- The problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2015-2023 Peterbilt 320 and 520 refuse trucks equipped with Haulmaax/EX suspensions. The suspension tracking rod brackets may fail and detach from the forward drive axle, causing the axle to become unstable.
- The risk
- An unstable axle can decrease vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the welds and add an additional bracket between the tracking rod bracket and axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 14, 2023. Owners may contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 22PBL.
Vehicle safety record
2020 Peterbilt 520 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2020 Peterbilt 520 with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (3). It is covered by 12 recalls, the latest in December 2022 for the multiple axle. For comparison, the 2019 has 1 and the 2021 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 520 year, for its age
#252 most complained-about 2020 vehicle
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2020 Peterbilt 520 problems
Share of all 3 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2020 Peterbilt 520 recalls 12
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, T660, T680, T880, T800, W900, W990; and 2018-2020 Peterbilt 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 567, and 579 vehicles. The Dana D-Series axle steer arm fasteners that attach the steering arm to the steering knuckle may fail.
- The risk
- Fastener failure can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace and torque the steer arm fasteners, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2022. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 22 PBB and 22 KWB.
- The problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. The quick release valve on the rear brake signal hose may be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
- The risk
- A missing quick release valve cannot ensure correct rear brake release timing, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the vehicles for a missing quick release valve, and install one if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2021. Owners may contact PACCAR's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's number for this recall is 21PBK.
- The problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Peterbilt 337, 348, 365, 367, 520, 567, Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, T800 and T880 vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
- The risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the rail threads and fuel lines, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888 (Kenworth) or 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 21KWC and 21PBD.
- The problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2015-2021 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles. The steering column support structure may crack or break in certain right-hand, stand-up drive models.
- The risk
- If the steering column loosens from the mounting structure, steering control can become affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the 520 models right hand stand-pp steering column structure and replace it if cracks are present, as well as add additional support brackets to the new (if replaced) or existing structure, free of charge. Additionally, for the 520 models, dealers will install a large gusset with triangulating support for the column bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 21PBA.
- The problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. The stability control brake relay may have the Spring Brake Modulating (SBM) Valve or the lift axle hose incorrectly connected.
- The 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.
- The fix
- PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the suspect chassis and correct the brake relay plumbing if needed, free of charge. PACCAR has issued owners an interim notification on January 4, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 25, 2021. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20PBF.
- The problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Peterbilt 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 567 and Kenworth T800, T880, W900, W990 vehicles equipped with Watson and Chalin steerable lift axle suspension systems (model SL2065). The axles may have lower rear pivot bolts that are not long enough to sufficiently engage the locking feature of the corresponding nuts.
- The 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.
- The fix
- PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect suspect chassis and replace the pivot bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall is 20PBE and 20KWC.
- The problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used to secure the steering assist cylinder bracket, possibly allowing the bolts to loosen.
- The 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.
- The fix
- PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install hardware with thread adhesive and replace any components damaged by the improperly secured steer assist bracket, free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20PBD.
- The problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles with dual foot valves and a liftable tag or tri-drive rear axles. The rear brake signal hose may be missing a quick release valve, possibly causing a delay in their brake release timing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Disc Brakes."
- The risk
- A delayed brake release may increase the risk of crash.
- The fix
- PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will check the vehicles for a quick release valve, installing one as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2020. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20PBB.
- The problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Kenworth T800, T880 and W990 and Peterbilt 348, 367, 389, 520, and 567 vehicles. The forward rear axle output shafts may have been improperly heat treated during manufacturing, possibly resulting in the shafts fracturing.
- The 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.
- The fix
- PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the output shafts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 19KWE and 19PBG.
- The problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 1990-2020 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles built with specific amber rear turn signals. The turn signals may also light up with the stop/tail lights when the brakes are applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- The 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.
- The fix
- PACCAR will notify owners, and for trucks with rear amber lights, dealers will add a jumper harness between the chassis electrical harness and amber tail lights, free of charge. The recall began August 1, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 19PBC.
- The problem
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. Due to undersized wires, the connector between the cab power harness and the power distribution center (PDC) harness may overheat and melt, possibly resulting in an engine shutdown.
- The risk
- An unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the main power wire to the PDC with a wire of the correct size, free of charge. The recall began August 6, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-918-259-3258. PACCAR's number for this recall is 19PBB.
What owners say
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3 complaints about the 2020 Peterbilt 520
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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.
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.
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.
Peterbilt 520: every year compared
All 520 years2020 Peterbilt 520 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Peterbilt 520 | 3 | 12 | F | |
| 2020 Peterbilt 579 | 2 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2020 Peterbilt 330 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2020 Peterbilt 365 | 1 | 4 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2020 Peterbilt 520
Does the 2020 Peterbilt 520 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2020 Peterbilt 520: multiple axle (December 2022); critical fasteners (April 2022); service brakes, air (September 2021); fuel rail (May 2021) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Peterbilt 520?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (3).
How many complaints has the 2020 Peterbilt 520 had?
3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 2, 2021 and the latest on August 2, 2021. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2020 Peterbilt 520 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 1 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Peterbilt 520 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Peterbilt 520 years have the most complaints?
2020 (3), 2019 (1). See every Peterbilt 520 year compared.
What should I do if my 2020 Peterbilt 520 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data