Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 2015 Kenworth T680 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2022.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 49
Against the median year of the Kenworth T680. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
50% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 31
18% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2015 Kenworth T680
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
321.4%
Median failure at 395,600 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
214.3%
Median failure at 265,010 miles
Brakes
214.3%
1 crashes, 2 fires · median 348,455 mi
Seat Belts
17.1%
1 crashes, 1 fires
Lights
17.1%
Median failure at 669,842 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
17.1%
1 crashes, 1 fires
Body & Structure
17.1%
Median failure at 669,842 miles
Steering
17.1%
Median failure at 508,600 miles
Electrical System
17.1%
Median failure at 669,842 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
17.1%
Median failure at 395,600 miles
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2018peak 3Sep 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 Kenworth T680
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE21018Opened 16 Jul 2021Closed 10 Oct 2025PARKING BRAKE:DRIVELINE:AIR:CHAMBER
Haldex Brake Chamber Failures
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE21018) based on eleven Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ). These VOQs included seven wheel-end fires on various Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks.Several of the VOQs were submitted by a maintenance facility stating that the fires were due to power spring fractures within brake chambers manufactured by Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems (Haldex). According to the reports, the fractured spring punctured the brake chamber diaphragm, resulting in a partial loss of compressed air to the park brakes, causing the brakes to dra...
Recalls on the 2015 Kenworth T680
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202014865,284 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain trucks, the warning light for the tractor anti-lock brake system (ABS) may not turn on if the system loses power. If this happens, the driver will not get warning that the ABS is not working properly. Note: This problem would also cause the traction control (TC) and electronic stability control (ESC) lights not to turn on. Safety Risk: If a driver is not warned that the ABS is not working properly, there could be an increased risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: PACCAR will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your truck to a dealer to update the software for the cab control module (CECU).
Recall 201863272 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain trucks, the intermediate side marker lamp/turn signals do not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The intermediate side marker lamp/turn signals, mounted to the side extenders, do not include the required reflex reflectors. This could decrease vehicle conspicuity and potentially increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install reflex reflective tape to the side extender near the intermediate side marker lamps.
Recall 2017374240 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the polyfuse for the spotlight could develop a short circuit in the cabin fuse box. A short circuit could result in overheating and melting of the fuse box, and could increase the risk of a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the optional polyfuse switch in the spotlight circuit with a standard fuse.
Recall 201709323 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles equipped with 2017 emissions engines, a tee fitting in the fuel supply was improperly manufactured and could leak fuel. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace affected fittings as necessary.
Recall 20153164,791 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles equipped with HID headlamps may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. A Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) that is optically combined with a turn signal lamp must switch off when the turn signal lamp is switched on as a hazard warning signal. In the affected vehicles, the DRL overrides the hazard flashing functionality after the service brake is applied for more than 2 seconds, which is contrary to the standard. The hazard functionality returns to normal when the application of the service brake is removed. Turn signal functionality would not impacted. Failure to warn oncoming vehicles with flashing hazard lamps could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update vehicle software.
Recall 201519022,815 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, water could migrate into wiper motor head and could lead to internal corrosion. This internal corrosion could form a conductive salt bridge which could result in a short circuit, causing the wiper system to fail. Loss of windshield wiping capability, should it occur during a rainy/snowy day, may compromise the driver's ability to see the road and its users, and a short circuit could increase the risk of fire, which could result in injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a shield over the wiper motor to protect it from water intrusions and prevent corrosion.
Recall 2015189140 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Delco-Remy 40SI alternators, the alternator charge cable may chafe against an air conditioning discharge line. This chafing could lead to damage of the alternator cable's insulation and could lead to an electrical short, increasing the risk of fire, which could result in injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will rotate the alternator cable end 180 degrees to provide necessary clearance and reattach the cable to the alternator.
Recall 2014590218 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, brake chamber diaphragm(s) may not be properly seated. This could lead to brake drag, causing brake overheating or unintended spring brake application. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake chambers.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Chicago, ILCrashFire
SEAT BELTS
3
NHTSA complaint #11444045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILCrashFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3
NHTSA complaint #11444045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILCrashFire
SERVICE BRAKES
3
NHTSA complaint #11444045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 348,455 milesGeddes, SDFire
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVER DRIVING DOWN FLAT HYWAY NEAR EASTON PA RIGHT FRONT DRIVE AXLE BRAKES STARTED ON FIRE CAUSE THOUGHT TO BE HALDEX BRAKE CHAMBER SINCE HAVING SO MANY FAIL FAILURES OF THIS GOLD SEAL CHAMBER AND CAUSING FIRES, TOTAL LOSS OF BOTH TRUCK AND TRAILER, DRIVER CONFIRMED RIGHT FRONT HEEL END ON FIRE AND COULD NOT GET IT PUT OUT DUE TO ALL THE HEAT
NHTSA complaint #11110397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 924,278 milesMcdonough, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Kenworth T680. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, he noticed smoke coming through the AC vents and from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and opened the hood of the vehicle. The contact noticed that the water pump was leaking and one of the hose pipe was cracked. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a nearby independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the water pump and the hose pipe needed to be replaced. The parts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 924,278.
NHTSA complaint #11485741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILCrashFire
SEAT BELTS
3
NHTSA complaint #11444045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILCrashFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3
NHTSA complaint #11444045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILCrashFire
SERVICE BRAKES
3
NHTSA complaint #11444045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 530,000 milesBrookings, OR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KENWORTH T680. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAVY TRUCK EXHIBITED NUMEROUS FAILURES WITH THE DIESEL FUEL SYSTEM WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURES OF THE NOX SENSOR, DIESEL FUEL DOSING VALVE, THE EGR COOLER, THE HC VALVE, THE AMMONIA SENSOR, THE COMMON RAIL, FUEL PUMP, EXHAUST FLEX PIPE, AND THE COMPUTER ALSO FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE HEAVY TRUCK TO NOT EXCEED 5 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY REPAIR COVERAGE HOWEVER, THE MILEAGE OF 435,000 MILES WAS EXCEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 530,000.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11322873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20 milesOakland Park, FL
ENGINE
MY 2015 KENWORTH T680 FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER SHOP HAS A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP THAT CAUSING THE ENGINE OF MY TO STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY ALMOST CAUSED ME A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT, BUT THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY SO I AM PLACING THIS COMPLAINT TO SEE IF I CAN GET ANY ASSISTANCE, THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #11219663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20 milesOakland Park, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY 2015 KENWORTH T680 FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER SHOP HAS A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP THAT CAUSING THE ENGINE OF MY TO STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY ALMOST CAUSED ME A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT, BUT THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY SO I AM PLACING THIS COMPLAINT TO SEE IF I CAN GET ANY ASSISTANCE, THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #11219663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 669,842 milesWake Forest, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TAKATA RECALL MHC KENWORTH HAS REPLACED OR CORRECTED THE DRIVERS LOW BEAM LIGHT 5 TIMES, 3 FOR FEE AND 2 AS A COST TO MY BUSINESS. THE THIS HEADLIGHT CONTINUES TO MALFUNCTION AND THE LIGHT BULB IS NOT EVEN BLOWN. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS GOES PITCH BLACK DARK. THE ORANGE ENGINE OUTLINE COMES ON EVERY SINGLE TIME THE MALFUNCTION OCCURS. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND WE CANNOT CONTINUE DRIVING THIS TRUCK LIKE THIS. THE TRUCK CONTINUES TO MISFIRE AFTER THE WARRANTY COVERED THE INJECTORS REPLACEMENT. SOME TIMES THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SHUT DOWN IN THE TRUCK. I NEED ANSWERS ASAP AS THIS CAN COST THOUSANDS IN FINES AND DOT FEES! THIS HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE, NUMEROUS TIMES WITH THE MOST RECENT BEING DEC 2018 AND JAN 2019. THE CABINET HANDLES FELL OFF AND THE BOTH ARM RESTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS 3 YEAR OLD TRUCK IS FALLING APART.
NHTSA complaint #11165381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 669,842 milesWake Forest, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
TAKATA RECALL MHC KENWORTH HAS REPLACED OR CORRECTED THE DRIVERS LOW BEAM LIGHT 5 TIMES, 3 FOR FEE AND 2 AS A COST TO MY BUSINESS. THE THIS HEADLIGHT CONTINUES TO MALFUNCTION AND THE LIGHT BULB IS NOT EVEN BLOWN. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS GOES PITCH BLACK DARK. THE ORANGE ENGINE OUTLINE COMES ON EVERY SINGLE TIME THE MALFUNCTION OCCURS. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND WE CANNOT CONTINUE DRIVING THIS TRUCK LIKE THIS. THE TRUCK CONTINUES TO MISFIRE AFTER THE WARRANTY COVERED THE INJECTORS REPLACEMENT. SOME TIMES THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SHUT DOWN IN THE TRUCK. I NEED ANSWERS ASAP AS THIS CAN COST THOUSANDS IN FINES AND DOT FEES! THIS HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE, NUMEROUS TIMES WITH THE MOST RECENT BEING DEC 2018 AND JAN 2019. THE CABINET HANDLES FELL OFF AND THE BOTH ARM RESTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS 3 YEAR OLD TRUCK IS FALLING APART.
NHTSA complaint #11165381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 669,842 milesWake Forest, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL MHC KENWORTH HAS REPLACED OR CORRECTED THE DRIVERS LOW BEAM LIGHT 5 TIMES, 3 FOR FEE AND 2 AS A COST TO MY BUSINESS. THE THIS HEADLIGHT CONTINUES TO MALFUNCTION AND THE LIGHT BULB IS NOT EVEN BLOWN. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS GOES PITCH BLACK DARK. THE ORANGE ENGINE OUTLINE COMES ON EVERY SINGLE TIME THE MALFUNCTION OCCURS. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND WE CANNOT CONTINUE DRIVING THIS TRUCK LIKE THIS. THE TRUCK CONTINUES TO MISFIRE AFTER THE WARRANTY COVERED THE INJECTORS REPLACEMENT. SOME TIMES THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SHUT DOWN IN THE TRUCK. I NEED ANSWERS ASAP AS THIS CAN COST THOUSANDS IN FINES AND DOT FEES! THIS HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE, NUMEROUS TIMES WITH THE MOST RECENT BEING DEC 2018 AND JAN 2019. THE CABINET HANDLES FELL OFF AND THE BOTH ARM RESTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS 3 YEAR OLD TRUCK IS FALLING APART.
NHTSA complaint #11165381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 395,600 milesFresno, CA
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE ALWAYS ANY LIGHTS ON MY TRUCK / NOW CHEEK ENGINE LIGHT ON FOR CCV SPEEDO ROTOR / SENSOR NOX ALL MOST $3500 DOLLER NEED FIX / I DON'T HAVE / BEFORE I LOT MONEY PUT ON REPAIR/
NHTSA complaint #11154820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 395,600 milesFresno, CA
ENGINE
I HAVE ALWAYS ANY LIGHTS ON MY TRUCK / NOW CHEEK ENGINE LIGHT ON FOR CCV SPEEDO ROTOR / SENSOR NOX ALL MOST $3500 DOLLER NEED FIX / I DON'T HAVE / BEFORE I LOT MONEY PUT ON REPAIR/
NHTSA complaint #11154820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 348,455 milesGeddes, SDFire
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVER DRIVING DOWN FLAT HYWAY NEAR EASTON PA RIGHT FRONT DRIVE AXLE BRAKES STARTED ON FIRE CAUSE THOUGHT TO BE HALDEX BRAKE CHAMBER SINCE HAVING SO MANY FAIL FAILURES OF THIS GOLD SEAL CHAMBER AND CAUSING FIRES, TOTAL LOSS OF BOTH TRUCK AND TRAILER, DRIVER CONFIRMED RIGHT FRONT HEEL END ON FIRE AND COULD NOT GET IT PUT OUT DUE TO ALL THE HEAT
NHTSA complaint #11110397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 508,600 milesMableton, GA
STEERING
WHEN THE ENGINE RUNS HOT, FROM HARD PULLS OVER A MOUNTAIN, THE POWER STEERING FLUID GETS SO HOT IT BOILS. I LOSE SOME POWER STEERING WHEN THAT HAPPENS.
NHTSA complaint #11080420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.