2017 Peterbilt 579Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2017 Peterbilt 579, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 13 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 February 27, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2017 Peterbilt 579 has problems

3 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
Service brakes11
Tires11

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

13 recalls

2017 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.

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 →

27%repaired · 2022 Q1

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Recall 20V-199 · Apr 6, 2020 · 460,515 vehicles · 125,765 repaired

Risk. If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

77%repaired · 2022 Q1

12v/24v/48v battery: cables

Recall 20V-130 · Mar 4, 2020 · 35,671 vehicles · 27,576 repaired

Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2019 Q3

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Recall 19V-657 · Sep 17, 2019 · 12 vehicles · 12 repaired

Risk. Without a Electronic Stability Control system, there is a greater chance of loss of stability control, which increases the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 9 more recalls
61%repaired · 2020 Q2

Exterior lighting

Recall 18V-816 · Nov 16, 2018 · 1,619 vehicles · 988 repaired

Risk. Missing reflex reflectors can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine: diesel

Recall 18V-657 · Sep 21, 2018 · 48,896 vehicles

Risk. If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

30%repaired · 2022 Q1

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Recall 18V-368 · Jun 1, 2018 · 85,626 vehicles · 26,063 repaired

Risk. If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

82%repaired · 2019 Q2

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Recall 18V-092 · Feb 2, 2018 · 1,938 vehicles · 1,587 repaired

Risk. A truck that does not move as expected can increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

67%repaired · 2018 Q4

Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 17V-471 · Jul 25, 2017 · 5,731 vehicles · 3,830 repaired

Risk. A short in the spotlight circuitry may increase the risk of a fire at the cab fuse block.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

41%repaired · 2018 Q3

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 17V-103 · Feb 15, 2017 · 465 vehicles · 189 repaired

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

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

2017 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
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2017 Peterbilt 579, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Intermittent Loss of Power Steering AssistPE20006 · closed Mar 27, 2024
    No recall
  2. Quarter Fender FailuresPE20015 · closed Oct 14, 2021
    No recall
  3. Haldex Brake Chamber FailuresPE21018 · closed Oct 10, 2025
    No recall
In owners' words

What 579 owners report

Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

VEHICLE INVOLVED IN WHEEL END FIRE THAT DESTROYED THE ATTACHED TRAILER AND LOAD. DAMAGE TO TRACTOR WAS CONTAINED TO THE REAR CHASSIS AND BACKSIDE OF THE CAB. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE DRIVER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE TRACTOR DRIVE WHEELS. TIRE BLEW SOON AFTER AND FIRE…
Complaint 11184218 · Mar 4, 2019 · 230,000 miles

Own a 2017 579?

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