repaired · 2024 Q3
Steering: critical fasteners
Risk. Fastener failure can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
2018 Peterbilt 579Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2018 Peterbilt 579, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 14 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 May 9, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Peterbilt 579 has problems
7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
3Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
2Steering
1Engine
1Firerelated1 crash/fire/injury
1Suspension
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Firerelated | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
14 recalls
2018 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 · 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.
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.
Show 10 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q3
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. Without a Electronic Stability Control system, there is a greater chance of loss of stability control, which increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Power train: clutch assembly
Risk. Unintended movement of a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Front: buckle assembly
Risk. If the seat belt buckle assembly separates, it can prevent the occupant from being properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Exterior lighting
Risk. Missing reflex reflectors can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Engine: diesel
Risk. If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists.
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 · 2019 Q2
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. A truck that does not move as expected can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk. If the transmission is not in neutral when the engine begins running, there may be unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Fuel system, diesel
Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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
2018 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
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Peterbilt 579, and the recalls they led to.
- Intermittent Loss of Power Steering AssistNo recall
- Quarter Fender FailuresNo recall
In owners' words
What 579 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
This vehicle about 6-8 weeks ago started throwing codes for all systems above (over 100 codes). This issue affected all systems of the vehicle including but not limited to the speed and braking of the vehicle, plus the fuel system and adaptive driving systems. We took it to the dealer Performance…
On 8/10/2024 our sleeper berth hvac fans abruptly quit working. After checking fuses we noticed the fan control switch was hot. After removing the panel that the switch is held in we noticed the HVAC Fan Control switch (Part# 599-5000) was charred, upon removing the switch from the plug we observed…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 PETERBILT 579. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING, THE REAR BRAKES AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE NEXT DAY THE RUNNING LIGHTS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FAILED, THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE ALSO FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT…
Own a 2018 579?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.