2021 Peterbilt 520
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Peterbilt › 520 › 2021
These records cover every 2021 Peterbilt 520. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2021 Peterbilt 520. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An unstable axle can decrease vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
A missing quick release valve cannot ensure correct rear brake release timing, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the steering column loosens from the mounting structure, steering control can become affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010926Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting issues. A new Starter Troubleshooting Guide has been created to provide a comprehensive list of starting system checks, which should reduce unnecessary starter replacements and associated warranty claims. Engine starting system warranty claims now require a completed Starter Checklist, a Battery Pack Midtronics Report, and a Cable Drop Midtronics Report. Claims filed without these documents may be denied.
- 11010890Some 579EV and 520EV BEV trucks may have loose or improperly torqued ESS gland nuts. This may cause an intermittent warning light on the dash display.
- 110097577/700 Service Agreement - Letter Only.
- 11008570FIX-AS-FAIL Updated to include EPA2024 compliant engines. Fuel Filters must be changed before first cleaning. EPA2021 injector cleaning is referenced in RMI for certain injector faults. Complete the procedures in E290. Discard any previous versions of E290 procedures always use the most current document from the link in the bulletin.
- 11008569Information Only New diagnostic tool is required to support PACCAR Ethernet Multiplexed Architecture (EMUX). The EMUX Service Tool Kit will help improve cab & chassis electrical troubleshooting efficiency, while reducing the risk of component damage.
- 11008566Information Only Storage guideline procedures are now available for both Medium Duty and Heavy-Duty Battery Electric Vehicles.
- 11005516Fix As Fail The height control valve (HCV) rod on vehicles with low air leaf suspensions is prone to toggling over center during rough road conditions. With full suspension articulation, HCV bracket flexes and toggles over center the HCV linkage, which results in either deflated airbags or makes them unable to inflate. Fix-as-fail start date is 07/30/2024.
- 10245635Updated procedures and SRT time to include Fuel Filter replacement during cleaning process. Removed in-tank additive references.
- 10245191A software fix for model 520EV that are not equipped with ESP (Stability Control) is now available. The currently available soft ware, part number:SCM_1p5_BC_R5p00_003, will address issues caused by software version R5.00_002 that affect Peterbilt Model 520EV. The software update will correct the following issues: 1.) Power gauge displays axle RPM instead of power draw, 2.) Air conditioning compressor is inoperative below 10 mph (16 kmh) and over 40 mph (65 kmh), 3.) Low air and low coolant audible alarms (buzzers) are inoperative below 10 mph (16 kmh), and 4.) (520EV Only) Does not charge without ignition in on position.
- 10244487Incorrect fuel filter drain and replacement procedures on EPA21 MX-11 and MX-13 engines can result in the following: .Debris and contaminants introduced into the high-pressure fuel system. .Denial of warranty claims for injector and/or fuel system faults. .Misfire, rough running, engine knock, and other associated faults and symptoms. Correct fuel filter procedures are outlined in attached service documentation.
- 10240236Quality and Volume Validation vehicles built for the 520 VMUX program between July 2019 and December 2020 are eligible for a retrofit of the digital display to a production intent unit that features updated base software, secured hardware, and the ability to be updated with software released after February 2021.
- 10235712PACCAR will reimburse customers for the local purchase of in-tank fuel additive for EPA2021 compliant MX engines. This is a one-time reimbursement. Only customers who have received E290 injector cleaning qualify for this reimbursement. See bulletin for limits and purchase tracking requirements.
- 10235711FIX-AS-FAIL Updated procedures and claim filing information. EPA2021 injector cleaning is referenced in RMI for certain injector faults. Complete the procedures in E290. Refer to E300 for in-tank additive information.
- 10225578Info Only - PACCAR is introducing Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for engine MY17 and newer chassis equipped with Cummins X15, X12, ISX12, ISX12N, L9N, PX-7, and PX-9 engines The technology will leverage the existing Remote Diagnostic cs hardware to deliver secure software updates remotely. This will reduce downtime and save on maintenance costs for eligible vehicles.
- 10219235The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures.
- 10217134Info Only Certain 520 model chassis built between 2014 and 2021, and equipped with the Red Dot HVAC system, may have service port spacing which will not allow the connection of a pressure gauge to both the high and low side service ports simultaneously. A specific tool is available from the supplier that will allow a technician to bypass this design issue.
- 10213094Information Only - This bulletin is to provide information about the availability of a fuel filter set for Pre-Production or Validation level chassis. This fuel filter set is available directly from a PACCAR dealership parts department.
- 10209985This bulletin provides information on the EPA21 MX fuel injector cleaning procedure and includes suggested fuel system cleaning fluids. This procedure also provides information to determine if it is necessary to replace the fuel injectors.
- 10209707Fix-As-Requested - Engine Model Year 2021B and later PACCAR MX-11 & MX-13 Fuel Injector Adjustment During First C Service
- 10209705Information Only New Level 1 required tools are available to support MY21B MX engines.
- 10208758Due to major data carriers phasing out 3G networks, chassis currently utilizing first generation Peoplenet Mobile Gateway (PMG001) will experience severe 3G service degradation as early as January of 2022. Chassis currently utilizing 3G antennas as a primary antenna may experience this degradation.
- 10206079Non-Safety Campaign: Certain DC tools were incorrectly calibrated. The resulting torque issue could affect the EPA21 MX-11 and MX-13 Oil Pan and/or the Exhaust Manifold.
- 10206066Information Only: Due to differences between the PACCAR MX-11 or MX-13 2021A and 2021B engines, technicians must be able to identify which of these engines are in a chassis.
- 10201965Fix-As-Fail Due to undersupply issues, only a limited supply of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors are available. As a temporary solution, after PACCAR confirms a DEF sensor is not available, a temporary software update will allow a vehicle to continue operation with a failed DEF sensor by disabling the DEF sensor diagnostics.
- 10201947Safety Recall Certain Model 520 trucks may have been built without a quick release (QR) valve. The absence of this valve could affect rear brake timing on certain vehicles equipped with a tri-drive or liftable tag axle and Dual Seated or Right Hand Stand-Up steering configurations. Vehicles will be inspected and, if necessary, a QR valve will be installed.
- 10201061Safety Recall - Model year 2021 Cummins PX9 fuel hose assemblies may leak from the hoses between the fuel pump and the remote filter head. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire. A repair is now available.
- 10198809Safety Recall Cummins Fuel Rail Leak NHTSA ID: 21V391 / TC: 2021-323, Cummins Recall: C2423.Cummins PX9 and ISX12 fuel rails may leak around a sealing washer, potentially resulting in fuel leaks.Undetected prolonged diesel fuel spray in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- 10194784Information Only - Power steering reservoir cap may separate during removal when it is pulled upward instead of twisted.
- 10191380The current chassis harness connector contains a wire that is no longer necessary with the latest electrical architecture. The presence of the wire could result in a false fault code.
- 10188550Information Only Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
- 10182219Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has introduced an improved mounting bracket for low mount air tanks for vehicles built between January 01, 2017 and July 06, 2020. Torsional vibration may stress the currently-installed brackets and cause them to fail near the bottom of the frame rail.
- 10177021Information Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure the appropriate tests for battery warranty are performed in order to prevent battery warranty claims filed with incorrect or incomplete information.
- 10177019Fix as Fail: For all conventional models, except 387/587, equipped with Side-of-Cab (SOC) exhaust and built from 03/6/2006 to 1/20/2020, the clamps that secure the SOC exhaust stacks may not be tightened properly. This may allow the exhaust stack to rotate and contact the cab or sleeper.
- 10177016Non-Safety Campaign: Peterbilt has determined that certain RHSU model 520 trucks, built from 7/16/2018 to 3/20/2020, may have been equipped with a Main Cab Harness that enables the Door Alarm to sound when it should be disabled. Model 520 vehicles with this configuration should have the door alarm disabled when the passenger door is open and the vehicle is in drive mode.
Every Peterbilt 520 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.