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1990-2026 · 37 model years

Peterbilt 520 Problems by year

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the Peterbilt 520 across 37 model years, and it has 24 recalls. The 2020 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (3). The most reported problem area is the brakes.

Share your 520 experienceCompare years24 recalls
Most complaints for its age20203 complaints · 12 recallsSee the 2020
Complaints
4
Recalls
24
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

520 complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20260200-F
20250700-F
20240800-F
20230500-F
20220400-F
20210600-F
202031200BrakesF
20191800BrakesF
20180800-F
20170500-F
20160400-F
20150300-F
20140100-C
20130100-C
20120100-C
20110100-C
20100100-C
20090100-C
20080100-C
20070100-C
20060100-C
20050100-C
20040100-C
20030100-C
20020100-C
20010100-C
20000100-C
19990100-C
19980100-C
19970100-C
19960100-C
19950100-C
19940100-C
19930100-C
19920100-C
19910100-C
19900100-C

Most common 520 problems

Peterbilt 520 recalls 24

Latest 520 complaints

2020 Peterbilt 520Brakes

This one was taken in after the first one also for inspection by dealer. Issue wasn't as severe due to lower mileage and use. I believe the pads were just changed as a precaution, I don't believe they had started to separate.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11427424
2020 Peterbilt 520Brakes

After issue with first truck dealership asked to bring in others to be inspected and found same issue with them. Front brake pads were separating from backing. This truck had less mileage so damage not as severe.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11427422
2020 Peterbilt 520Brakes

Truck was brought in because driver heard a grinding noise. Mechanic inspected and found that the front disc brake pads and separated from the backing. Truck was thought to still be under warranty and was then taken to dealership for repairs.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11427420
2019 Peterbilt 520Brakes

Front brakes dragging and locking. Wrong size s-cam bushing installed from factory. *Dt

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11204662

Questions about the Peterbilt 520

Which Peterbilt 520 years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2020 (3), 2019 (1). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2020 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

What are the most common Peterbilt 520 problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the brakes (4) most often.

How many recalls does the Peterbilt 520 have?

NHTSA lists 24 recalls across all Peterbilt 520 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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