No complaints are listed for the 2016 Peterbilt 520. NHTSA's API and bulk file list none in this build.
Data build 2026-10-07.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as PETERBILT 520.
Model-generated complaint tags: No complaints are listed for tagging.
Recalls
4 recalls.
Date: 2022-12-16. Systems: SUSPENSION.
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An unstable axle can decrease vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2021-01-11. Systems: STEERING.
Defect: 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. (excerpt)
Consequence: If the steering column loosens from the mounting structure, steering control can become affected, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)
Remedy: 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. Own (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2020-03-04. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.
Defect: 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 (excerpt)
Consequence: A delayed brake release may increase the risk of crash. (excerpt)
Remedy: 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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2019-06-14. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
Defect: 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 Equipme (excerpt)
Consequence: 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. (excerpt)
Remedy: 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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Manufacturer communications
26 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 7 |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 5 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 4 |
|---|
| STRUCTURE | 3 |
|---|
| VISIBILITY | 3 |
|---|
| ENGINE | 2 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 2 |
|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2 |
|---|
11037541
Date: 2026-09-11. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.
"Kenworth: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes. 2 chassis added to the chassis list. Peterbilt: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes. 10 chassis added to the chassis list."
11010926
Date: 2024-11-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.
Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting issues. A new Starter Troubleshooting Guide has been created to provide a comprehensive list of starting system checks, which should reduce unnecessary starter replacements and associated warran
10219235
Date: 2022-08-03. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.
The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures.
10217134
Date: 2022-07-12. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: VISIBILITY.
Info Only A?A A Certain 520 model chassis built between 2014 and 2021, and equipped with the Red Dot HVAC system, may have service port spacing which will not allow the connection of a pressure gauge to both the high and low side service ports simultaneously. A specific tool is available from the
10201965
Date: 2021-09-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL.
Fix-As-Fail A?A A Due to undersupply issues, only a limited supply of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors are available. As a temporary solution, after PACCAR confirms a DEF sensor is not available, a temporary software update will allow a vehicle to continue operation with a failed DEF sensor by di
10198760
Date: 2021-06-08. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
An engine software update is required to resolve OBD system readiness, DEF doser diagnostics, and otherOBD system software related issues.
10191380
Date: 2021-02-25. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
The current chassis harness connector contains a wire that is no longer necessary with the latest electrical architecture. The presence of the wire could result in a false fault code.
10188550
Date: 2021-02-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, VISIBILITY.
Information Only A?A A Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
10177935
Date: 2020-07-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.
Fix-As-Fail - Bendix New-Gen Lightweight Steer Axle Drum Brake Spider Cracking
10177019
Date: 2020-06-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, STRUCTURE.
Fix as Fail: For all conventional models, except 387/587, equipped with Side-of-Cab (A?A A SOCA?A A ) exhaust and built from 03/6/2006 to 1/20/2020, the clamps that secure the SOC exhaust stacks may not be tightened properly. This may allow the exhaust stack to rotate and contact the cab or sleeper