2016 Kenworth T170 problems, complaints & recalls
Safety recalls (2)
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2020-04-06 · campaign 20V199000 · 460,515 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX Software. In the event that the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the dash warning light for the ABS may not illuminate to warn the driver of the loss of ABS. As such, these vehicles fail
Risk: If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the NAMUX software within the cab control module, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on June 4, 2020. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20pbc AND 20KWB.
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly 2017-09-22 · campaign 17V593000 · 17,737 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016 Peterbilt 220, 320, 325, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 389, 389G, 567, 579 and 587 trucks and Kenworth K170, T170, T270, T370, T440, T470,T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks equipped with certain Spicer D or E series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.
Risk: If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 13, 2017. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000 or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is P817-C.
Service bulletins (18)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-09-11 · P001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"kenworth: dealers should check the chassis list and sir weekly for vin changes. 2 chassis added to the chassis list. peterbilt: dealers should check the chassis list and sir weekly for vin changes. 10 chassis added to the chassis list."
Fuel System, Diesel 2021-09-21 · 43-071 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
fix-as-fail â 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 disab
Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer 2021-02-10 · 02-160 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only â windshield washer pumps have a high no trouble found rate. washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
Power Train 2020-12-18 · 26-037 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
fix-as-fail - prior versions of eaton endurant transmission software may be prone to setting linear clutch actuator (lca) fault codes leading to possible lca hardware replacement.
Service Brakes 2020-07-29 · 13-054 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
fix-as-fail - bendix new-gen lightweight steer axle drum brake spider cracking
Electrical System 2020-06-08 · 32-015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only: this bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure the appropriate tests for battery warranty are performed in order to prevent battery warranty claims filed with incorrect or incomplete information.
Showing the 6 most recent of 18 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.