NHTSA lists 3 complaints for the 2020 Peterbilt 520, 0 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 0 complaints mention an injury, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-07.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as PETERBILT 520.
Recalls
12 recalls. Showing the latest 10 of 12.
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: 2022-04-25. Systems: STEERING.
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Fastener failure can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2021-09-16. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.
Defect: 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."
Consequence: A missing quick release valve cannot ensure correct rear brake release timing, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2021-05-26. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL.
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
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: 2020-11-25. Systems: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC).
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2020-08-26. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2020-07-24. Systems: STEERING.
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Loose bolts may cause the bracket to flex or break, potentially damaging adjacent components or locking up the steering, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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.
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: 2019-12-19. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Manufacturer communications
51 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 13 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 9 |
|---|
| ENGINE | 8 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 8 |
|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 4 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 3 |
|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | 3 |
|---|
| STEERING | 3 |
|---|
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."
11036289
Date: 2026-08-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.
The procedure has been updated to include additional steps for verifying the software level on the vehicle electronic control unit (VECU2) and digital display (DD). Steps have also been added to the PACCAR Common Rail Injection 2 (PCI2) software verification.
11035202
Date: 2026-07-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.
This optional software update is now available for chassis equipped with EMY 2021B-2023 PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines. This update provides customers with additional time to service their trucks before a DEF-related derate occurs. The software is being offered to customers in alignment with recentl
11035108
Date: 2026-07-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.
"The software is not yet available. The bulletin will be updated when more information is available."
11034394
Date: 2026-06-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.
"An optional software update will be available on 07/06/2026 for chassis equipped with EMY 2021B-2023PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines. This update provides customers with additional time to service theirtrucks before a DEF-related derate occurs. The software is being offered to customers in alignment
11032284
Date: 2026-04-01. Type: Emissions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.
EPA17-24 MX Fuel Injector Connector - This bulletin has been revised to include all EPA17-24 and CARB24 PACCAR MX engines.
11019172
Date: 2025-05-31. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
5/29/2025: A new Ethernet Multiplexed Architecture (EMUX) Service Tool Kit service manual (SM034-022) has been released to provide general use information. The new EMUX Service Tool Kit improves cab & chassis electrical troubleshooting efficiency, while reducing risk of component damage. 4/29/2025:
11017898
Date: 2025-04-30. Type: Service Campaign. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
4/29/2025: Campaign A software update is available for 520EV and 579EV Battery Electric Vehicles. This software update corrects or improves certain functions. Software update procedures have been revised. Campaign start date is 12/05/2024. Campaign A software update is available for 520EV and 579
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
11009757
Date: 2024-10-22. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ENGINE, POWER TRAIN.
7/700 Service Agreement - Letter Only.