2023 Kenworth T180: common problems
The maker issued 20 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 20
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- "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…
- "KW
A new recommended repair has been added to verify the software level and close the campaign in SIR.The repair procedure has been updated with additional note boxes for clear instructions. PB: The repair procedure has…
- Troubleshooting procedures for 2.1m cab power windows are now available
- Cummins TSB 210203 has been updated to remove the PACCAR suction side fuel filter part number from Table 1…
Cummins TSB 210203 has been updated to remove the PACCAR suction side fuel filter part number from Table 1 as the filter is no longer compatible.
- The Parts section has been updated to clarify that freight charges for safety recall orders should not be…
The Parts section has been updated to clarify that freight charges for safety recall orders should not be passed on to the end customer.
- The right-hand shift stalk may have an improper wire harness terminal crimp within the wire harness connector
Loss of communication between the right-hand shift stalk and the vehicle may result in the vehicle being disabled after it comes to a stop, thereby increasing the risk of crash or injury. A warning will appear on the…
- 24PBE_24KWE RH Shift Stalk Update Warranty section has been updated with revised verbiage for picture…
- Parts and procedures are now available for all affected chassis equipped with Vehicle Electronic Control…
Parts and procedures are now available for all affected chassis equipped with Vehicle Electronic Control Unit (VECU) part number Q21-1157-013-011 / Q21-1157-013-013 / Q21-1157-002-002 / Q21-1157-004-004 /…
- The parts section has been updated for clarity
The right-hand shift stalk may have an improper wire harness terminal crimp within the wire harness connector. Loss of communication between the right-hand shift stalk and the vehicle may result in the vehicle being…
- A new Recommended Repair has been added
It must be used if safety recall 25PACF is performed prior to or at the same time as this repair since the 25PACF remedy also satisfies this safety recall.
- Procedures are now available for Phase 1 chassis equipped with Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) and…
Procedures are now available for Phase 1 chassis equipped with Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) and Vehicle Electronic Control Unit (VECU) part number Q21-1157-013-011 / Q21-1157-013-013. Parts and procedures for…
- Safety Recall Updated software and repair procedures are now available
The Exterior Lighting Switch (ELS) in certain T180/T280/T380/T480 chassis may not function and can be reset only by a key cycle. This issue may result in non-compliance with FMVSS/CMVSS 101 and 108. Affected chassis…
NHTSA lists 20 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kenworth T180?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 20 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2023 Kenworth T180?
NHTSA lists 20 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2023 Kenworth T180 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2023 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.