Peterbilt 520 problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 3 owner complaints and 24 recalls on file for the Peterbilt 520 (2005–2026).

Complaints
3
Recalls
24
Model years
22
Worst year
—

Complaints by model year

200520072009201120132015201720193202120232025
NHTSA complaints per Peterbilt 520 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Every Peterbilt 520 model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 52000002—
2025 52000007—
2024 52000008—
2023 52000005—
2022 52000004—
2021 52000006—
2020 520300012Brakes
2019 52000008—
2018 52000008—
2017 52000005—
2016 52000004—
2015 52000003—
2014 52000001—
2013 52000001—
2012 52000001—
2011 52000001—
2010 52000001—
2009 52000001—
2008 52000001—
2007 52000001—
2006 52000001—
2005 52000001—

Most common Peterbilt 520 problem areas (all years)

  • Brakes
    3 complaints

Peterbilt 520 recalls

  • Recall 26V022000Jan 19, 2026219 vehiclesModel years 2024–2026

    Risk: A steering cross-shaft that fails can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 25V436000Jun 26, 202556,260 vehiclesModel years 2024–2026

    Risk: Delayed and unsteady headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an unexpected position change of the lift axles may increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 25V181000Mar 24, 2025238 vehiclesModel years 2022–2025

    Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V915000Dec 9, 2024220,764 vehiclesModel years 2022–2025

    Risk: Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System) may not function properly or at all, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V908000Dec 3, 202468 vehiclesModel years 2024–2025

    Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V433000Jun 12, 20247,410 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2025

    Risk: A broken ball stud can cause a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V043000Jan 25, 202468 vehiclesModel years 2024

    Risk: An improperly installed wheel end hub assembly can leak oil, causing the axle spindles to loosen or fracture and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V044000Jan 25, 202445,887 vehiclesModel years 2024–2025

    Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V749000Nov 7, 20239 vehiclesModel years 2024

    Risk: A rear lifting bracket that detaches while the engine is being lifted can result in the engine falling or swinging, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 22V939000Dec 16, 202215,658 vehiclesModel years 2015–2023

    Risk: An unstable axle can decrease vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V631000Aug 17, 20221,601 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: An unexpected engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V547000Jul 28, 202247,500 vehiclesModel years 2022–2023

    Risk: A fractured steering gear can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V277000Apr 25, 202217,641 vehiclesModel years 2018–2020

    Risk: Fastener failure can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

  • Recall 21V720000Sep 16, 202115 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021

    Risk: A missing quick release valve cannot ensure correct rear brake release timing, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

  • Recall 21V391000May 26, 2021612 vehiclesModel years 2018–2021

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 21V004000Jan 11, 20211,021 vehiclesModel years 2015–2021

    Risk: If the steering column loosens from the mounting structure, steering control can become affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V739000Nov 25, 202011 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021

    Risk: A stability control event meant to only actuate the ABS controlled wheel ends could actuate lift axle brakes or modulate park brake chambers and could possibly de-stabilize the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V506000Aug 26, 20201,097 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021

    Risk: The short screws can cause the hardware to separate from the suspension system and become road hazards, increasing the risk of a crash and/or injury.

  • Recall 20V429000Jul 24, 2020239 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: Loose bolts may cause the bracket to flex or break, potentially damaging adjacent components or locking up the steering, increasing the risk of crash.

  • Recall 20V132000Mar 4, 2020233 vehiclesModel years 2016–2020

    Risk: A delayed brake release may increase the risk of crash.

  • Recall 19V917000Dec 20, 201921 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: The improperly mounted steering assist cylinder bracket may break and cause damage to surrounding components and/or lock up the steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V911000Dec 19, 2019148 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: If the rear axle output shaft fractures, the shaft or interaxle driveline could detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V452000Jun 14, 2019343 vehiclesModel years 2005–2020

    Risk: Rear Turn signals that illuminate at the same time as the brake lights may create confusion and impair the effectiveness of the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V282000Apr 9, 20195,051 vehiclesModel years 2017–2020

    Risk: An unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash.

Other Peterbilt models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology