2021 Peterbilt 536Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 0 owner complaints about the 2021 Peterbilt 536. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-601 the manufacturer reports only 26% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 20, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Peterbilt 536 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 536 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.

52%repaired · 2026 Q3

Lever and linkage: column shift

Recall 24V-190 · Mar 20, 2024 · 70,509 vehicles · 36,699 repaired

Risk. A loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after coming to a stop, increasing the risk…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

66%repaired · 2025 Q4

Service brakes, air

Recall 23V-661 · Sep 29, 2023 · 254 vehicles · 167 repaired

Risk. A delay in the trailer brake release can create instability to the trailer and increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

34%repaired · 2024 Q3

Electrical system: wiring

Recall 21V00N000 · Dec 29, 2021 · 1,107 vehicles · 371 repaired

Risk. The operator may be unaware of a system malfunction or the presence of excessive methane levels, increasing the risk of injury or fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
26%repaired · 2023 Q2

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 21V-601 · Aug 3, 2021 · 688 vehicles · 180 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2021 Q1

Engine

Recall 21V-181 · Mar 16, 2021 · 1 vehicles · 1 repaired

Risk. If safety-related functions such as vehicle braking, stability, speed, and collision avoidance do not function properly, it can increase the risk of a crash.

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 536 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 536 median. How we score

'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated

Own a 2021 536?

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