2023 Kenworth T480: common problems
The maker issued 30 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 30
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Other | 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.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
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…
- The verbiage in the Introduction section has been updated
- "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
- Bogie Crossmember Torque Value Update - Procedure has been updated to correct torque values
- Sheppard Recall Order Process Update - The Parts section has been updated with revised steps for opening a…
Sheppard Recall Order Process Update - The Parts section has been updated with revised steps for opening a TCS365 Order Support – Order Inquiry case.
- 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…
NHTSA lists 30 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 T480?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 30 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2023 Kenworth T480?
NHTSA lists 30 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 T480 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.