NHTSA vehicle safety data

2015 Peterbilt 579 Recalls & Complaints

The 2015 Peterbilt 579 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 4 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 2015 Peterbilt 579. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2015 Peterbilt 579 owner complaints

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Peterbilt 579, describing incidents dated November 26, 2014 to April 13, 2021.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 1 complaint
Engine 1 complaint
Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint
Power Train 1 complaint
Suspension 1 complaint
Unknown or Other 1 complaint

Of the 4 complaints on file, 2 report a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11408294 · Filed April 15, 2021
WE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK ON 4/09/21 AND ON 4/13/21 WHILE IT WAS PARKED AT THE YARD IT CUT ON FIRE BY ITSELF, NO EXTERNAL CAUSE OTHER THAN SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK THAT WE WERE NOT TOLD OR AWARE. IT LOOKS LIKE IT COULD BE SOME DEFECTIVE PARTS FROM MANUFACTURE THAT HAVE 3 RECALLS THAT CAUSE FIRE…
ODI #11034567 · Filed October 19, 2017
DRIVER WAS DRIVING AND TRUCK JUST SHUT OFF, FORCING HIM TO SIDE OF ROAD, HAD TO GET TOWED DUE TO FACT THAT COULD NOT REPAIR. AT DEALER I AM TOLD FUEL PUMP LEAKED INTO ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND ECM. CAUSING TRUCK TO SHUT DOWN AND NOT START.
ODI #10839909 · Filed March 4, 2016
LEAKING FITTINGS ON TRANSMISSION COOLER CAUSED FLUID TO RUN OUT AND SEIZED TRANSMISSION, WHILE DRIVER WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, DUE TO BAD INSTALLATION AT FACTORY. UPON INSPECTION FOUND 3 OUT OF 5 TRUCKS WITH SAME PROBLEM. WARRANTY COVERAGE WAS DENIED BY EATON AND PETERBILT CLAIMING DRIVER ERROR.

Read all 4 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2015 Peterbilt 579 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 PE20-006: Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist
Closed March 27, 2024

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Driver not Warned when ABS Offline/FMVSS 121, 136

NHTSA #20V199000 · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · NHTSA notice

Reported April 6, 2020 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 460,515 vehicles

Repair completion: 33.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 20pbc AND 20KWB · Owners notified May 26, 2020

Defect description

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 to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems," and 136, "Electronic Stability Control System on Heavy Vehicles."

Safety consequence

If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

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.

Underhood Battery Jumper Cable May Short Circuit

NHTSA #20V130000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery — Cables · NHTSA notice

Reported March 4, 2020 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 35,671 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.64% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 20PBA · Owners notified April 30, 2020

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Peterbilt 365, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles equipped with a left-hand under hood jumper terminal (option code 2539410). The positive battery jumper terminal cable may be too long, allowing it to chafe against the left front suspension spring and result in an electrical short circuit.

Safety consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery jumper terminal cables, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 30, 2020. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20PBA.

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.

Missing Reflex Reflectors on Markers/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #18V816000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported November 16, 2018 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 1,619 vehicles

Repair completion: 61.03% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 18KWF & 18PBC · Owners notified January 15, 2019 · Vehicles built March 25, 2013 – October 22, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Kenworth T680 and T880 and Peterbilt 579 trucks, greater than 30 feet long and equipped with side extender mounted intermediate marker lamp/turn signals that do not include a reflex reflector. Since both intermediate side marker lamps and reflex reflectors are required, 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

Missing reflex reflectors can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR will notify owners and dealers will install reflex reflective tape, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-918-259-3258. PACCAR's number for this recall is 18KWF, and 18PBC.

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.

Spotlight Circuit may not be adequately Protected

NHTSA #17V471000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported July 25, 2017 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 5,731 vehicles

Repair completion: 66.89% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 17KWC and 717-B · Owners notified September 19, 2017 · Vehicles built July 13, 2012 – December 14, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Peterbilt 567 and 579 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks equipped with optional spotlights. The spotlight circuit may not be adequately protected in the event of a short.

Safety consequence

A short in the spotlight circuitry may increase the risk of a fire at the cab fuse block.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will change the polyfuse switch in the spotlight circuit to a standard fuse, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2017. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 17KWC and 717-B.

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.

Alternator Cable May Chafe

NHTSA #15V456000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice

Reported July 22, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 288 vehicles

Repair completion: 64.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 715-K · Owners notified September 23, 2015 · Vehicles built January 31, 2011 – April 20, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Peterbilt 365, 367, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured January 13, 2011, to April 20, 2015. The affected trucks, equipped with extended-body Leece Neville alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon discharge line.

Safety consequence

If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line and install a plastic insulator on the cable end, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 715-K.

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.

Alternator Charge Cable may Chafe

NHTSA #15V270000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice

Reported May 8, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 1,494 vehicles

Repair completion: 76.17% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 15KWE and 515-F · Owners notified September 16, 2015 · Vehicles built December 13, 2010 – April 20, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Kenworth T660, T680, T880 trucks manufactured February 18, 2013, to April 10, 2015, and 2011-2016 Peterbilt 386, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured December 13, 2010, to April 20, 2015. The affected trucks, equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Delco-Remy 40SI alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon discharge line.

Safety consequence

If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line, free of charge. PACCAR issued an interim notification to owners on July 10, 2015. The recall began on September 16, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 15KWE and 515-F.

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.

Incorrect Tire Information on Label/FMVSS 110

NHTSA #15V132000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported March 6, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 213,230 vehicles

Repair completion: 91.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 215-D · Owners notified June 19, 2015 · Vehicles built July 25, 2005 – February 26, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)."

Safety consequence

If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D.

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 Seated Brake Chamber Diaphragm

NHTSA #14V810000 · Parking Brake — Conventional — Air · NHTSA notice

Reported December 29, 2014 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 1,623 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.43% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14KWP & 1214L (PB) · Owners notified May 14, 2015 · Vehicles built May 23, 2014 – February 13, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2015 Peterbilt 367, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured from May 23, 2014, to February 13, 2015, and 2015 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks manufactured from May 23, 2014, to February 13, 2015, equipped with certain air brake actuators. The affected vehicles may experience brake drag due to an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber.

Safety consequence

Brake drag may result in a wheel end fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Kenworth and Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the brake chamber, as necessary, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners March 3, 2015. The recall began on May 14, 2015. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5000 (Kenworth), or 1-940-591-4000 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's number for this recall is 14KWP (Kenworth), and 1214L (Peterbilt).

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.

Lack of Air Bag Fault Telltale Lamp

NHTSA #14V283000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice

Reported May 29, 2014 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 1,705 vehicles

Repair completion: 22.35% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 514-F · Owners notified August 4, 2014 · Vehicles built October 30, 2009 – May 21, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Peterbilt 579, 388, 384, 367, 365, 348, and 337 trucks manufactured October 30, 2009, through May 21, 2014. In the affected vehicles, if power is interrupted to the seat electronic control unit (ECU), such as when the fuse for that circuit blows, the side air bag would be disabled but there will not be a warning lamp indicator to notify the operator of the malfunction.

Safety consequence

Without a warning of a problem existing in the side air bag system, the driver may continue to operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury from the side air bag not deploying in the event of a rollover.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install a new electrical harness to correct them problem, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. Paccar's number for this recall is 514-F.

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.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2015 Peterbilt 579. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

4 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Peterbilt 579.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11408294

Fire

Incident: April 13, 2021 · Filed: April 15, 2021

WE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK ON 4/09/21 AND ON 4/13/21 WHILE IT WAS PARKED AT THE YARD IT CUT ON FIRE BY ITSELF, NO EXTERNAL CAUSE OTHER THAN SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK THAT WE WERE NOT TOLD OR AWARE. IT LOOKS LIKE IT COULD BE SOME DEFECTIVE PARTS FROM MANUFACTURE THAT HAVE 3 RECALLS THAT CAUSE FIRE. I WOULD LIKE TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION AND FIND OUT THE OFFICIAL CAUSE. WE LOST OUR RETIREMENT FUNDS AND NOW NOBODY WANTS TO BE RESPONSABLE FOR. A WITNESS RECORDED A VIDEO AND YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE WHERE THE FIRE WAS COMING

Fuel System, Gasoline; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11034567

Incident: October 17, 2017 · Filed: October 19, 2017

DRIVER WAS DRIVING AND TRUCK JUST SHUT OFF, FORCING HIM TO SIDE OF ROAD, HAD TO GET TOWED DUE TO FACT THAT COULD NOT REPAIR. AT DEALER I AM TOLD FUEL PUMP LEAKED INTO ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND ECM. CAUSING TRUCK TO SHUT DOWN AND NOT START.

Power Train

ODI #10839909

Incident: December 12, 2015 · Filed: March 4, 2016

LEAKING FITTINGS ON TRANSMISSION COOLER CAUSED FLUID TO RUN OUT AND SEIZED TRANSMISSION, WHILE DRIVER WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, DUE TO BAD INSTALLATION AT FACTORY. UPON INSPECTION FOUND 3 OUT OF 5 TRUCKS WITH SAME PROBLEM. WARRANTY COVERAGE WAS DENIED BY EATON AND PETERBILT CLAIMING DRIVER ERROR.

Suspension

ODI #10689686

Fire

Incident: November 26, 2014 · Filed: February 20, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 PETERBILT 579. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AXLE WAS ON FIRE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND BOTH FRONT AXLES CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AGAIN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

Other Peterbilt 579 model years

Check your 2015 Peterbilt 579 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Peterbilt 579 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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