No complaints are listed for the 2021 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
6 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: 2021-09-16. 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.
Manufacturer communications
56 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16 |
|---|
| ENGINE | 14 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 9 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 5 |
|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | 3 |
|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 3 |
|---|
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3 |
|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 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.
11036291
Date: 2026-08-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE.
The verbiage in the Introduction section has been updated.
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
11035147
Date: 2026-07-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.
The Condition, Chassis Affected, Service Action, Warranty, and Procedure sections have been updated to include the latest prognostics bulletin verbiage. The Warranty section has also been updated to include Peterbilt specific SRT codes for filing cross-division repairs.
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."
11035096
Date: 2026-07-02. Type: Service Campaign. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Additional US chassis have been added, along with additional Canadian chassis under identical safety recall 26PACB.
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
11034057
Date: 2026-06-24. Type: Warranty Program/Extension. Systems: ENGINE, POWER TRAIN.
"KW & PB 14 fuel injector part numbers (seven for MX-11 and seven for MX-13 engines) have been added to this warranty policy."
11033918
Date: 2026-06-03. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
"KW: A new recommended repair has been added to verify the software level and close the campaign in SIR.The repair procedure has been updated with additional note boxes for clear instructions. PB: The repair procedure has been updated with additional note boxes for clear instructions."