repaired · 2024 Q3
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. The operator may be unaware of a system malfunction or the presence of excessive methane levels, increasing the risk of injury or fire.
2016 Peterbilt 579Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2016 Peterbilt 579, most often about the power train. It is covered by 11 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-199 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 29, 2021. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Peterbilt 579 has problems
3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Power train
1Electrical system
1Steering
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
11 recalls
2016 Peterbilt 579 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.
repaired · 2022 Q1
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q1
12v/24v/48v battery: cables
Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Exterior lighting
Risk. Missing reflex reflectors can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 7 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q1
Steering
Risk. If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
Risk. A short in the spotlight circuitry may increase the risk of a fire at the cab fuse block.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Power train: manual transmission
Risk. Even though the transmission has been shifted out of reverse into neutral, the vehicle may unexpectedly move backwards, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Ignition: module
Risk. An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk. If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk. If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2016 Q3
Other: labels
Risk. If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight…
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
2016 vs. every other 579 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 579 median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Peterbilt 579, and the recalls they led to.
- Intermittent Loss of Power Steering AssistNo recall
In owners' words
What 579 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 PETERBILT 579. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE EMITTED AND THE STEERING COLUMN RELEASED INDEPENDENTLY ONTO THE CONTACT'S LAP. THE LOCKING MECHANISM WAS ADJUSTED AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS PLACED BACK INTO THE CORRECT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 PETERBILT 579. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL BEFORE GOING BACK INTO DRIVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…
Own a 2016 579?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.