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.
2012 Peterbilt 587Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2012 Peterbilt 587, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 8 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 19, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Peterbilt 587 has problems
3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
1Engine
1Fuel system, diesel
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 2 | 2 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2012 Peterbilt 587 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 · 2017 Q1
Equipment
Risk. If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly…
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.
Show 4 more recalls
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…
no report yet
Supply: check valve
Risk. UNEXPECTED CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND LEAD TO A FIRE.
no report yet
Power train: driveline
Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN SEAM WELD FRACTURE WHEN TORQUE IS APPLIED.
no report yet
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. THE DISCHARGE OF ENGINE OIL ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS WHICH ARE HOT, SUCH AS WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER SIGNIFICANT LOAD, MAY CAUSE 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
2012 vs. every other 587 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 587 median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 587 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
2012 PETERBILT TRACTOR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POTENTIAL FIRE DEFECT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECENTLY INVESTIGATED THE CAUSE OF A FIRE IN THE TRACTOR AND DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE RELATED TO A POTENTIAL DEFECT IN THE MANNER IN WHICH THE BATTERY CABLES WERE SUPPORTED. THE BATTERY CABLES…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 PETERBILT 587. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THERE WAS A FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT…
Own a 2012 587?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.