Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2021 Peterbilt 579
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Peterbilt 579 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #24V915000 Loss of ABS and Electronic Stability Control NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V190000 Improperly Crimped Connectors In Gear Shifter NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V653000 U-Bolt May Puncture Fuel Tank NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V423000 Alternator Positive Cable May Chafe and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V00N000 Methane Detection System May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V906000 Work Brake May Unintentionally Disengage NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V648000 Loss of Rear Brake Signal NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V328000 Spring Brake Chamber Assembled Incorrectly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V080000 Flywheel Capscrews Not Tightened Properly NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 1 complaint
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $10,000–$15,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2021 Peterbilt 579 has a moderate rate of recalls, especially concerning the braking system and electrical components, but only minimal owner complaints. While critical issues such as brake and transmission recalls necessitate attention, the absence of high complaint volume supports a balanced reliability outlook.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| brake system | 50,000–80,000 miles | $1,500–$3,000 | common |
| fuel tank assembly | 30,000–60,000 miles | $1,000–$2,000 | common |
| transmission linkage | 40,000–70,000 miles | $500–$1,500 | occasional |
| alternator | 60,000–90,000 miles | $400–$800 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter change every 15,000 miles
- Brake inspection and service every 30,000 miles
- Transmission fluid replacement every 60,000 miles
- Coolant system check every 45,000 miles
- Air filter change every 30,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Unusual braking noises
- Transmission hesitation
- Fuel odors near tank
- Electrical shorts or glitches
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Peterbilt 579 at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.