NHTSA vehicle safety data
2018 Peterbilt 579 Recalls & Complaints
The 2018 Peterbilt 579 has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns and 6 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 2018 Peterbilt 579. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2018 Peterbilt 579 owner complaints
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Peterbilt 579, describing incidents dated February 12, 2019 to January 8, 2025.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 3 complaints
- Service Brakes 3 complaints
- Steering 2 complaints
- Engine 1 complaint
- Firerelated 1 complaint
- Suspension 1 complaint
Of the 6 complaints on file, 2 report a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11659905 · Filed
See attached document for complaint.
ODI #11624162 · Filed
This vehicle about 6-8 weeks ago started throwing codes for all systems above (over 100 codes). This issue affected all systems of the vehicle including but not limited to the speed and braking of the vehicle, plus the fuel system and adaptive driving systems. We took it to the dealer Performance…
ODI #11522814 · Filed
Front axle begins popping and making metal to metal noises when hitting bumps and or turning. We took it to the shop and they found the nuts to the U-bolts that hold the leaf springs to the front axle had begun backing off and were out of torque spec. Upon receiving the truck back the front end no…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2018 Peterbilt 579 in 2 investigations. 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
- Preliminary Evaluation PE20-015: Quarter Fender Failures
Closed October 14, 2021
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.
Methane Detection System May Fail
NHTSA #21V00N000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice
Reported December 29, 2021 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 1,107 vehicles
Repair completion: 47.06% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 21KWH and 21PBN · Owners notified December 1, 2022
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Peterbilt 567, 579, 2021-2022 Peterbilt 536, 2017-2021 Kenworth T880, 2016-2022 Kenworth T680, 2018-2020 Kenworth T440, 2020 Kenworth T270, and 2021 Kenworth T280 vehicles. The methane detection system will not function if the system loses power.
Safety consequence
The operator may be unaware of a system malfunction or the presence of excessive methane levels, increasing the risk of injury or fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will re-wire the warning alarm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2022. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220, and Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 21KWH and 21PBN.
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.
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.
No Electronic Stability Control System/FMVSS 136
NHTSA #19V657000 · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · NHTSA notice
Reported September 17, 2019 · Transportation Power, Inc.
Potentially affected: 12 vehicles
Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified September 26, 2019 · Vehicles built July 1, 2017 – December 31, 2018 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Transportation Power, Inc. (TransPower) is recalling certain 2017-2018 electric trucks built on Peterbilt 579 chassis. The vehicles do not have stabilization hardware and software that interacts with the braking system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 136, "Electronic Stability Control Systems on Heavy Vehicles."
Safety consequence
Without a Electronic Stability Control system, there is a greater chance of loss of stability control, which increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
TransPower will notify owners, and dealers will install an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2019. Owners may contact TransPower customer service at 1-858-248-4255.
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.
Vehicle may Move after Clutch Component Fails
NHTSA #18V931000 · Power Train — Clutch Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported December 21, 2018 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 25,556 vehicles
Repair completion: 74.69% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 18PBE; 18KWH · Owners notified February 23, 2019 · Vehicles built April 3, 2017 – June 30, 2018 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Peterbilt 337, 348, 365, 367, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks and 2018-2019 Kenworth C500, T270, T370, T440, T660, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks equipped with automated manual transmissions. An internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.
Safety consequence
Unintended movement of a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission control module, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 18PBE and 18KWH.
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.
Seat Belt may not Adequately Restrain Occupant
NHTSA #18V870000 · Seat Belts — Front — Buckle Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported December 7, 2018 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 6,857 vehicles
Repair completion: 69.88% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 18KWG and 18PBD · Owners notified February 28, 2019 · Vehicles built August 23, 2017 – October 18, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018 Kenworth T680 and T880, and Peterbilt 567 and 579 trucks. The seat belt buckle assemblies on these vehicles may have been glued and not sewn during manufacturing, possibly causing the assembly to come apart under load, such as in the event of a crash.
Safety consequence
If the seat belt buckle assembly separates, it can prevent the occupant from being properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assemblies that were not sewn, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on February 4, 2019. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-918-259-3258. PACCAR's numbers for this recall is 18KWG, and 18PBD.
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.
Fuel Line may Burst if Filter Screen Clogs
NHTSA #18V657000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice
Reported September 21, 2018 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 48,896 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 18E081 · Owners notified November 21, 2018 · Vehicles built January 26, 2016 – July 30, 2018 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Kenworth C500, T600, T660, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks, as well as Peterbilt 367, 386, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks, equipped with Cummins ISX15 or X15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.
Safety consequence
If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect fuel pump cooling circuit screen, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 18E081.
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.
Driver not Warned when ABS Offline/FMVSS 121, 136
NHTSA #18V368000 · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · NHTSA notice
Reported June 1, 2018 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 85,626 vehicles
Repair completion: 33.83% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 18KWD;18PBB · Owners notified May 21, 2020 · Vehicles built November 15, 2016 – June 2, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Peterbilt 567 and 579 trucks and 2015-2018 Kenworth T660, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks. 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 July 30, 2018. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-918-259-3258 or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000.
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.
Gear Display may not be Accurate/FMVSS 102, 101
NHTSA #18V092000 · Electrical System — Instrument Cluster/Panel · NHTSA notice
Reported February 2, 2018 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 1,938 vehicles
Repair completion: 81.89% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 18KWA and 118-A · Owners notified March 9, 2018 · Vehicles built November 17, 2016 – December 31, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks, and Peterbilt 567 and 579 trucks, all equipped with an automated Eaton UltraShift Plus or Eaton Advantage Transmission with right hand stalk shifter. The display that indicates which transmission gear the driver selected may display incorrectly. The display can indicate 'N' when the shifter is set into 'D' or 'R', and the as a result, the truck will not move. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect," and number 101, "Control and Displays."
Safety consequence
A truck that does not move as expected can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install a transmission software update, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall is 18KWA and 118-A.
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.
Unintended Vehicle Movement/FMVSS 102
NHTSA #17V840000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Control Module (TCM/PCM/TECM) · NHTSA notice
Reported December 22, 2017 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 1,222 vehicles
Repair completion: 84.86% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 1217F and 17KWF · Owners notified February 6, 2018 · Vehicles built May 1, 2017 – December 22, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018 Peterbilt 567, 579, Kenworth T680, and T880 trucks, equipped with certain Eaton Endurant and PACCAR AMT transmissions. The transmission control module (TCM) may allow the engine to crank briefly even if the transmission shifter is not in neutral. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence/Starter Interlock/Transmission Braking Effect."
Safety consequence
If the transmission is not in neutral when the engine begins running, there may be unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the TCM software, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2018. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000, or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 1217F and 1717KWF.
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.
Fuel Pump May Fail
NHTSA #17V443000 · Fuel System, Diesel · NHTSA notice
Reported July 13, 2017 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 1,737 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign C1909 · Owners notified July 1, 2017 · Vehicles built December 20, 2016 – April 17, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Peterbilt 367, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks, and 2018 Kenworth C500, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks equipped with Cummins ISX 15L engines. These engines have a fuel pump whose drive gear could possibly slip on its drive shaft, causing a fuel pump function loss, resulting in an engine stall.
Safety consequence
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Cummins will notify the vehicle purchaser, and Cummins dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2017. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 or PACCAR customer service at 1-425-468-7400. PACCAR's number for this recall is C1909.
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.
Plastic Fuel Fittings may Leak Fuel
NHTSA #17V103000 · Fuel System, Other — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice
Reported February 15, 2017 · PACCAR Incorporated
Potentially affected: 465 vehicles
Repair completion: 40.65% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 17KWA and 217-A · Owners notified April 13, 2017 · Vehicles built May 16, 2016 – January 18, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kenworth K370, T680, T880 and 2017-2018 Peterbilt 567 and 579 trucks. The plastic fuel tee fittings on these trucks may leak fuel.
Safety consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Kenworth and Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect fuel tees, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2017. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 and Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall is 17KWA and 217-A.
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 579 model years
Check your 2018 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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