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.
2020 Peterbilt 579Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2020 Peterbilt 579, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 21V00N000 the manufacturer reports only 34% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 13, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Peterbilt 579 has problems
5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Electrical system
2Power train
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Engine
1Forward collision avoidance
1Service brakes
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2020 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 · 2023 Q4
Electrical system: software
Risk. Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2022 Q1
12v/24v/48v battery: cables
Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2021 Q1
repaired · 2020 Q3
Rearview mirrors/devices: exterior
Risk. If the mirror glass detaches, the driver may have reduced visibility and the mirror glass will become a road hazard that may strike another vehicle or…
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
2020 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
In owners' words
What 579 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2020 [XXX] [XXX] VIN:[XXX] was brought to Rihm Kenworth in [XXX] on XXX while actively under warranty." The dealership confirmed a PACCAR MX-13 camshaft failure, which is a known manufacturer defect tied to PACCAR Campaigns E252 and E266. Camshafts Are Explicitly Covered 100% The text of…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Peterbilt 579. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 217,000, and at the time of…
Own a 2020 579?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.