when parts become available. |
| 10200929 | A DPF regeneration two-position switch parameter is causing inhibited DPF regeneration. A parameter update, via Cummins Insite, restores proper DPF regeneration function. |
| 10198762 | Information Only C hassis equipped with MY2021 B EPA emission s standards will be shipped through atleast the end of the 2021 calendar year without particulate matter (PM) sensors installed . |
| 10198759 | Safety Recall Cummins Fuel Rail Leak NHTSA ID: 21V391 / TC: 2021-323, Cummins Recall: C2423.Cummins PX9 and ISX12 fuel rails may leak around a sealing washer, potentially resulting in fuel leaks.Undetected prolonged diesel fuel spray in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire. |
| 10188550 | Information Only Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)