Powered byNHTSA|EPA|Community Reports
HomeKenworthK100Years to Avoid

Kenworth K100 — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Kenworth K100 model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
30
Years to Avoid
2004, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996
Best Years
2003, 2002, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1987, 1983, 1982
2004Avoid
1 complaints1 recalls6 TSBs
2003Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
2002Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
2001
0 complaints1 recalls5 TSBs
2000Avoid
0 complaints4 recalls6 TSBs
1999Avoid
0 complaints5 recalls5 TSBs
1998Avoid
0 complaints2 recalls5 TSBs
1997Avoid
0 complaints2 recalls5 TSBs
1996Avoid
0 complaints3 recalls4 TSBs
1995Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1994Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1993Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1992Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1991Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1990
0 complaints0 recalls1 invest.
1989
0 complaints0 recalls1 invest.
1988
0 complaints0 recalls1 invest.
1987Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1986
0 complaints1 recalls
1985
0 complaints1 recalls
1984
0 complaints1 recalls
1983Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1982Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1981
0 complaints1 recalls
1980
0 complaints1 recalls
1979
0 complaints1 recalls
1978
0 complaints1 recalls
1977
0 complaints1 recalls
1976
0 complaints1 recalls
1975
0 complaints1 recalls

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Kenworth K100 Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2004, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996 Kenworth K100 are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Kenworth K100, consider the 2003, 2002, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1987, 1983, 1982 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

30 model years analyzed