2018 PETERBILT 520

8 recalls, 0 complaints - 62 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
15,658 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
22V277000 Apr 25, 2022
STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
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.
17,641 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
21V391000 May 26, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
Defect Description
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.
612 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
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
1,021 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
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.
233 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
19V917000 Dec 20, 2019
STEERING
Defect Description
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.
21 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
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
343 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
19V282000 Apr 9, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Defect Description
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.
5,051 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated

No complaints found for this vehicle.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2018 PETERBILT 520

62 manufacturer communications from 40 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING8
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY7
350000 EQUIPMENT6
160000 STRUCTURE4
130000 VISIBILITY3
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE2
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM2
E298 Feb 27, 2023
063110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Certain Engine Model Year 2018 PACCAR MX-11 engines must have the crankcase pressure sensor replaced due to contamination during assembly.
E298 Feb 27, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Certain Engine Model Year 2018 PACCAR MX-11 engines must have the crankcase pressure sensor replaced due to contamination during assembly.
45-064 Oct 18, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Info Only - PACCAR is introducing Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for engine MY17 and newer chassis equipped with Cummins X15, X12, ISX12, ISX12N, L9N, PX-7, and PX-9 engines The technology will leverage the existing Remote Diagnostic c
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
51-013 Feb 4, 2022
350000 EQUIPMENT
Due to major data carriers phasing out 3G networks, chassis currently utilizing first generation Peoplenet Mobile Gateway (PMG001) will experience severe 3G service degradation as early as January of 2022. Chassis currently utilizing 3G ant
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
21-PBD Jun 22, 2021
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Safety Recall a?? Cummins Fuel Rail Leak a?? NHTSA ID: 21V391 / TC: 2021-323, Cummins Recall: C2423.A Cummins PX9 and ISX12 fuel rails may leak around a sealing washer, potentially resulting in fuel leaks.A Undetected prolonged diesel fuel
45-062 Jun 21, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
a??Fix-As-Fail a?? PX9 oil pan may leak due to improper hardware. Revised hardware will resolve the leak.
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.
13-055 Oct 1, 2020
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has introduced an improved mounting bracket for low mount air tanks for vehicles built between January 01, 2017 and July 06, 2020. Torsional vibration may stress the currently-installed brackets and cause them to fai
13-055 Oct 1, 2020
040000 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has introduced an improved mounting bracket for low mount air tanks for vehicles built between January 01, 2017 and July 06, 2020. Torsional vibration may stress the currently-installed brackets and cause them to fai
13-055 Oct 1, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has introduced an improved mounting bracket for low mount air tanks for vehicles built between January 01, 2017 and July 06, 2020. Torsional vibration may stress the currently-installed brackets and cause them to fai
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
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
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
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
01-076 Apr 8, 2020
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Fix as Fail: Model 520 trucks manufactured between 6/20/2017 and 8/10/2018 with LH and RH Steer may have a Recirculation Air Blend Door that does not work properly. Resolution is to remove the unneeded circuit and seal the wires.
01-076 Apr 8, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fix as Fail: Model 520 trucks manufactured between 6/20/2017 and 8/10/2018 with LH and RH Steer may have a Recirculation Air Blend Door that does not work properly. Resolution is to remove the unneeded circuit and seal the wires.
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.
02-151 Dec 11, 2019
130000 VISIBILITY
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has initiated an improvement to the Model 320/520 power window module. A vapor barrier will be installed over the module to prevent moisture.
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
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).
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).
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.
19PBC Jul 19, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Safety Recall: Vehicles fail to confirm with FMVSS/CMVSS No 108 Table 1-a requirements which requires 2 red stop lamps. Vehicles were equipped with additional amber stop lamps which may illuminate when the brake is applied, and may confus
19PBC Jul 19, 2019
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Safety Recall: Vehicles fail to confirm with FMVSS/CMVSS No 108 Table 1-a requirements which requires 2 red stop lamps. Vehicles were equipped with additional amber stop lamps which may illuminate when the brake is applied, and may confus
34-066 Jun 10, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Information Only - Quick Reference Guide for Electric harness damage repairs.
45-061 Jun 10, 2019
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Non-Safety Campaign: Identified Model 520 vehicles, equipped with natural gas engine, were built with a compressor supply hose with reinforced spring that could break loose and cause internal engine damage.
45-061 Jun 10, 2019
062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
Non-Safety Campaign: Identified Model 520 vehicles, equipped with natural gas engine, were built with a compressor supply hose with reinforced spring that could break loose and cause internal engine damage.
19PBB May 31, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Safety Recall: INTERIM NOTIFICATION - Peterbilt Motors Company has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain model year 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Model 520 vehicles manufactured between October 17,
34-077 Apr 8, 2019
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion.
34-077 Apr 8, 2019
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion.
34-074 Apr 4, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Non Safety Campaign: Vehicles were built with a 5 bolt supply wire for the air dryer pressure sensor that is no longer required with current architecture. If left in place, a fault code P1644 may be set.
13-049 Jan 4, 2019
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Information: Bendix ACOM Software version 6.16.5.0 for diagnostics may introduce an unrecoverable error. Notice to dealers to replace this version with older software version until Bendix introduces new version.
02-146 Dec 4, 2018
160000 STRUCTURE
Fix-As-Fail: Vehicles may have been built with windshield structure that is not to specification. Resolution is guided by District Service Manager review of issue.
03-064 Jul 23, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Information - Recommended Practices for Updating ESA Software
36-003 Jun 5, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
Non-Safety Campaign - Installation of 3rd Eye Camera Harnesses on vehicles built missing this component.
36-003 Jun 5, 2018
264100 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Non-Safety Campaign - Installation of 3rd Eye Camera Harnesses on vehicles built missing this component.
36-003 Jun 5, 2018
280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION
Non-Safety Campaign - Installation of 3rd Eye Camera Harnesses on vehicles built missing this component.
36-003 Jun 5, 2018
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Non-Safety Campaign - Installation of 3rd Eye Camera Harnesses on vehicles built missing this component.
02-144 Jun 1, 2018
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Non-Safety Campaign - Installation of sun visor on vehicles built missing this component.

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 (current) 8 0
2017 5 0 View
2016 4 0 View
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

Other PETERBILT Models

Model Recalls Complaints
567 326 11 View
579 308 53 View
389 271 34 View
367 260 0 View
365 259 1 View
548 202 0 View
348 158 0 View
320 154 7 View