2016 PETERBILT 520
4 recalls, 0 complaints - 34 TSBs
22V939000 Dec 16, 2022
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
21V004000 Jan 11, 2021
STEERING:COLUMN
Defect Description
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... Read more
20V132000 Mar 4, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Defect Description
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 vehic... Read more
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.
19V452000 Jun 14, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
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... Read more
No complaints found for this vehicle.
Technical Service Bulletins, 2016 PETERBILT 520
34 manufacturer communications from 23 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 4 |
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 3 |
| 160000 STRUCTURE | 3 |
| 063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 2 |
| 136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | 2 |
| 180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
| 356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 2 |
13-060
Aug 3, 2022
030000 BRAKES (PWS)
The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures.
01-085
Jul 12, 2022
130000 VISIBILITY
Info Only a?? Certain 520 model chassis built between 2014 and 2021, and equipped with the Red Dot HVAC system, may have service port spacing which will not allow the connection of a pressure gauge to both the high and low side service port
43-071
Sep 21, 2021
080000 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Fix-As-Fail a?? 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 veh
E271
Jun 8, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
An engine software update is required to resolve OBD system readiness, DEF doser diagnostics, and otherOBD system software related issues.
34-074
Feb 25, 2021
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The current chassis harness connector contains a wire that is no longer necessary with the latest electrical architecture. The presence of the wire could result in a false fault code.
02-160
Feb 10, 2021
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Information Only a?? Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
02-160
Feb 10, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
Information Only a?? Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
02-160
Feb 10, 2021
136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Information Only a?? Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
02-160
Feb 10, 2021
130000 VISIBILITY
Information Only a?? Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
13-054
Jul 29, 2020
030000 BRAKES (PWS)
Fix-As-Fail - Bendix New-Gen Lightweight Steer Axle Drum Brake Spider Cracking
43-067
Jun 10, 2020
160000 STRUCTURE
Fix as Fail: For all conventional models, except 387/587, equipped with Side-of-Cab (a??SOCa??) exhaust and built from 03/6/2006 to 1/20/2020, the clamps that secure the SOC exhaust stacks may not be tightened properly. This may allow the
43-067
Jun 10, 2020
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Fix as Fail: For all conventional models, except 387/587, equipped with Side-of-Cab (a??SOCa??) exhaust and built from 03/6/2006 to 1/20/2020, the clamps that secure the SOC exhaust stacks may not be tightened properly. This may allow the
32-015
Jun 8, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Information Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure the appropriate tests for battery warranty are performed in order to prevent battery warranty claims filed with incorrect or incomplet
11-001
May 29, 2020
100000 POWER TRAIN
Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.
18PBB
Apr 30, 2020
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Safety Recall Bulletin: Updated with permanent repair path for phase 1 vehicles. The Tractor ABS Lamp May Not Illuminate When ABS Controller Loses Battery and/or Ignition Power. NHTSA recall number is 18V368. Non compliance to FMVSS and
18PBB
Apr 30, 2020
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Safety Recall Bulletin: Updated with permanent repair path for phase 1 vehicles. The Tractor ABS Lamp May Not Illuminate When ABS Controller Loses Battery and/or Ignition Power. NHTSA recall number is 18V368. Non compliance to FMVSS and
18PBB
Apr 30, 2020
046600 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Safety Recall Bulletin: Updated with permanent repair path for phase 1 vehicles. The Tractor ABS Lamp May Not Illuminate When ABS Controller Loses Battery and/or Ignition Power. NHTSA recall number is 18V368. Non compliance to FMVSS and
18PBB
Apr 30, 2020
036400 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Safety Recall Bulletin: Updated with permanent repair path for phase 1 vehicles. The Tractor ABS Lamp May Not Illuminate When ABS Controller Loses Battery and/or Ignition Power. NHTSA recall number is 18V368. Non compliance to FMVSS and
43-066
Mar 27, 2020
160000 STRUCTURE
DEF tank covers may become loose and potentially crack on vehicles built before October 2019 with DEF tank part number M86-6221-003**(TANK-DEF MEDIUM ASSY) and M86-6222-003**(TANK-DEF LARGE, ASSY). Resolution is to resolve the vibration on
20PBB
Mar 24, 2020
042700 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:QUICK RELEASE VALVE
Safety Recall: Peterbilt has decided that certain Model 320 and 520 trucks built between 2/20/2015 and 7/16/2019 may have been built without a quick release valve. The absence of this valve could affect rear brake timing on certain vehicle
32-016
Mar 17, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage.
34-085
Mar 3, 2020
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Information Only a?? Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to water intrusion and corrosion in some vehicles.
34-085
Mar 3, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Information Only a?? Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to water intrusion and corrosion in some vehicles.
34-085
Feb 28, 2020
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Information Only: Vehicles may have the connector seal on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to sensor corrosion.
34-085
Feb 28, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Information Only: Vehicles may have the connector seal on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to sensor corrosion.
03-071
Dec 18, 2019
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Information Only - Vehicles built with NAMUX software from 2013 to present may experience accuracy issues with the tachometer. The issue can be temporarily resolved using any one of the included procedures.
02-153
Nov 22, 2019
160000 STRUCTURE
Information only: Some model 320 and 520 vehicles built before 3/11/2019 may experience loss or loosening of doghouse insulation. Reference the procedure in the attachment section to properly remove and replace the insulation.
01-075
Nov 6, 2019
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal failure of the A/C compressor.
02-154
Oct 17, 2019
136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Fix as Fail: Some model 520 right hand stand up vehicles built before 07/16/19 are experiencing washer fluid leakage from the windshield reservoir through the vent line. Resolution is to replace the current washer fluid line with a longer
TIB43-062
Sep 27, 2019
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Information Only ??A?A? This bulletin provides information about the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) and Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP).
TIB43-062
Sep 27, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
Information Only ??A?A? This bulletin provides information about the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) and Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP).
42-056
Aug 28, 2019
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Fix-As-Fail -??A? Composite fittings used in the cooling system may crack, resulting in coolant leaks. Brass fittings are available to replace the composite fittings.
42-058
Aug 23, 2019
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Fix-As-Fail: Two separate causes have been identified as root cause of intermittent low coolant indicator illumination.
FRN215-3Custltr
Nov 13, 2016
353800 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Sample Customer Letter - 215-3 Sleeper Heater Core O-Ring Leaking
PETERBILT 520 - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the PETERBILT 520 across all model years (1990, 2026).
97
Total Recalls
4
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
0
Reported Crashes
0
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
PETERBILT 520 - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 2025 | 7 | 0 | View |
| 2024 | 8 | 0 | View |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 | View |
| 2022 | 4 | 0 | View |
| 2021 | 6 | 0 | View |
| 2020 | 12 | 3 | View |
| 2019 | 8 | 1 | View |
| 2018 | 8 | 0 | View |
| 2017 | 5 | 0 | View |
| 2016 (current) | 4 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 3 | 0 | View |
| 2014 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2013 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2012 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2011 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2009 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2008 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2007 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2006 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2005 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2004 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2003 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2002 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2001 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2000 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1999 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1998 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1997 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1996 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1995 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1994 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1993 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1992 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1991 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1990 | 1 | 0 | View |