Owners have filed 17 complaints
about the 2018 Kenworth T680 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2025.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 59
Against the median year of the Kenworth T680. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 61
11.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% 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 2018 Kenworth T680
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
423.5%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 194,566 mi
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
317.6%
Median failure at 342,500 miles
Seat Belts
211.8%
Median failure at 116,200 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
211.8%
Median failure at 431,137 miles
Other & Unspecified
15.9%
Seats
15.9%
Tires
15.9%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
15.9%
Electrical System
15.9%
Engine & Cooling
15.9%
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.
Jul 2018peak 6Apr 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2018 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 2018 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 2022210985 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: On certain trucks, the fasteners that attach the steer arm to the steering knuckle may fail. If this happens, the steer arm could separate from the steering knuckle and cause a loss of steering control. Note: This recall only affects trucks equipped with a Dana D-series steer axle. Safety Risk: A loss of steering control could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: PACCAR will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.
Recall 202046120 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: Certain trucks were built with a standard rear brake ABS modulator valve instead of a quick release valve. This could result in an increased stopping distance. Note: This recall only affects certain trucks equipped with WABCO 6S/6M ABS brake systems and drum brakes. Safety Risk: An incorrect ABS modulator valve can cause increased stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: PACCAR will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your truck to a Kenworth dealer to replace the standard rear brake ABS modulator valves with quick release ABS modulator valves.
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 2018702758 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the webbing on certain seat belt buckle assemblies may not have been securely fastened during assembly. As a result, in the event of a crash, the seat belt may fail to restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will remove and replace seat belt buckle assemblies as necessary.
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 20185272,974 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain trucks built with a Cummins X15 or ISX15 engine equipped with nylon fuel lines and a banjo bolt on the fuel pump, a blockage in the fuel cooling system may cause a fuel line to burst. This could result in a significant fuel leak onto the roadway, which would create a road hazard for other motorists. Additionally, this condition could also cause an engine stall without warning, without the ability to restart the engine. Both of these conditions may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Cummins-authorized dealers will replace the affected nylon line with a steel line.
Recall 2018077174 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles equipped with Eaton Ultrashift Plus or Eaton Advantage automatic transmissions with right hand stalk shifters may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) 101 - Location and Identification of Controls and Displays and CMVSS 102 – Transmission Control Functions. Under certain conditions, the D-R-N (Drive-Reverse-Neutral) display in the instrument cluster may incorrectly illuminate the "N" on the display when the transmission shifter is in the "D" or "R" position, which is contrary to the requirements of the standards. This could create confusion to the operator, which could increase the risk of injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will update the transmission software.
Recall 201766432 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 102 – Transmission Control Functions. The transmission control module may allow engine cranking for around 1 second after the vehicle is powered on with the shift stalk out of neutral, contrary to the requirements of the standard. If this occurs, this could cause unintentional vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will update the Transmission Control Module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Charlottesville, VACrash
TIRES
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11655149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,752 milesGeddes, SDFire
SERVICE BRAKES
UNIT DRIVING ON FLAT ROAD, LEFT FRONT DRIVES STARTED SMOKING WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE BRAKES NOT BEING APPLIED, DRIVER STOPPED AND BY THIS TIME THE FIRE HAD SPREAD THRU THE UNDER SIDE OF TRUCK AND TRAILER, TOTAL LOSS OF TRUCK, TRAILER AND LOAD, BELIVED TO BE HALDEX BRAKE CAN FAILURE LEAKING AIR AND CAUSING BRAKES TO DRAG AND START ON FIRE
NHTSA complaint #11166776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Charlottesville, VACrash
TIRES
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11655149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK, OK
POWER TRAIN
We bought this truck with 401, 000 miles on it. So far we have had to replace the rear ends twice. the whole DPF system, the check engine light still on since the day we bought the truck. We have had 5 NOS sensors put into the truck, 6 input and output sensors put into the truck. This truck has been defective since the day of purchase. We keep having the same error code of p3770 come up evetime we take to shop. The error code has been looked at so many times that even the master techs don't know what is wrong with the truck other then we keep replacing the same stuff over and over again.
NHTSA complaint #11518882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We bought this truck with 401, 000 miles on it. So far we have had to replace the rear ends twice. the whole DPF system, the check engine light still on since the day we bought the truck. We have had 5 NOS sensors put into the truck, 6 input and output sensors put into the truck. This truck has been defective since the day of purchase. We keep having the same error code of p3770 come up evetime we take to shop. The error code has been looked at so many times that even the master techs don't know what is wrong with the truck other then we keep replacing the same stuff over and over again.
NHTSA complaint #11518882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK, OK
ENGINE
We bought this truck with 401, 000 miles on it. So far we have had to replace the rear ends twice. the whole DPF system, the check engine light still on since the day we bought the truck. We have had 5 NOS sensors put into the truck, 6 input and output sensors put into the truck. This truck has been defective since the day of purchase. We keep having the same error code of p3770 come up evetime we take to shop. The error code has been looked at so many times that even the master techs don't know what is wrong with the truck other then we keep replacing the same stuff over and over again.
NHTSA complaint #11518882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davie, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The air dryer bracket part number G11-6218 was craked and because of that it wasn't secured to the frame. The air dryer was hanging on the airline with the piece of the broken bracket. It is not secured. That is extremely unsafe because it could brake airlines and trucks would lose its brakes.
NHTSA complaint #11475046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesville, VA
SEATS
Seat belt frame cover was cracked and seat belt would not retract. The other side was broken as well with casing coming off. I was in the middle of backing for a delivery and the driver seat retract would not stay in place and the seat kept folding forward causing me to not be able to back the truck. I was told this is due to obese drivers causing the seat to break. Also during the time of my brake issue where are the brakes locked up and on several other occasions the air brake lost pressure for no reason.
NHTSA complaint #11420956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesville, VA
SEAT BELTS
Seat belt frame cover was cracked and seat belt would not retract. The other side was broken as well with casing coming off. I was in the middle of backing for a delivery and the driver seat retract would not stay in place and the seat kept folding forward causing me to not be able to back the truck. I was told this is due to obese drivers causing the seat to break. Also during the time of my brake issue where are the brakes locked up and on several other occasions the air brake lost pressure for no reason.
NHTSA complaint #11420956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesville, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I started the truck after not driving for 1 day and a heavy rain storm the day prior. I attempted to drive bobtail when the brakes locked up. The traction control light came on then went back off. Then the adaptive cruise control notification came on. The regon came on then went back off. A speedometer sign with an exclamation mark came up and would not go away. After attempting to go down the road the brakes continued to lock up, would not release and caused the rear passenger tires to go bald and lose my job.
NHTSA complaint #11420954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesville, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
I started the truck after not driving for 1 day and a heavy rain storm the day prior. I attempted to drive bobtail when the brakes locked up. The traction control light came on then went back off. Then the adaptive cruise control notification came on. The regon came on then went back off. A speedometer sign with an exclamation mark came up and would not go away. After attempting to go down the road the brakes continued to lock up, would not release and caused the rear passenger tires to go bald and lose my job.
NHTSA complaint #11420954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesville, VA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Seat belt frame cover was cracked and seat belt would not retract. The other side was broken as well with casing coming off. I was in the middle of backing for a delivery and the driver seat retract would not stay in place and the seat kept folding forward causing me to not be able to back the truck. I was told this is due to obese drivers causing the seat to break. Also during the time of my brake issue where are the brakes locked up and on several other occasions the air brake lost pressure for no reason.
NHTSA complaint #11420956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesville, VA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I started the truck after not driving for 1 day and a heavy rain storm the day prior. I attempted to drive bobtail when the brakes locked up. The traction control light came on then went back off. Then the adaptive cruise control notification came on. The regon came on then went back off. A speedometer sign with an exclamation mark came up and would not go away. After attempting to go down the road the brakes continued to lock up, would not release and caused the rear passenger tires to go bald and lose my job.
NHTSA complaint #11420954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING IS AN ABSOLUTE DANGER TO THE MOTORING PUBLIC AND NEEDS TO BE ELIMINATED IMMEDIATELY. I AM SICK AND TIRED OF ENGINEER'S WHO DON'T KNOW THEIR ASS FROM A HOLE IN THE GROUND DESIGNING BULLSHIT THAT DOESN'T WORK. FAR TOO MANY FALSE RADAR RETURNS AND UNWANTED HARD STOPS TO BE OF ANY USE. I DO NOT OWN THIS VEHICLE BUT IF I DID THE FIRST THING I WOULD DO RIGHT AFTER I PULL THE FUSE FOR THE LANE DEPARTURE WARNING WOULD BE TO ISOLATE AND BYPASS AEB. THIS WILL BE DONE ON ANY VEHICLES I PURCHASE IN THE FUTURE AND I DO NOT CARE WHAT THE LAW STATES ABOUT DOING SO
NHTSA complaint #11415137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 431,137 milesSioux Falls, SD
POWER TRAIN
UNIT HAD CLUTCH FAILURE FAILED TO DISENGAGE UNDER 18E-102, PER FEDERAL GUIDLINES IT FALLS UNDER THE CLUTCH RANGE OF AU1704192065 AND FALLS UNDER EATONS ORIGINAL CAMPAIGN RELEASE BUT THEY REVISED IT TO WHERE IT DOES NOT COVER THIS ONE BECUASE NOW THEY CHANGED THE RANGE TO AU1711 THRU AU1804 BUT WE ARE SEEING A LOT OF FAILURE BELOW AU1711, WHY DOES EATONS DOCUMENT NOT MATCH THE FEDERAL DOCUMENTS? AND WHY ARE WE SEEING THESE CLUTCH FAILURES ON TRUCKS THAT WERE REVISED AND SAID TO NOW BE GOOD, BUT THEY ARE FAILING IN THE SAME MANNER
NHTSA complaint #11372492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 292,000 milesOldtown, ID
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KENWORTH CONSTRUCT T680. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH SNOW OR ICE, THE VEHICLE'S ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD FLASH AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE APPROACHING SOMETHING AND ACTIVATED BY STOPPING THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO PREVENT A CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED DURING THIS TYPE OF WEATHER EVEN WHEN THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES OR OBJECTS NEARBY. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE KENWORTH HOTLINE FOR VEHICLE BREAKDOWNS WHO STATED THAT THEY DID NOT CONSIDER THIS A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 292,000.
NHTSA complaint #11265428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,752 milesGeddes, SDFire
SERVICE BRAKES
UNIT DRIVING ON FLAT ROAD, LEFT FRONT DRIVES STARTED SMOKING WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE BRAKES NOT BEING APPLIED, DRIVER STOPPED AND BY THIS TIME THE FIRE HAD SPREAD THRU THE UNDER SIDE OF TRUCK AND TRAILER, TOTAL LOSS OF TRUCK, TRAILER AND LOAD, BELIVED TO BE HALDEX BRAKE CAN FAILURE LEAKING AIR AND CAUSING BRAKES TO DRAG AND START ON FIRE
NHTSA complaint #11166776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,200 milesSyracuse, NY
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELT ALARM NEVER TURN OFF EVEN IF I HAVE MY SEAT BELT ON
NHTSA complaint #11145222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 238,380 milesWinterville, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE MITIGATION SYSTEM CAUSES A 'HARD BRAKING' EVENT TO OCCUR. CAN BE TRIGGERED BY AN OVERPASS, CONSTRUCTION ZONES, TRUCK IN ANOTHER LANE, ETC. USUALLY OCCURS ON HIGHWAYS WHILE AT OUR TOP SPEED OF 65 MPH. IT WILL CAUSE A HARD BRAKE DOWN TO 45 MPH. CAN OCCUR DURING NIGHT OR DAYTIME.
NHTSA complaint #11112360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.