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2023 Peterbilt 579 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2023 Peterbilt 579 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (2) and the visibility & wipers (1). Those complaints describe 1 injury. It is covered by 11 recalls, the latest in March 2025 for the propulsion system. For comparison, the 2022 has 7 and the 2024 has 3.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical 579 year, for its age

#243 most complained-about 2023 vehicle

Complaints
4
Recalls
11
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Most common 2023 Peterbilt 579 problems

Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2023 Peterbilt 579 recalls 11

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

Electrical system: propulsion system

25V181000238 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Peterbilt 520, 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T680 trucks. The high voltage (HV) contactors may open, causing a sudden loss of high voltage and a loss of drive power.
The risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will update the software and replace the electrical harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2025. Owners may contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220 and Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 25PBC and 25KWC.

Service brakes: control unit / module

24V915000220,764 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Peterbilt and Kenworth vehicles, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop functioning.
The 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.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24KWL and 24PBL.

Power train: column shift

24V19000070,509 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 365, 367, 389, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480, T680, T880 and W990 trucks. The right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors may have been improperly crimped, resulting in a loss of communication.
The risk
A loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after coming to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the gear shifter assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 15, 2025, then phased after that. 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 24PBE and 24KWE.

Fuel system: tank assembly

23V6530001,315 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 579 and 567 trucks. The U-bolts that attach the air tank to the chassis may contact the fuel tank and over time, wear a hole in the tank.
The risk
A punctured fuel tank can leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and trim the U-bolts, and replace the fuel tank as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2023. Owners may contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 23PBH.

Electrical system

23V4230004,967 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR, Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Peterbilt 579 vehicles equipped with MX-13 engines and 160-amp alternators. A fastener on the front spring bracket may have been installed with the head on the outside of the frame rail, which can chafe and damage the alternator positive cable.
The risk
A damaged alternator cable increases the risk of a fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the frame fastener and secure the alternator cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 23PBD.

Parking brake

23V18500025 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Peterbilt 579 trucks. The Intellipark Tractor Park Valve Module (PVM) may intermittently become stuck in the un-parked position and fail to move into the park position when the park switch is activated.
The risk
A PVM that fails to move into park can cause a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the PVM with a new corrected part, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact PACCAR's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 23PBC.

Electronic stability control (ESC)

23V00700046 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Peterbilt 579 and 2023 Kenworth T680 vehicles. Incorrect software in the battery electric heavy duty electronic stability control program may underestimate the mass of the vehicle. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 136, "Electronic Stability Control Systems on Heavy Vehicles."
The risk
An incorrect estimate of the vehicle mass can reduce the performance of the stability control system and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 17, 2023. Owners may contact PACCAR's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 (Kenworth) and 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 23PBA and 23KWA.

Visibility: exterior

22V9400002,565 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Peterbilt 579 vehicles. The molded hood mirror assemblies may break at the pivot joint and, if unsecured by a harness or tether, can fall into the roadway.
The risk
A molded hood mirror that falls into the roadway can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect for a wire harness or tether and replace the hood mirror assembly 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 22PBF.

Electrical system: instrument cluster / panel

22V77900074,730 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Kenworth T680, T880, W990, and Peterbilt 365, 367, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles. The digital display may freeze and not display critical safety information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."
The risk
The loss of display information, such as vehicle speed and warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 22KWK and 22PBK.

Engine and engine cooling: engine control module (ecu / ecm)

22V6310001,601 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2023 Peterbilt 220, 389, 520, 536, 537, 348, 367, 567, 548, 579, and 2023 Kenworth T680, K270, T440, T880, W990, K370, T280, T380, T480, T800, and W900 vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) may experience an internal electrical short-circuit, causing the engine to stall.
The risk
An unexpected engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the ECM, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 16, 2022. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 22KWG and 22PBG.

Steering

22V54700047,500 vehicles affected

The problem
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Kenworth T170, T270, T280, T370, T380, T440, T470, T480, T680, T800, T880, W900, W990, C500, and 2022-2023 Peterbilt 325, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 536, 537, 548, 567, and 579 vehicles. The steering gears may have been assembled incorrectly, which can cause the gears to fracture.
The risk
A fractured steering gear can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the steering gear serial numbers, and replace the steering gears as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 22PBE and 22KWE.

What owners say

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4 complaints about the 2023 Peterbilt 579

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Fuel system1 injury

The contact owns a 2023 Peterbilt 579. The contact stated that an abnormal exhaust odor entered the vehicle due to an exhaust leak. The exhaust odor caused the driver to experience drowsiness. The contact stated that prolonged exposure to the exhaust fumes caused a medical diagnosis of cancer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer diagnosed an emissions failure; however, the dealer was unable to locate the source of the exhaust leak. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, dieselNHTSA 11775875
Transmission & drivetrain

Peterbilt has a recall 24V190 for the right hand shifter stalk. This VIN is not on the recall list however it does have the defective shift stalk and has been replaced 3 times prior to the recall. The most recent replacement was 8/20/24 replaced with the same defective part #. How do I get this truck on the recall list?

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11711116
Visibility & wipers

While driving in the rain, the wipers would not work. The driver tried and tried to work the switch but the wipers would not work. Later, the wipers would work. At times the wipers work, at times they don't. We took the truck to the Peterbilt dealer and the problem could not be duplicated, they offered no solutions, no direction other than to bring it back when it happens again.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11615040
Transmission & drivetrain

1. The components that malfunctioned were the "engine/transmission match" and "transmission communications failure idle torque limit". Yes, my unit is available for inspection at any time. 2. When I had to stop on the freeway due to heavy traffic, the gearshift would not budge, causing an even bigger traffic delay. I had to turn off/on my unit multiple times to be able to pull over, safely. If I were not able to change gears while on the road, it could create a big accident due to faulty parts. 3. Yes, my local...

Read the full complaint

Peterbilt is aware of this issue and ordered a "right hand turn stalk shift" (part# Q21-6155-211X) to fix the issue. I was told that this replacement part was out of stock and may need to wait up to 3 months for it. I called other Peterbilt's in CA but everyone was out of stock, with 20 to 30 trucks also waiting for the same part. I even called Canada to see if they had parts, but they are also out of this particular part, with a long waitlist of trucks at their dealerships. Peterbilt had to recall the gearshifts on their units back in 2018: https://www.truckinginfo.com/278812/kenworth-peterbilt-trucks-recalled-for-transmission-gear-display 4. There were no prior indications that the gearshift needed inspection. The vehicle only indicated "Transmission fault" when the gearshift became stuck. When I put my unit in "Drive" the dashboard showed an "!" and when I put my unit in "R" the dashboard showed the unit was in "Drive". These incorrect messages/gear changes can be very dangerous. My unit is a 2023 Peterbilt 579 with only 90K miles, there is no reason it would have a faulty gearshift and no reason why each dealership has a waitlist of 20-30 trucks waiting for this exact part. Paccar clearly did not learn from the 2018 recall 118-A. I believe Peterbilt is knowingly manufacturing faulty parts in an effort to make as many sales as possible. These faulty parts need immediate attention but are completely out of stock nationally.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11523128

Peterbilt 579: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20270400-F
20261200BrakesF
20250700-F
20243700Wheels & tiresF
202341100Transmission & drivetrainF
202271500Transmission & drivetrainF
20210900-C
20202600Driver assistanceC
20192800SteeringC
All 579 years

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Questions about the 2023 Peterbilt 579

Does the 2023 Peterbilt 579 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2023 Peterbilt 579: propulsion system (March 2025); control unit / module (December 2024); column shift (March 2024); tank assembly (September 2023) 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 2023 Peterbilt 579?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (2), visibility & wipers (1), fuel system (1).

How many complaints has the 2023 Peterbilt 579 had?

4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 21, 2023 and the latest on November 5, 2026. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.

Is the 2023 Peterbilt 579 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 17 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Peterbilt 579 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 579 years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2023 Peterbilt 579 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

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