NHTSA vehicle safety data
2019 Peterbilt 520 Recalls & Complaints
The 2019 Peterbilt 520 has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Peterbilt dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2019 Peterbilt 520. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2019 Peterbilt 520 owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2019 Peterbilt 520, describing incidents dated April 29, 2019.
Most-cited components
- Service Brakes 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #11204662 · Filed
FRONT BRAKES DRAGGING AND LOCKING. WRONG SIZE S-CAM BUSHING INSTALLED FROM FACTORY. *DT
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2019 Peterbilt 520 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Preliminary Evaluation PE20-015: Quarter Fender Failures
Closed October 14, 2021
Suspension Tracking Rod Brackets May Fail
NHTSA #22V939000 · Suspension — Multiple Axle · NHTSA notice
Reported December 16, 2022 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 15,658 vehicles
Repair completion: 90.61% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 22PBL · Owners notified February 22, 2023
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2015-2023 Peterbilt 320 and 520 refuse trucks equipped with Haulmaax/EX suspensions. The suspension tracking rod brackets may fail and detach from the forward drive axle, causing the axle to become unstable.
Safety consequence
An unstable axle can decrease vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect the welds and add an additional bracket between the tracking rod bracket and axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 14, 2023. Owners may contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 22PBL.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Steering Fasteners May Fail
NHTSA #22V277000 · Steering — Critical Fasteners · NHTSA notice
Reported April 25, 2022 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 17,641 vehicles
Repair completion: 64.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 22 PBB and 22 KWB · Owners notified November 8, 2022
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, T660, T680, T880, T800, W900, W990; and 2018-2020 Peterbilt 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 567, and 579 vehicles. The Dana D-Series axle steer arm fasteners that attach the steering arm to the steering knuckle may fail.
Safety consequence
Fastener failure can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will replace and torque the steer arm fasteners, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2022. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 22 PBB and 22 KWB.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
High Pressure Fuel Rail Assembly May Leak Fuel
NHTSA #21V391000 · Fuel System, Diesel — Fuel Injection System — Fuel Rail · NHTSA notice
Reported May 26, 2021 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 612 vehicles
Repair completion: 49.67% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 21KWC, 21PBD · Owners notified July 30, 2021
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Peterbilt 337, 348, 365, 367, 520, 567, Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, T800 and T880 vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
Safety consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect the rail threads and fuel lines, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888 (Kenworth) or 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 21KWC and 21PBD.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Steering Column Support Structure May Crack
NHTSA #21V004000 · Steering — Column · NHTSA notice
Reported January 11, 2021 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 1,021 vehicles
Repair completion: 67.38% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 21PBA · Owners notified July 30, 2021
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2015-2021 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles. The steering column support structure may crack or break in certain right-hand, stand-up drive models.
Safety consequence
If the steering column loosens from the mounting structure, steering control can become affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the 520 models right hand stand-pp steering column structure and replace it if cracks are present, as well as add additional support brackets to the new (if replaced) or existing structure, free of charge. Additionally, for the 520 models, dealers will install a large gusset with triangulating support for the column bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 21PBA.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Delayed Brake Release/FMVSS 121
NHTSA #20V132000 · Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA notice
Reported March 4, 2020 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 233 vehicles
Repair completion: 87.55% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 20PBB · Owners notified March 24, 2020
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles with dual foot valves and a liftable tag or tri-drive rear axles. The rear brake signal hose may be missing a quick release valve, possibly causing a delay in their brake release timing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Disc Brakes."
Safety consequence
A delayed brake release may increase the risk of crash.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will check the vehicles for a quick release valve, installing one as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2020. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20PBB.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Improperly Mounted Steering Bracket
NHTSA #19V917000 · Steering · NHTSA notice
Reported December 20, 2019 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 21 vehicles
Repair completion: 76.19% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 19PBF · Owners notified March 4, 2020 · Vehicles built June 15, 2018 – February 14, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Peterbilt 520 vehicles built in Right-Hand Stand-Up configuration. The steering assist cylinder bracket may not have been properly mounted.
Safety consequence
The improperly mounted steering assist cylinder bracket may break and cause damage to surrounding components and/or lock up the steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will correcting the mounting, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on January 31, 2020. The recall began March 4, 2020. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 19PBF.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Turn Signals May Illuminate with Stop/Tail Lights
NHTSA #19V452000 · Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal · NHTSA notice
Reported June 14, 2019 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 343 vehicles
Repair completion: 14.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 19PBC · Owners notified August 1, 2019 · Vehicles built June 1, 1989 – April 30, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 1990-2020 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles built with specific amber rear turn signals. The turn signals may also light up with the stop/tail lights when the brakes are applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Safety consequence
Rear Turn signals that illuminate at the same time as the brake lights may create confusion and impair the effectiveness of the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and for trucks with rear amber lights, dealers will add a jumper harness between the chassis electrical harness and amber tail lights, free of charge. The recall began August 1, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 19PBC.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Undersized Wires may cause Engine Shutdown
NHTSA #19V282000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice
Reported April 9, 2019 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 5,051 vehicles
Repair completion: 65.65% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 19PBB · Owners notified August 6, 2019 · Vehicles built October 17, 2016 – March 4, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. Due to undersized wires, the connector between the cab power harness and the power distribution center (PDC) harness may overheat and melt, possibly resulting in an engine shutdown.
Safety consequence
An unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the main power wire to the PDC with a wire of the correct size, free of charge. The recall began August 6, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-918-259-3258. PACCAR's number for this recall is 19PBB.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Peterbilt 520 model years
Check your 2019 Peterbilt 520 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Peterbilt 520 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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