2021 Peterbilt 520Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 0 owner complaints about the 2021 Peterbilt 520. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-391 the manufacturer reports only 45% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 16, 2022. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Peterbilt 520 has problems

0 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

6 recalls

2021 Peterbilt 520 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

90%repaired · 2024 Q4

Suspension: multiple axle

Recall 22V-939 · Dec 16, 2022 · 15,658 vehicles · 14,023 repaired

Risk. An unstable axle can decrease vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

73%repaired · 2023 Q3

Service brakes, air

Recall 21V-720 · Sep 16, 2021 · 15 vehicles · 11 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

45%repaired · 2023 Q2

Fuel injection system: fuel rail

Recall 21V-391 · May 26, 2021 · 612 vehicles · 275 repaired

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

55%repaired · 2023 Q2

Steering: column

Recall 21V-004 · Jan 11, 2021 · 1,021 vehicles · 562 repaired

Risk. If the steering column loosens from the mounting structure, steering control can become affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
100%repaired · 2022 Q4

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Recall 20V-739 · Nov 25, 2020 · 11 vehicles · 11 repaired

Risk. 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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2022 Q2

Power train: axle assembly

Recall 20V-506 · Aug 26, 2020 · 1,097 vehicles · 1,051 repaired

Risk. 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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Peterbilt.

Best & worst years

2021 vs. every other 520 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 520 median. How we score

'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated

Own a 2021 520?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.