VehicleVerdict

2014 Peterbilt 579 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2014 Peterbilt 579 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 12 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

12

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other 579 years?

See all 579 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Peterbilt 579 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels240%
Brakes120%
Electrical System120%
Transmission120%

Does the 2014 Peterbilt 579 have recalls?

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

20V199000Electrical SystemApril 6, 2020 · 460,515 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX Software. In the event that the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the dash warning light for the ABS may not illuminate to warn the driver of the loss of ABS. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems," and 136, "Electronic Stability Control System on Heavy Vehicles."

Consequence

If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the NAMUX software within the cab control module, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on June 4, 2020. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20pbc AND 20KWB.

18V816000LightingNovember 16, 2018 · 1,619 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Kenworth T680 and T880 and Peterbilt 579 trucks, greater than 30 feet long and equipped with side extender mounted intermediate marker lamp/turn signals that do not include a reflex reflector. Since both intermediate side marker lamps and reflex reflectors are required, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Missing reflex reflectors can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners and dealers will install reflex reflective tape, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-918-259-3258. PACCAR's number for this recall is 18KWF, and 18PBC.

17V471000LightingJuly 25, 2017 · 5,731 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Peterbilt 567 and 579 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks equipped with optional spotlights. The spotlight circuit may not be adequately protected in the event of a short.

Consequence

A short in the spotlight circuitry may increase the risk of a fire at the cab fuse block.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will change the polyfuse switch in the spotlight circuit to a standard fuse, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2017. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 17KWC and 717-B.

15V456000Electrical SystemJuly 22, 2015 · 288 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Peterbilt 365, 367, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured January 13, 2011, to April 20, 2015. The affected trucks, equipped with extended-body Leece Neville alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon discharge line.

Consequence

If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line and install a plastic insulator on the cable end, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 715-K.

15V270000Electrical SystemMay 8, 2015 · 1,494 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Kenworth T660, T680, T880 trucks manufactured February 18, 2013, to April 10, 2015, and 2011-2016 Peterbilt 386, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured December 13, 2010, to April 20, 2015. The affected trucks, equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Delco-Remy 40SI alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon discharge line.

Consequence

If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line, free of charge. PACCAR issued an interim notification to owners on July 10, 2015. The recall began on September 16, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 15KWE and 515-F.

15V132000OtherMarch 6, 2015 · 213,230 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)."

Consequence

If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D.

14V283000AirbagsMay 29, 2014 · 1,705 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Peterbilt 579, 388, 384, 367, 365, 348, and 337 trucks manufactured October 30, 2009, through May 21, 2014. In the affected vehicles, if power is interrupted to the seat electronic control unit (ECU), such as when the fuse for that circuit blows, the side air bag would be disabled but there will not be a warning lamp indicator to notify the operator of the malfunction.

Consequence

Without a warning of a problem existing in the side air bag system, the driver may continue to operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury from the side air bag not deploying in the event of a rollover.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install a new electrical harness to correct them problem, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. Paccar's number for this recall is 514-F.

14V036000TransmissionFebruary 5, 2014 · 35 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2014 Peterbilt 567 and 579 model chassis manufactured January 29, 2013, through October 9, 2013, and equipped with Allison-brand transmissions. The affected vehicles may be missing the wiring that illuminates the shifter pad backlighting. As such, the chassis fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Consequence

Without the transmission shifter being illuminated, the driver may not be able to easily identify what gear the vehicle is in, which could result in cause unintentional vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners and dealers will install the missing wiring, free of charge. The recall began on March 11, 2014. Owners may contact PACCAR at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 1213H.

14V012000Latches & LocksJanuary 24, 2014 · 11,056 units

Defect

PACCAR Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Kenworth T680 chassis manufactured January 1, 2012, through October 14, 2013, and Peterbilt 567 and 579 chassis manufactured January 20, 2012, through October 11, 2013, and equipped with Inteva-brand door latch assemblies. In the affected vehicles, the doors may lock permanently while closed or may be opened from the outside even after they have been locked.

Consequence

If the door latch assembly becomes permanently locked while closed occupants could be prevented from exiting the vehicle in the event of a crash or fire, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right door latch assemblies with new assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2014. Customers may contact Paccar at 1-425-468-8228. Kenworth's number for this recall is 14KWB. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 114-A.

13V222000Electrical SystemMay 28, 2013 · 1,773 units

Defect

PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2014 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T470, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks manufactured May 6, 2013, through May 17, 2013; and model year 2014 Peterbilt 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, 389K, 567, 579 and 587 trucks manufactured May 1, 2013 through May 17, 2013. An internal defect in the ignition switch causes the starter to engage when a key is partially inserted, before the key is turned.

Consequence

Unintended engine startup could cause injury to a person working in the engine compartment. Vehicles with standard transmissions may experience unexpected movement, which may result in personal injury or a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace affected ignition switches, free of charge. The recall began on June 14, 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000. Kenworth's recall campaign number is 13KWF. Peterbilt's recall campaign number is 0513-E.

13V091000Seat BeltsMarch 13, 2013 · 2,509 units

Defect

PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks and model year 2013-2014 Peterbilt 567, 579 and 587 trucks equipped with air ride seats. The cables for anchoring the seat belt buckles of both the driver and passenger seat may fray.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, a frayed seat belt could cause the belt to separate from the seat, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace both seat belt buckle assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000.

13V048000LightingFebruary 13, 2013 · 2,019 units

Defect

PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks, manufactured from January 18, 2012, through February 1, 2013; and model year 2013-2014 Peterbilt 579 and 567 vehicles, manufactured from January 20, 2012, through January 31, 2013. The Exterior Lights Self-Test switch is intended to be used when the vehicle is parked. If the switch is pressed while the vehicle is in motion, the Exterior Lights Self-Test switch will cause all exterior lighting to be extinguished.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of lighting during vehicle operation may reduce the driver's ability to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects, as well as reduce the truck's visibility to other drivers or pedestrians, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will disable the Exterior Lights Self-Test software parameter and remove the Exterior Lights Self-Test switch and install a switch plug in its place. The services will be offered free of charge. The recall began on February 28, 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

THE LOCK NUT SYSTEM ON THE LEFT FRONT SPINDLE FAILED. THE LOCK NUT COMPLETELY BACKED OFF OF THE SPINDLE CAUSING THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 29, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 PETERBILT CONVENTIONAL 579 TRACTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT FAILURE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PERTAINING TO THE GAUGES, SENSORS, AND THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE MIRROR WAS ALSO VIBRATING AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 29, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 PETERBILT CONVENTIONAL 579 TRACTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT FAILURE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PERTAINING TO THE GAUGES, SENSORS, AND THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE MIRROR WAS ALSO VIBRATING AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 29, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 PETERBILT CONVENTIONAL 579 TRACTOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT FAILURE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PERTAINING TO THE GAUGES, SENSORS, AND THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE MIRROR WAS ALSO VIBRATING AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 29, 2013

2014 Peterbilt 579 — common questions

Is the 2014 Peterbilt 579 reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 12 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2014 Peterbilt 579 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Peterbilt 579. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Peterbilt 579 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.