2020 PETERBILT 520 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
3
Owner Complaints
12
Recalls
8
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2020 PETERBILT 520
The 2020 PETERBILT 520 has received a total of 3 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 17 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE, STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR. 8 technical service bulletins have been issued by PACCAR Incorporated for this model year. The most commonly reported problem area is the Service Brakes (3 complaints).
Recalls for the 2020 PETERBILT 520
NHTSA has recorded 17 recalls for the 2020 PETERBILT 520, potentially affecting up to 49,244 vehicles.
Recall 22V939000 — SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
| 15,658 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 22V277000 — STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
| 17,641 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 21V720000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
| 15 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 21V391000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
| 612 vehicles affected
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.
View full details →Recall 21V391000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
| 612 vehicles affected
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.
View full details →Recall 21V004000 — STEERING:COLUMN
| 1,021 vehicles affected
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.
Consequence: If the steering column loosens from the mounting structure, steering control can become affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 21V004000 — STEERING:COLUMN
| 1,021 vehicles affected
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.
Consequence: If the steering column loosens from the mounting structure, steering control can become affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 20V739000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
| 11 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 20V506000 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
| 1,097 vehicles affected
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....
View full details →Recall 20V429000 — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
| 239 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 20V132000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
| 233 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: A delayed brake release may increase the risk of crash.
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...
View full details →Recall 19V911000 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
| 148 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 19V911000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
| 148 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 19V282000 — ENGINE
| 5,051 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 19V282000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 5,051 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 19V452000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
| 343 vehicles affected
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 Equipment."
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.
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...
View full details →Recall 19V452000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
| 343 vehicles affected
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 Equipment."
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.
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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2020 PETERBILT 520
3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 PETERBILT 520. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2020 PETERBILT 520
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2020 PETERBILT 520 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2020 PETERBILT 520
PACCAR Incorporated has issued 8 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2020 PETERBILT 520. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
21 PBK — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
âSafety Recall â Certain Model 520 trucks may have been built without a quick release (QR) valve. The absence of this valve could affect rear brake timing on certain vehicles equipped with a tri-drive or liftable tag axle and Dual Seated or Right Hand Stand-Up steering configurations. Vehicles will be...
45-062 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
âFix-As-Fail â PX9 oil pan may leak due to improper hardware. Revised hardware will resolve the leak.
20 PBF — PARKING BRAKE
Safety Recall: Interim Dealer Notification - Peterbilt has decided that a condition affecting vehicle stability may exist in certain Model 520 vehicles built from 9/26/2019 through 7/22/2020 with stability control and a spring brake modulator valve (SBM) or lift axle. The Stability Control Relay may have been plumbed incorrectly, which...
20 PBF — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Safety Recall: Interim Dealer Notification - Peterbilt has decided that a condition affecting vehicle stability may exist in certain Model 520 vehicles built from 9/26/2019 through 7/22/2020 with stability control and a spring brake modulator valve (SBM) or lift axle. The Stability Control Relay may have been plumbed incorrectly, which...
20 PBF — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Safety Recall: Interim Dealer Notification - Peterbilt has decided that a condition affecting vehicle stability may exist in certain Model 520 vehicles built from 9/26/2019 through 7/22/2020 with stability control and a spring brake modulator valve (SBM) or lift axle. The Stability Control Relay may have been plumbed incorrectly, which...
20PBD — STEERING
Safety Recall: Model 520 vehicles with Right-Hand Stand-Up (âRHSUâ) configuration built between February 15, 2019 and December 20, 2019 may have incorrect steering assist cylinder bracket bolts installed, which prevents proper retention of these bolts.The steering assist cylinder bracket attached to the right front spring bracket with these bolts may...
20PBD — EQUIPMENT
Safety Recall: Model 520 vehicles with Right-Hand Stand-Up (âRHSUâ) configuration built between February 15, 2019 and December 20, 2019 may have incorrect steering assist cylinder bracket bolts installed, which prevents proper retention of these bolts.The steering assist cylinder bracket attached to the right front spring bracket with these bolts may...
20PBD — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Safety Recall: Model 520 vehicles with Right-Hand Stand-Up (âRHSUâ) configuration built between February 15, 2019 and December 20, 2019 may have incorrect steering assist cylinder bracket bolts installed, which prevents proper retention of these bolts.The steering assist cylinder bracket attached to the right front spring bracket with these bolts may...
NHTSA Investigations for the 2020 PETERBILT 520
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the PETERBILT 520
- 2015 PETERBILT 520 — 0 complaints
- 2016 PETERBILT 520 — 0 complaints
- 2017 PETERBILT 520 — 0 complaints
- 2018 PETERBILT 520 — 0 complaints
- 2019 PETERBILT 520 — 1 complaint
- 2020 PETERBILT 520 (current)
- 2021 PETERBILT 520 — 0 complaints
- 2022 PETERBILT 520 — 0 complaints
- 2023 PETERBILT 520 — 0 complaints
- 2024 PETERBILT 520 — 0 complaints
- 2025 PETERBILT 520 — 0 complaints
Other PETERBILT Models
- PETERBILT 379 — 76 total complaints
- PETERBILT 579 — 52 total complaints
- PETERBILT PETERBILT — 40 total complaints
- PETERBILT 388 — 36 total complaints
- PETERBILT 389 — 34 total complaints
- PETERBILT 357 — 19 total complaints
- PETERBILT 386 — 14 total complaints
- PETERBILT 387 — 14 total complaints