VehicleVerdict

2012 Peterbilt Model 220 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2012 Peterbilt Model 220 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Model 220 years?

Model 220 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted1 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 1 complaints
Model 220 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Model 220 years to avoid →

Does the 2012 Peterbilt Model 220 have recalls?

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

17V554000TransmissionSeptember 6, 2017 · 2,975 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Peterbilt 210 and 220 trucks; 2012-2018 Peterbilt 210 and 220 trucks; and 2010-2018 Kenworth K270 and K370 trucks. These LFNA trucks have a front axle sway bar link that may come loose on the frame rail end and fall into the path of the drag link, possibly binding the steering system.

Consequence

If the sway bar link detaches and falls into the drag link, it may impact the ability of the vehicle to steer properly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the upper sway bar link attachment for a hardened washer installed between the bushing and the nut, installing a washer if it is missing, free of charge. The recall began on October 2730, 2017. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 817-D and 17KWE.

14V014000Electrical SystemJanuary 24, 2014 · 828 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2012 through 2014 model year Kenworth K300 and Peterbilt 210 and 220 chassis equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for electrical insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.

Consequence

If the potting compound is exposed to heat and conducts electricity, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire and personal injury.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective component with a new battery equalizer or DC-DC converter, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Customers may contact PACCAR at 1-425-468-7400. Kenworth's number for this recall is 14KWD. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 1213J.

12V490000LightingOctober 9, 2012 · 432 units

Defect

PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Kenworth K270 and K370 vehicles, manufactured from November 23, 2011, through September 27, 2012, and model year 2012-2013 Peterbilt 210 and 220 vehicles, manufactured from July 29, 2011, through September 25, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) no. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." The fog lamps may be illuminated while the high beam headlights are on. Additionally, the daytime running lights are not deactivated when the headlight control is switched to an "on" position.

Consequence

Vehicles that use a combination of both fog lights and head lights or daytime running lights and headlights may be too bright for oncoming traffic, possibly distracting them and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will change the wiring harness free of charge. The recall began on November 16, 2012. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000.

2012 Peterbilt Model 220 — common questions

Is the 2012 Peterbilt Model 220 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Peterbilt Model 220 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Peterbilt Model 220. 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.