2020 PETERBILT 520

12 recalls, 3 complaints - 53 TSBs

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

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

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Defect Description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. The quick release valve on the rear brake signal hose may be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence

A missing quick release valve cannot ensure correct rear brake release timing, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the vehicles for a missing quick release valve, and install one if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2021. Owners may contact PACCAR's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's number for this recall is 21PBK.

15 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated

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

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

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

Defect Description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. The stability control brake relay may have the Spring Brake Modulating (SBM) Valve or the lift axle hose incorrectly connected.

Consequence

A stability control event meant to only actuate the ABS controlled wheel ends could actuate lift axle brakes or modulate park brake chambers and could possibly de-stabilize the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the suspect chassis and correct the brake relay plumbing if needed, free of charge. PACCAR has issued owners an interim notification on January 4, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 25, 2021. Owners may contact Peterbilt cus... Read more

11 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Peterbilt 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 567 and Kenworth T800, T880, W900, W990 vehicles equipped with Watson and Chalin steerable lift axle suspension systems (model SL2065). The axles may have lower rear pivot bolts that are not long enough t... Read more

Consequence

The short screws can cause the hardware to separate from the suspension system and become road hazards, increasing the risk of a crash and/or injury.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect suspect chassis and replace the pivot bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for... Read more

1,097 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Defect Description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used to secure the steering assist cylinder bracket, possibly allowing the bolts to loosen.

Consequence

Loose bolts may cause the bracket to flex or break, potentially damaging adjacent components or locking up the steering, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install hardware with thread adhesive and replace any components damaged by the improperly secured steer assist bracket, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's number for ... Read more

239 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated

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

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Defect Description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Kenworth T800, T880 and W990 and Peterbilt 348, 367, 389, 520, and 567 vehicles. The forward rear axle output shafts may have been improperly heat treated during manufacturing, possibly resulting in the shafts fracturing.

Consequence

If the rear axle output shaft fractures, the shaft or interaxle driveline could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the output shafts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall ar... Read more

148 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated

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

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

Complaint Statistics

3 total complaints

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SERVICE BRAKES	3

Incident date: May 6, 2021

Truck was brought in because driver heard a grinding noise. Mechanic inspected and found that the front disc brake pads and separated from the backing. Truck was thought to still be under warranty and was then taken to dealership for repairs.

Incident date: Apr 12, 2021

After issue with first truck dealership asked to bring in others to be inspected and found same issue with them. Front brake pads were separating from backing. This truck had less mileage so damage not as severe.

Incident date: May 13, 2021

This one was taken in after the first one also for inspection by dealer. Issue wasn't as severe due to lower mileage and use. I believe the pads were just changed as a precaution, I don't believe they had started to separate.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2020 PETERBILT 520

53 manufacturer communications from 36 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	8
350000 EQUIPMENT	8
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	6
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	3
010000 STEERING	3
160000 STRUCTURE	3
100000 POWER TRAIN	3
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM	2

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Quality and Volume Validation vehicles built for the 520 VMUX program between July 2019 and December 2020 are eligible for a retrofit of the digital display to a production intent unit that features updated base software, secured hardware,

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

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures.

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

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

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Retrofit - The emissions exemption will be expiring on 5/15/2022 for certain pre-production vehicles equipped with PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 EPA 2021 Emissions engines. Production-level components are now available to make these vehicles compl

040000 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

a??Safety Recall a?? Certain Model 520 trucks may have been built without a quick release (QR) valve. The absence of this valve could affect rear brake timing on certain vehicles equipped with a tri-drive or liftable tag axle and Dual Seate

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

250000 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

Safety Recall: Interim Dealer Notification - Peterbilt has decided that a condition affecting vehicle stability may exist in certain Model 520 vehicles built from 9/26/2019 through 7/22/2020 with stability control and a spring brake modula

050000 PARKING BRAKE

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

040000 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

350000 EQUIPMENT

Information only: In 2020, Peterbilt and Kenworth began using the same M10, M12, M16, and M20 frame fasteners on all vehicles. Torque specifications for these fasteners are different from previous fasteners.

160000 STRUCTURE

350000 EQUIPMENT

Safety Recall: Peterbilt has decided that a condition could exist in certain model 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, and 567 vehicles built between 11/19/2019 and 4/09/2020. Vehicles equipped with Watson & Chalin SL2065 lift axles may have lower re

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

Safety Recall: Model 520 vehicles with Right-Hand Stand-Up (a??RHSUa??) configuration built between February 15, 2019 and December 20, 2019 may have incorrect steering assist cylinder bracket bolts installed, which prevents proper retenti

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

010000 STEERING

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

Fix-As-Fail - Bendix New-Gen Lightweight Steer Axle Drum Brake Spider Cracking

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

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Non-Safety Campaign: Peterbilt has determined that certain RHSU model 520 trucks, built from 7/16/2018 to 3/20/2020, may have been equipped with a Main Cab Harness that enables the Door Alarm to sound when it should be disabled. Model 520

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

100000 POWER TRAIN

Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage.

010000 STEERING

Safety Recall: Peterbilt Motors Company has decided a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, may exist in certain Model 520 vehicles with Right Hand Stand Up (RHSU) configuration built between June 15, 2018 and February 14, 2019. V

010000 STEERING

Safety Related Campaign - Interim Notification: Peterbilt Motors Company has decided a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, may exist in certain Model 520 vehicles with Right Hand Stand Up (RHSU) configuration built between June

100000 POWER TRAIN

Safety Recall: Peterbilt Motors Company has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, may exist in certain model 348, 367, 389, 520 or 567 vehicles manufactured between November 22, 2019 and December 5, 2019. Output

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Fix-As-Fail: Two separate causes have been identified as root cause of intermittent low coolant indicator illumination.

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

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Information Only - Quick Reference Guide for Electric harness damage repairs.

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,

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion.

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.

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 (current)	12	3
2019	8	1	View
2018	8	0	View
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

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2020 PETERBILT 520

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

Technical Service Bulletins, 2020 PETERBILT 520

Most Affected Components

PETERBILT 520 - All Years Overview

PETERBILT 520 - Year by Year

Other PETERBILT Models