NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Peterbilt 587 Recalls & Complaints

The 2012 Peterbilt 587 has 8 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 2012 Peterbilt 587. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 Peterbilt 587 owner complaints

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Peterbilt 587, describing incidents dated February 4, 2013 to July 26, 2024.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 2 complaints
Engine 1 complaint
Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint

Of the 3 complaints on file, 2 report a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11643608 · Filed February 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Peterbilt 587. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to West Truck Services Center…
ODI #10509048 · Filed April 22, 2013
2012 PETERBILT TRACTOR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POTENTIAL FIRE DEFECT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECENTLY INVESTIGATED THE CAUSE OF A FIRE IN THE TRACTOR AND DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE RELATED TO A POTENTIAL DEFECT IN THE MANNER IN WHICH THE BATTERY CABLES WERE SUPPORTED. THE BATTERY CABLES…
ODI #10505965 · Filed April 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 PETERBILT 587. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THERE WAS A FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT…

Read all 3 complaints

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.

Fifth Wheel Locking Mechanism may not Engage

NHTSA #15V641000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported October 9, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 290 vehicles

Repair completion: 29.66% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 15KWP and 1015M · Owners notified December 7, 2015 · Vehicles built February 14, 2011 – December 5, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Peterbilt 579 and 587 trucks manufactured February 14, 2011, to December 5, 2012 and 2011 Kenworth T700 trucks manufactured September 21, 2010, to October 1, 2010. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.

Safety consequence

If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 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 15KWP (Kenworth) and 1015M (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.

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.

SERVICE BRAKES/ANTILOCK TRACTION RELAY VALVE

NHTSA #12V026000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Check Valve · NHTSA notice

Reported January 30, 2012 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 15,932 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 12KWA/0112-A · Owners notified February 10, 2012 · Vehicles built January 31, 2011 – January 19, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012-2013 KENWORTH T170, T270, T370, T440, T470, T660, T700, T800, W900, AND PETERBILT 320, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, AND 587 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 31, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 19, 2012, AND EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX ATR-6 ANTILOCK TRACTION RELAY VALVES. IN EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS, THESE BENDIX RELAY VALVES MAY POTENTIALLY DEVELOP INTERNAL LEAKAGE. INTERNAL LEAKAGE CAN LEAD TO AIR PRESSURE BEING DELIVERED TO AFFECTED PRIMARY OR SECONDARY BRAKE CAUSING CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION.

Safety consequence

UNEXPECTED CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND LEAD TO A FIRE. UNEXPECTED CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. ALSO, THE BRAKES MAY BE APPLIED WITHOUT ILLUMINATING THE BRAKE LIGHTS, FAILING TO GIVE PROPER WARNING TO OTHER DRIVERS.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND PROVIDE A TEMPORARY REPAIR UNTIL BENDIX DEVELOPS A PERMANENT REMEDY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 10, 2012. OWNER MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.

Notes

KENWORTH AND PETERBILT RECALL NUMBERS 12KWA/0112-A.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

PETERBILT/DRIVELINE ASSEMBLIES/MERITOR

NHTSA #11V331000 · Power Train — Driveline · NHTSA notice

Reported June 23, 2011 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 72 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 611-A · Owners notified August 11, 2011 · Vehicles built January 1, 2011 – May 31, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PETERBILT 587 TRACTORS, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 12, 2011, THROUGH MAY 20, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR'S MAXTON DRIVELINE ASSEMBLIES. THE TUBING MAY HAVE A SEAM WELD WITH INSUFFICIENT BONDING. THE AFFECTED DRIVELINE ASSEMBLIES ARE RPL25 COUPLING SHAFTS AND SLIP SHAFTS (MAIN) DRIVELINE ASSEMBLIES.

Safety consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN SEAM WELD FRACTURE WHEN TORQUE IS APPLIED. ONCE THE TUBE SEAM WELD IS FRACTURED, THE DRIVELINE MAY BECOME INOPERABLE WHICH MAY RESULT IN A DISABLED VEHICLE OR DEBRIS FROM THE DRIVELINE MAY FALL ON THE ROADWAY, BOTH OF WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MAIN DRIVE SHAFT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PACCAR AT 1-425-468-7400.

Notes

PETERBILT SAFETY RECALL NO. 611-A.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

KENWORTH/PETERBILT/CENTRIFUGAL SPINNER CAP

NHTSA #11V127000 · Fuel System, Other — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported February 23, 2011 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 4,664 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign E026R · Owners notified March 4, 2011 · Vehicles built March 10, 2008 – February 23, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 KENWORTH T2000, T660, T700, T800, AND W900, AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 PETERBILT 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, AND 587 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH PACCAR MX ENGINES. THE OIL MODULE CENTRIFUGAL SPINNER FILTER CAP IN THE PACCAR MX ENGINE MAY BECOME LOOSE, POSSIBLY ALLOWING THE CAP TO COME OFF AND ENGINE OIL TO PARTIALLY DISCHARGE FROM THE OIL MODULE ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS.

Safety consequence

THE DISCHARGE OF ENGINE OIL ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS WHICH ARE HOT, SUCH AS WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER SIGNIFICANT LOAD, MAY CAUSE A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL RE-TORQUE THE OIL MODULE FILTER CAP AND INSTALL A SECONDARY RETENTION DEVICE ON THE SECONDARY CENTRIFUGAL SPINNER FILTER CAP. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2012 Peterbilt 587. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

3 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Peterbilt 587.

Engine; Fuel System, Diesel

ODI #11643608

Incident: July 26, 2024 · Filed: February 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Peterbilt 587. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to West Truck Services Center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump had failed. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump plungers had fractured and intruded the engine. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that there were metal shavings inside the oil filter. The dealer determined that the fuel pump and engine rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 140019. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed; however, the claim was denied. The failure mileage was 468,742.

Electrical System

ODI #10509048

Fire

Incident: April 1, 2013 · Filed: April 22, 2013

2012 PETERBILT TRACTOR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POTENTIAL FIRE DEFECT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECENTLY INVESTIGATED THE CAUSE OF A FIRE IN THE TRACTOR AND DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE RELATED TO A POTENTIAL DEFECT IN THE MANNER IN WHICH THE BATTERY CABLES WERE SUPPORTED. THE BATTERY CABLES PASSED FROM THE BATTERY BOX ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE TRACTOR, AT A POSITION BEHIND THE CAB, TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AT THE LOCATION WHERE THE BATTERY CABLES PASSED THE ELECTRONIC CLUTCH ACTUATOR, THEY WERE HELD IN PLACE BY A PLASTIC TIE. DUE TO DRIVE TRAIN VIBRATION AND MOVEMENT, THE PLASTIC TIE USED TO SECURE THE BATTERY CABLES TO THE CLUTCH ACTUATOR SHIELD WERE PRONE TO FAILURE. THE PLASTIC TIE BROKE AT SOME TIME DURING ITS SERVICE LIFE AND THE WEIGHT OF THE BATTERY CABLES CAUSED THEM TO MIGRATE TOWARD THE BOTTOM OF THE CLUTCH ACTUATOR SHIELD. MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE UNSECURED CABLES AND THE SHIELD, WHICH OCCURRED OVER TIME, ABRADED THE INSULATION OF ONE OF THE POSITIVE CABLES. ONCE THE ELECTRICAL INSULATION FAILED, THE CABLE ARCED AGAINST THE SHIELD, ENERGIZING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. UPDATED 7/1/13 ...UPDATED 10-24-13 *BF

Electrical System

ODI #10505965

Fire

Incident: February 4, 2013 · Filed: April 11, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 PETERBILT 587. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THERE WAS A FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE HAD IGNITED. THE CABLES WERE ATTACHED TO THE ELECTRONIC CLUTCH ACTUATOR, WHICH HAD A PLASTIC COVER. THE PLASTIC TIE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE BATTERY CABLES TO FAIL, ENERGIZING THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE BLOCK. THE HIGH HEAT CAUSED IT TO BECOME COMBUSTIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN BECAUSE OF THE FIRE DAMAGE. *TR UPDATED 7/2/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO THE VIBRATION AND MOVEMENT, THE PLASTIC TIE USED TO SECURE THE BATTERY CABLES TO THE CLUTCH ACTUATOR SHEILD IS PRONE TO FAILURE. UPDATED 11/1/2013 *JS

Other Peterbilt 587 model years

Check your 2012 Peterbilt 587 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Peterbilt 587 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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