2020 Peterbilt 579
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Peterbilt › 579 › 2020
These records cover every 2020 Peterbilt 579. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2020 Peterbilt 579. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fastener failure can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The operator may be unaware of a system malfunction or the presence of excessive methane levels, increasing the risk of injury or fire.
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.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Kenworth T880, W990, Peterbilt 567, 579, 389, and 2022 Peterbilt 536, 537 wrecker and auto hauler vehicles. The work brake (winch brake) may unintentionally disengage the service brakes during winching operations, causing the vehicle to roll.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3, 2022. 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 21KWG and 21PBM.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Peterbilt 579 vehicles equipped with a sleeper box. The conspicuity tape may have been installed in the incorrect location, affecting the vehicle's visibility to other drivers on the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS)…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install additional conspicuity tape on back of sleeper in correct location, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 19PBE.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Peterbilt 520 and 579 vehicles and Kenworth T680, T880 and W990 vehicles. The mirror glass may detach from the mirror carrier plate due to inadequate adhesion.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the mirror glass detaches, the driver may have reduced visibility and the mirror glass will become a road hazard that may strike another vehicle or pedestrian, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
PACCAR has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the upper mirror glass/mirror carrier, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Kenworth owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt owners may call 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall is 19KWC and 19PBC.
Owner complaints
5 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
My 2020 [XXX] [XXX] VIN:[XXX] was brought to Rihm Kenworth in [XXX] on XXX while actively under warranty." The dealership confirmed a PACCAR MX-13 camshaft failure, which is a known manufacturer defect tied to PACCAR Campaigns E252 and E266. Camshafts Are Explicitly Covered 100% The text of…
My 2020 [XXX] [XXX] VIN:[XXX] was brought to Rihm Kenworth in [XXX] on XXX while actively under warranty." The dealership confirmed a PACCAR MX-13 camshaft failure, which is a known manufacturer defect tied to PACCAR Campaigns E252 and E266. Camshafts Are Explicitly Covered 100% The text of PACCAR's official 700k warranty bulletin explicitly states what is covered under this specific campaign: The dealer manager claims PACCAR corporate has placed an arbitrary $4,000 cap on a $14,105. warranty repair but completely refuses to provide any written documentation or contractual justification for the Cap. The dealer told me to contact PACCAR legal department and I have called, sent numerous emails to PACCAR and have not received a response back. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Power train
Camshaft failure as described in previous service bulletins for same year, make, model truck and Paccar MX-17 engine. Available for inspection as truck is not operational. Vehicle has been inspected by mechanic and no warning, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure being noticed and inspected to locate issue.
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Peterbilt 579. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 217,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 349,571.
- Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking · Service brakes
Vehicle has a following distance sensor on front bumper. Sensor is sensing overpasses when traveling underneath them and that should not be detected. Vehicle is automatically applying hard braking. This is causing a possible rear end collision and or loss of vehicle controll in wet conditions.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
Eoa support bracket broke off and the eoa manifold fell into the drive shaft causing the loss of air pressure. The truck was on the instate in the city.
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.
- 110097577/700 Service Agreement - Letter Only.
- 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.
- 11000753Information Only Vehicles equipped with Digital Vision System (DVS) Mirror Mounted Cameras, that do not have optional left-hand or right-hand blind spotters, may set false Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) 522490-9 or 522491-9. These DTCs can be ignored if corresponding blind spotter is not equipped. The next Digital Vision System Mirrors (DVS-M) software update will correct these false DTCs.
- 10245639Fix As Fail Updated: Two part numbers added: 1818119 DPF Delta Pressure Sensors for MX-13-2 EMY18 2200138 DPF Delta Pressure Sensors for MX-13 -2, EMY19 Per Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) regulations and guidance (Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA)), a letter has been provided to owners of Canadian registered chassis that provides a list of emissions components that have been reported (to ECCC) as having a defect.
- 10244481A testing procedure has been created for the coolant level sensor on model 520.
- 10243360Certain 579 MLU chassis equipped with Cummins X15 engines have fan hub bracket hardware that are incorrect for the application and/or under torqued and could become loose and/or fail. Procedures are available to replace and properly torque the hardware.
- 10243354For all Peterbilt chassis equipped with an air shifted PTO. Oil from the air shift cover of the PTO may leak into the air line, causing the EOA solenoid to become inoperative.
- 10238387Fix-as-Fail - HVAC Intermittently Stops Blowing Cold Air
- 10237152Certain 579 chassis are eligible to receive production level Digital Display software, Digital Display, Lane Keep Assist MUX switches, and Kick Panel.
- 10235714Fix As Fail Certain 579, and New Model 579 chassis that were manufactured with a Bendix forward looking camera system may experience bracket failure causing the bracket and camera to fall from the windshield.
- 10235704Fix As Fail All New Model 579 chassis with Bendix radar opti on may have a harness rub against the radiator that is causing possible damage.
- 10232162Fix As Fail Chassis that were manufactured with certain battery cable routing brackets may experience rubbing or chafing of the battery cables.
- 10231101This campaign is the final opportunity to replace the oil filter screw cap to reduce occurrences of broken bypass valve tabs. Broken oil valve tabs can cause oil flow obstruction to critical engine parts, resulting in serious engine damage. Customers that do not receive this repair may be responsible for progressive engine damage caused by broken oil bypass valve tabs.
- 1022717221PBN LNG/CNG Methane Detecti on System Will Not Warn Operator if System Loses Power NHTSA ID:21V00N, TC: 2021-793
- 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.
- 10222269Fix-As-Fail On certain chassis with Low Air Leaf Suspension or Low-Low Air Leaf Suspension, the Height Control Valve (HCV) arm may be rubbing on other components when the bend in the arm is facing outboard. Flipping the bend in the HCV arm inboard prevents the rub.
- 10219235The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures.
- 10219233Fix-As-Fail: Forces being applied to the split fender and fairing structure are causing the connection to crack and potentially separate. Reinforcement brackets secure the connection and prevent separation.
- 10210949A roof fairing reinforcement kit increases structural support for one-piece 579 roof fairings that are experiencing fatigue from external forces such as reverse towing.
- 10209699Fix-As-Fail A hill start assist (HSA) valve plumbing revision eliminates ice buildup in the HSA valve exhaust in cold weather.
- 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.
- 10208756A frame mounted left-hand marker light bracket interferes with the rear fuel tank fill location. A redesigned bracket can be purchased that relocates the marker bracket to the front fuel tank bracket to eliminate interference.
- 10208714The Turbo Inlet Elbow is susceptible to tearing, potentially allowing dust to enter the engine. The Turbo Inlet Elbow will be replaced with an improved part.
- 10207154Interim Safety Recall Methane detection system will not warn the operator if the system loses power. The driver could be unaware of an issue with the methane detection system or excessive methane present, increasing the risk of a fire, crash and/or personal injury. The repair procedure will be added when it is available.
- 10207153Retrofit - The emissions exemption will be expiring on 5/15/2022 for certain pre-production vehicles equipped with PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 EPA 2021 Emissions engines. Production-level components are now available to make these vehicles compliant.
- 10206097Non-Safety Campaign: Drivers of vehicles equipped with PACCAR TX-12 transmissions may experience harsh shifts and gear grinding noise. Premature Main Drive Gear damage may occur due to clutch housing and main case countershaft bearing bore wear.
- 10206090Safety Recall Work Brake May Unintentionally Disengage NHTSA ID: 21V906, TC: 2021-713. The work brake (also known as winch brake) may unintentionally disengage during winching operations, releasing the service brakes, increasing the risk of crash or injury. The VECU software will be updated to correctly set the speed interlock parameter.
- 10206084Non-Safety Campaign: Eaton Endurant transmissions may experience premature Main Drive Gear damage due to clutch housing and main case countershaft bearing bore wear. A Clutch Housing Front Cover Kit will be installed to address the issue.
- 10203783Non-Safety Campaign - Vehicles with a Cummins X15 engine and Horton fan drive may set Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) 6637 and/or 3838 due to fan speed that results in the fan remaining activated until the power is cycled. A new controller will resolve the issue.
- 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.
- 10201956Information Only - Rear axle Quarter Fenders with less than two inches of clearance between the top of the quarter fender and the bottom of the trailer/equipment are susceptible to damage. The lack of clearance could result in cracked/broken quarter fenders or complete separation if undetected or un-remedied.
- 10201946Safety RecallHill Start Assist (HSA) Valve Clearance NHTSA ID: 21V-648, TC: 2021-521. Crossmember mounted Hill Start Assist valve may not have sufficient clearance to the rear axle, resulting in hose or fitting damage. Damage could cause the loss of rear brake signal, resulting in reduced braking capability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- 10199985Fix-as-Fail: Radio does not mute when truck with auto trans is placed in reverse. Software flash resolves issue.
- 10198819Non-Safety Campaign -Certain Peterbilt Model 579 vehicles may have an incorrect blind spot sensor installed on the right-hand side.
- 10198814Safety Recall TSE Brake Chamber Air Leak NHTSA ID: 21V328. Meritor brake chambers were built with a misaligned park spring, which may cause a fatigue hole in the diaphragm and an internal air leak. The affected brake chambers will be replaced.
- 10198812Safety Recall Interim Notification - The Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may turn off while the vehicle is in motion and the headlamps, fog lamps or turn signals are not on. This is non-compliant with Canadian Regulation CMVSS 108, which states that the DRLs must be on while the vehicle is in motion without certain other lamps being activated. This bulletin will be updated when a repair is available.
- 10191768Non-Safety Campaign- Chassis Fairings become loose and rattle.
Every Peterbilt 579 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.