VehicleVerdict

2024 Peterbilt 520 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2024 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2024 compare to other 520 years?

See all 520 years to avoid →

Does the 2024 Peterbilt 520 have recalls?

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

26V022000SteeringJanuary 19, 2026 · 219 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2026 Kenworth L770 and 2024-2026 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. The right-hand stand-up (RHSU) configuration on the steering cross-shaft may become stressed and fail.

Consequence

A steering cross-shaft that fails can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and repair the steering cross-shafts and replace any damaged or broken cross-shafts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 and Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's number for this recall is 26PACA.

25V436000LightingJune 26, 2025 · 56,260 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Kenworth T480, T680, T880, W990, Peterbilt 520, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, 589, 2025 Kenworth T180, Peterbilt 535, 2025-2026 Kenworth T280, T380 and L770 vehicles. The tail brake light, upper and lower beam headlights, reverse light, and turn signal may not illuminate as intended. In addition, the lift axles, if lowered, may revert to a raised position, or oscillate up and down when the signal warning lights are activated. 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

Delayed and unsteady headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an unexpected position change of the lift axles may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the VCU software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 25PACF.

25V181000Electrical SystemMarch 24, 2025 · 238 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Peterbilt 520, 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T680 trucks. The high voltage (HV) contactors may open, causing a sudden loss of high voltage and a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the software and replace the electrical harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2025. Owners may contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 and Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 25PBC and 25KWC.

24V915000Electrical SystemDecember 9, 2024 · 220,764 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Peterbilt and Kenworth vehicles, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop functioning.

Consequence

Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System) may not function properly or at all, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24KWL and 24PBL.

24V908000SteeringDecember 3, 2024 · 68 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2024 Peterbilt 367, 389, 548, Kenworth T480, T800, 2024-2025 Peterbilt 520, 567 and Kenworth T880 vehicles with PACCAR 20k steer axles. The steering arm and/or tie rod bracket fasteners may fail, resulting in a loss of steering control.

Consequence

A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will install new correctly torqued fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2025. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24KWK and 24PBK.

24V044000SteeringJanuary 25, 2024 · 45,887 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Kenworth T280, T380, T480, T680, T880, L770, W990, and 2024-2025 Peterbilt 389, 520, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, 589 trucks. The steering gear assemblies may have been assembled incorrectly with fewer recirculating balls than are required, which may result in a loss of steering control.

Consequence

A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gears as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 20, 2024. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 and/or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24PBC and 24KWC.

24V043000SteeringJanuary 25, 2024 · 68 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2024 Peterbilt 367, 389, 520, 567, and Kenworth T800, T880, W900, and W990 trucks. The bearing journals may not be fully seated in the steering knuckle assemblies, preventing the proper installation of the wheel end hub assemblies.

Consequence

An improperly installed wheel end hub assembly can leak oil, causing the axle spindles to loosen or fracture and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the steering knuckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 23, 2024. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 and/or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24PBB and 24KWB.

23V749000EngineNovember 7, 2023 · 9 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2024 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. The rear lifting bracket that attaches to the engine cylinder head may be insufficiently secured, which can allow it to detach.

Consequence

A rear lifting bracket that detaches while the engine is being lifted can result in the engine falling or swinging, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the flanged stud in the rear lifting bracket, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification were mailed November 14, 2024. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 23PBK.

2024 Peterbilt 520 — common questions

Is the 2024 Peterbilt 520 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 8 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2024 Peterbilt 520 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2024 Peterbilt 520. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.