Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Peterbilt 579, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 47 2021 579 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 6 people died inside them, and 10 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Peterbilt 579 failed the safety check 0.76% of the time — 19% less often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 286,794 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Recalls in Canada
6 Transport Canada recalls for the 2021 Peterbilt 579.
| 2025150 24 Mar 2025 | High Voltage Issue: On certain electric trucks, the contactors for the high-voltage power system could open. If this happens, there could be a sudden loss of power to the … |
| 2024161 8 Mar 2024 | Powertrain Issue: On certain trucks, the wiring in the right-hand shift stalk may not be properly connected. As a result, you may not be able to shift the transmission b… |
| 2023530 27 Sept 2023 | Fuel System Issue: On certain trucks that have the air tank mounted behind the fuel tank, the U-bolts that attach the air tank to the side of the frame may be too long. … |
| 2021521 20 Aug 2021 | Brakes Issue: On certain trucks, the Hill Start Assist valve assembly could be damaged by contact with the rear axle. If this happens, there could be reduced braking… |
| 2021287 14 May 2021 | Lights And Instruments Issue: On certain trucks, the driver may be able to turn off the daytime running lamps (DRLs) while driving. Canadian regulations require that DRLs must stay … |
| 2021069 17 Feb 2021 | Powertrain Issue: On certain vehicles, the cap screws that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the flywheel could de… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Peterbilt and Kenworth vehicles, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop functioning.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 365, 367, 389, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480, T680, T880 and W990 trucks. The right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors may have been improperly crimped, resulting in a loss of communication.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 579 and 567 trucks. The U-bolts that attach the air tank to the chassis may contact the fuel tank and over time, wear a hole in the tank.
PACCAR, Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Peterbilt 579 vehicles equipped with MX-13 engines and 160-amp alternators. A fastener on the front spring bracket may have been installed with the head on the outside of the frame rail, which can chafe and damage the alternator positive cable.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Peterbilt 567, 579, 2021-2022 Peterbilt 536, 2017-2021 Kenworth T880, 2016-2022 Kenworth T680, 2018-2020 Kenworth T440, 2020 Kenworth T270, and 2021 Kenworth T280 vehicles. The methane detection system will not function if the system loses power.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Kenworth T880, W990, Peterbilt 567, 579, 389, and 2022 Peterbilt 536, 537 wrecker and auto hauler vehicles. The work brake (winch brake) may unintentionally disengage the service brakes during winching operations, causing the vehicle to roll.
PACCAR, Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Peterbilt 367, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles. The cross member mounted Hill Start Assist valve assembly may have insufficient clearance to the rear axle, causing damage to the rear brake hose and loss of the rear brake signal.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021 Peterbilt 348 and 579 vehicles. The spring brake chamber may have been assembled with incorrect springs that were out of specification, which may cause the pressure plate to shift.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Kenworth T680, T880, W990, T800, W900 and Peterbilt 579, 567, 389, 367 vehicles equipped with a Cummins X15 engine. The capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may have been improperly torqued, allowing the flywheel to detach.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Peterbilt told its dealers about the 2021 Peterbilt 579: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010926 | Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting issues. A new Starter Troubleshooting Guide has been created to provide a comprehensive list of starting system checks, which should reduce unnecessary starter replacements and associated warranty claims. Engine starting system warranty claims now require a completed Starter Checklist, a Battery Pack Midtronics Report, and a Cable Drop Midtronics Report. Claims filed without these documents may be denied. |
| 11010890 | Some 579EV and 520EV BEV trucks may have loose or improperly torqued ESS gland nuts. This may cause an intermittent warning light on the dash display. |
| 11009757 | 7/700 Service Agreement - Letter Only. |
| 11008570 | FIX-AS-FAIL Updated to include EPA2024 compliant engines. Fuel Filters must be changed before first cleaning. EPA2021 injector cleaning is referenced in RMI for certain injector faults. Complete the procedures in E290. Discard any previous versions of E290 procedures always use the most current document from the link in the bulletin. |
| 11008569 | Information Only New diagnostic tool is required to support PACCAR Ethernet Multiplexed Architecture (EMUX). The EMUX Service Tool Kit will help improve cab & chassis electrical troubleshooting efficiency, while reducing the risk of component damage. |
| 11008566 | Information Only Storage guideline procedures are now available for both Medium Duty and Heavy-Duty Battery Electric Vehicles. |
| 11007669 | Bulletin updated to include oil pan drain plug in parts list and incorporated QR code to direct dealers to informational resources for new Programmable Torque Tool. |
| 11007667 | BEV Phase 2 tools have been added to the BEV required tools lists. |
| 11005516 | Fix As Fail The height control valve (HCV) rod on vehicles with low air leaf suspensions is prone to toggling over center during rough road conditions. With full suspension articulation, HCV bracket flexes and toggles over center the HCV linkage, which results in either deflated airbags or makes them unable to inflate. Fix-as-fail start date is 07/30/2024. |
| 11000753 | Information Only Vehicles equipped with Digital Vision System (DVS) Mirror Mounted Cameras, that do not have optional left-hand or right-hand blind spotters, may set false Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) 522490-9 or 522491-9. These DTCs can be ignored if corresponding blind spotter is not equipped. The next Digital Vision System Mirrors (DVS-M) software update will correct these false DTCs. |
| 10251177 | Fix As Fail Dimensions and instructions are available for trimming the radiator recirculation shields to alleviate possible rub to the hood harness. (ARC 1/22/24) |
| 10249746 | Fix As Fail Dimensions and instructions are available for trimming the radiator recirculation shields to alleviate possible rub to the hood harness. |
| 10245639 | Fix As Fail Updated: Two part numbers added: 1818119 DPF Delta Pressure Sensors for MX-13-2 EMY18 2200138 DPF Delta Pressure Sensors for MX-13 -2, EMY19 Per Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) regulations and guidance (Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA)), a letter has been provided to owners of Canadian registered chassis that provides a list of emissions components that have been reported (to ECCC) as having a defect. |
| 10245638 | Safety Recall Parts are now available to remedy this issue. Certain model year 2021 to 2024, 567 and 579 vehicles built from 06/22/2020 through 06/16/2023 were equipped with air tank bracket G11-6439-009mounted behind a fuel tank without a frame spacer. The air tank mounting U-bolt tips may be different lengths and could contact the fuel tank, which can result in a hole and the potential for a fuel leak. Leaking fuel may lead to an increased risk of a fire. |
| 10245635 | Updated procedures and SRT time to include Fuel Filter replacement during cleaning process. Removed in-tank additive references. |
| 10244496 | Campaign Certain EPA2021 chassis equipped with PACCAR MX engines have Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Catalyst contamination that occurred during manufacturing. SCR Catalyst assemblies will be inspected and replaced as necessary. |
| 10244492 | Certain 579 MLU chassis equipped with Cummins X15 engines have fan hub bracket hardware that are incorrect for the application and/or under torqued and could become loose and/or fail. Procedures are available to replace and properly torque the hardware. |
| 10244487 | Incorrect fuel filter drain and replacement procedures on EPA21 MX-11 and MX-13 engines can result in the following: .Debris and contaminants introduced into the high-pressure fuel system. .Denial of warranty claims for injector and/or fuel system faults. .Misfire, rough running, engine knock, and other associated faults and symptoms. Correct fuel filter procedures are outlined in attached service documentation. |
| 10244481 | A testing procedure has been created for the coolant level sensor on model 520. |
| 10244480 | Interim Safety Recall Certain model year 2021 to 2024, 567 and 579 vehicles built from 06/22/2020 through 06/16/2023 were equipped with air tank bracket G11-6439-009mounted behind a fuel tank without a frame spacer. The air tank mounting U-bolts are different lengths and may contact the fuel tank, which can result in a hole and the potential for a fuel leak. Leaking fuel may lead to an increased risk of a fire. At this time, parts are not yet available to complete the necessary repairs. Once parts become available, this bulletin will be updated. |
| 10243360 | Certain 579 MLU chassis equipped with Cummins X15 engines have fan hub bracket hardware that are incorrect for the application and/or under torqued and could become loose and/or fail. Procedures are available to replace and properly torque the hardware. |
| 10243354 | For all Peterbilt chassis equipped with an air shifted PTO. Oil from the air shift cover of the PTO may leak into the air line, causing the EOA solenoid to become inoperative. |
| 10238391 | UPDATE - 06-09-2023 - This Campaign is being extended to December 30, 2023. |
| 10238387 | Fix-as-Fail - HVAC Intermittently Stops Blowing Cold Air |
| 10237152 | Certain 579 chassis are eligible to receive production level Digital Display software, Digital Display, Lane Keep Assist MUX switches, and Kick Panel. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)