VehicleVerdict

2019 Peterbilt 520 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2019 Peterbilt 520 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 8 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other 520 years?

See all 520 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Peterbilt 520 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1100%

Does the 2019 Peterbilt 520 have recalls?

8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V939000SuspensionDecember 16, 2022 · 15,658 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

22V277000SteeringApril 25, 2022 · 17,641 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

21V391000Fuel SystemMay 26, 2021 · 612 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

21V004000SteeringJanuary 11, 2021 · 1,021 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

20V132000BrakesMarch 4, 2020 · 233 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles with dual foot valves and a liftable tag or tri-drive rear axles. The rear brake signal hose may be missing a quick release valve, possibly causing a delay in their brake release timing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Disc Brakes."

Consequence

A delayed brake release may increase the risk of crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will check the vehicles for a quick release valve, installing one as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2020. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20PBB.

19V917000SteeringDecember 20, 2019 · 21 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Peterbilt 520 vehicles built in Right-Hand Stand-Up configuration. The steering assist cylinder bracket may not have been properly mounted.

Consequence

The improperly mounted steering assist cylinder bracket may break and cause damage to surrounding components and/or lock up the steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will correcting the mounting, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on January 31, 2020. The recall began March 4, 2020. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 19PBF.

19V452000LightingJune 14, 2019 · 343 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 1990-2020 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles built with specific amber rear turn signals. The turn signals may also light up with the stop/tail lights when the brakes are applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Rear Turn signals that illuminate at the same time as the brake lights may create confusion and impair the effectiveness of the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and for trucks with rear amber lights, dealers will add a jumper harness between the chassis electrical harness and amber tail lights, free of charge. The recall began August 1, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 19PBC.

19V282000EngineApril 9, 2019 · 5,051 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. Due to undersized wires, the connector between the cab power harness and the power distribution center (PDC) harness may overheat and melt, possibly resulting in an engine shutdown.

Consequence

An unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the main power wire to the PDC with a wire of the correct size, free of charge. The recall began August 6, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-918-259-3258. PACCAR's number for this recall is 19PBB.

2019 Peterbilt 520 — common questions

Is the 2019 Peterbilt 520 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 8 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2019 Peterbilt 520 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Peterbilt 520. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Peterbilt 520 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.