- The problem
- On certain trucks, the wiring, parts, or transmission programming required for the auto neutral feature to function as designed were either not installed, connected, or programmed properly.
- The risk
- If any of these conditions exists, the transmission will not automatically shift into neutral when left in drive with the parking brake set engaged. The vehicle could move without warning increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles to ensure the auto neutral feature functions properly and, if needed, will make the necessary repairs free of charge. The recall began on may 9, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Kenworth C500 Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 2003 Kenworth C500 have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in March 2007 for the automatic transmission.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical C500 year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
2003 Kenworth C500 recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Certain trucks equipped with meritor p 18x7 brakes with 36" brake chambers fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 121, "Air brake systems." These trucks were manufactured with a combined air reservoir volume less than 12 times the combined volume of all service brake chambers.
- The risk
- This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
- The fix
- Dealers will add an additional tank or change one of the existing air tanks to a larger size. Owner notification began on may 5, 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.
- The 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.
- The risk
- This could cause an electrical short and/or possible fire hazard.
- The 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.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 2003 Kenworth C500 yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Kenworth C500: every year compared
All C500 years2003 Kenworth C500 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Kenworth C500 | 0 | 3 | C | |
| 2003 Kenworth T600 | 2 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Kenworth T2000 | 2 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Kenworth Conventional | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Kenworth Kenworth | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Kenworth W900 | 1 | 6 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Kenworth T800 | 1 | 7 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Kenworth C500
Does the 2003 Kenworth C500 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Kenworth C500: automatic transmission (March 2007); service brakes, air (March 2003); exterior lighting (February 2003). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 2003 Kenworth C500 had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 2003 Kenworth C500 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 52 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Kenworth C500 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Kenworth C500 years have the most complaints?
1999 (1), 2006 (1), 2007 (1). See every Kenworth C500 year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Kenworth C500 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data