NHTSA vehicle safety data
2020 Peterbilt 520 Recalls & Complaints
The 2020 Peterbilt 520 has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Peterbilt dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2020 Peterbilt 520. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2020 Peterbilt 520 owner complaints
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Peterbilt 520, describing incidents dated April 12, 2021 to May 13, 2021.
Most-cited components
- Service Brakes 3 complaints
Newest complaints
ODI #11427424 · Filed
This one was taken in after the first one also for inspection by dealer. Issue wasn't as severe due to lower mileage and use. I believe the pads were just changed as a precaution, I don't believe they had started to separate.
ODI #11427422 · Filed
After issue with first truck dealership asked to bring in others to be inspected and found same issue with them. Front brake pads were separating from backing. This truck had less mileage so damage not as severe.
ODI #11427420 · Filed
Truck was brought in because driver heard a grinding noise. Mechanic inspected and found that the front disc brake pads and separated from the backing. Truck was thought to still be under warranty and was then taken to dealership for repairs.
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.
Quick Release Valve Missing/FMVSS 121
NHTSA #21V720000 · Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA notice
Reported September 16, 2021 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 15 vehicles
Repair completion: 86.67% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 21PBK · Owners notified October 7, 2021
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. The quick release valve on the rear brake signal hose may be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Safety consequence
A missing quick release valve cannot ensure correct rear brake release timing, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicles for a missing quick release valve, and install one if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2021. Owners may contact PACCAR's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's number for this recall is 21PBK.
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.
Stability Control Brake Relay Hose Misconnected
NHTSA #20V739000 · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · NHTSA notice
Reported November 25, 2020 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 11 vehicles
Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 20PBF · Owners notified January 25, 2021 · Vehicles built September 26, 2019 – July 22, 2020 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. The stability control brake relay may have the Spring Brake Modulating (SBM) Valve or the lift axle hose incorrectly connected.
Safety consequence
A stability control event meant to only actuate the ABS controlled wheel ends could actuate lift axle brakes or modulate park brake chambers and could possibly de-stabilize the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the suspect chassis and correct the brake relay plumbing if needed, free of charge. PACCAR has issued owners an interim notification on January 4, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 25, 2021. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20PBF.
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.
Lower Rear Pivot Bolts Improperly Sized
NHTSA #20V506000 · Power Train — Axle Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported August 26, 2020 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 1,097 vehicles
Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 20PBE and 20KWC · Owners notified September 29, 2020
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Peterbilt 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 567 and Kenworth T800, T880, W900, W990 vehicles equipped with Watson and Chalin steerable lift axle suspension systems (model SL2065). The axles may have lower rear pivot bolts that are not long enough to sufficiently engage the locking feature of the corresponding nuts.
Safety consequence
The short screws can cause the hardware to separate from the suspension system and become road hazards, increasing the risk of a crash and/or injury.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect suspect chassis and replace the pivot bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2020. 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 is 20PBE and 20KWC.
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.
Power Steering Assist Cylinder Bracket May Break
NHTSA #20V429000 · Steering — Electric Power Assist System · NHTSA notice
Reported July 24, 2020 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 239 vehicles
Repair completion: 75.31% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 20PBD · Owners notified August 17, 2020
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used to secure the steering assist cylinder bracket, possibly allowing the bolts to loosen.
Safety consequence
Loose bolts may cause the bracket to flex or break, potentially damaging adjacent components or locking up the steering, increasing the risk of crash.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install hardware with thread adhesive and replace any components damaged by the improperly secured steer assist bracket, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20PBD.
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.
Rear Axle Output Shafts May Fracture
NHTSA #19V911000 · Power Train — Axle Assembly — Axle Shaft · NHTSA notice
Reported December 19, 2019 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 148 vehicles
Repair completion: 92.57% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 19KWE and 19PBG · Owners notified February 10, 2020 · Vehicles built November 22, 2019 – December 4, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Kenworth T800, T880 and W990 and Peterbilt 348, 367, 389, 520, and 567 vehicles. The forward rear axle output shafts may have been improperly heat treated during manufacturing, possibly resulting in the shafts fracturing.
Safety consequence
If the rear axle output shaft fractures, the shaft or interaxle driveline could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the output shafts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 19KWE and 19PBG.
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 2020 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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