RoadVitals

2013 Peterbilt 579 Recalls

Safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA that cover this model year

Data refreshed

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
Recall campaignsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
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Newest Apr 6, 2020
Carrying an NHTSA advisoryCampaigns where NHTSA told owners not to drive the vehicle, or to park it outside, until the repair is done.
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Open investigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
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1 investigation on file

Recall campaigns

13 campaigns cover this model year — what the defect is, what it could cause, and what the remedy is

20V199000

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

Apr 6, 2020
460,515 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX Software. In the event that the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the dash warning light for the ABS may not illuminate to warn the driver of the loss of ABS. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems," and 136, "Electronic Stability Control System on Heavy Vehicles."
The risk: If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the NAMUX software within the cab control module, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on June 4, 2020. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20pbc AND 20KWB.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 20pbc AND 20KWBView on NHTSA.gov
18V816000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Nov 16, 2018
1,619 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Kenworth T680 and T880 and Peterbilt 579 trucks, greater than 30 feet long and equipped with side extender mounted intermediate marker lamp/turn signals that do not include a reflex reflector. Since both intermediate side marker lamps and reflex reflectors are required, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: Missing reflex reflectors can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: PACCAR will notify owners and dealers will install reflex reflective tape, free of charge. The recall began January 15, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-918-259-3258. PACCAR's number for this recall is 18KWF, and 18PBC.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 18KWF & 18PBCView on NHTSA.gov
17V471000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Jul 25, 2017
5,731 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Peterbilt 567 and 579 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks equipped with optional spotlights. The spotlight circuit may not be adequately protected in the event of a short.
The risk: A short in the spotlight circuitry may increase the risk of a fire at the cab fuse block.
The remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will change the polyfuse switch in the spotlight circuit to a standard fuse, free of charge. The recall began on September 19, 2017. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 17KWC and 717-B.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 17KWC and 717-BView on NHTSA.gov
15V641000

EQUIPMENT

Oct 9, 2015
290 units potentially affected
The defect: Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Peterbilt 579 and 587 trucks manufactured February 14, 2011, to December 5, 2012 and 2011 Kenworth T700 trucks manufactured September 21, 2010, to October 1, 2010. The affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, have a locking mechanism that may fail to operate or to properly engage.
The risk: If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended and the trailer may unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. Paccar's numbers for this recall are 15KWP (Kenworth) and 1015M (Peterbilt).
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 15KWP and 1015MView on NHTSA.gov
15V456000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Jul 22, 2015
288 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Peterbilt 365, 367, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured January 13, 2011, to April 20, 2015. The affected trucks, equipped with extended-body Leece Neville alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon discharge line.
The risk: If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line and install a plastic insulator on the cable end, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 715-K.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 715-KView on NHTSA.gov
15V270000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

May 8, 2015
1,494 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Kenworth T660, T680, T880 trucks manufactured February 18, 2013, to April 10, 2015, and 2011-2016 Peterbilt 386, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured December 13, 2010, to April 20, 2015. The affected trucks, equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Delco-Remy 40SI alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon discharge line.
The risk: If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line, free of charge. PACCAR issued an interim notification to owners on July 10, 2015. The recall began on September 16, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 15KWE and 515-F.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 15KWE and 515-FView on NHTSA.gov
15V132000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS; TIRES

Mar 6, 2015
213,230 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)."
The risk: If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 215-DView on NHTSA.gov
14V283000

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

May 29, 2014
1,705 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Peterbilt 579, 388, 384, 367, 365, 348, and 337 trucks manufactured October 30, 2009, through May 21, 2014. In the affected vehicles, if power is interrupted to the seat electronic control unit (ECU), such as when the fuse for that circuit blows, the side air bag would be disabled but there will not be a warning lamp indicator to notify the operator of the malfunction.
The risk: Without a warning of a problem existing in the side air bag system, the driver may continue to operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury from the side air bag not deploying in the event of a rollover.
The remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install a new electrical harness to correct them problem, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. Paccar's number for this recall is 514-F.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 514-FView on NHTSA.gov
14V012000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Jan 24, 2014
11,056 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Kenworth T680 chassis manufactured January 1, 2012, through October 14, 2013, and Peterbilt 567 and 579 chassis manufactured January 20, 2012, through October 11, 2013, and equipped with Inteva-brand door latch assemblies. In the affected vehicles, the doors may lock permanently while closed or may be opened from the outside even after they have been locked.
The risk: If the door latch assembly becomes permanently locked while closed occupants could be prevented from exiting the vehicle in the event of a crash or fire, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right door latch assemblies with new assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2014. Customers may contact Paccar at 1-425-468-8228. Kenworth's number for this recall is 14KWB. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 114-A.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 14KWB/114-AView on NHTSA.gov
13V091000

SEAT BELTS

Mar 13, 2013
2,509 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks and model year 2013-2014 Peterbilt 567, 579 and 587 trucks equipped with air ride seats. The cables for anchoring the seat belt buckles of both the driver and passenger seat may fray.
The risk: In the event of a crash, a frayed seat belt could cause the belt to separate from the seat, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
The remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace both seat belt buckle assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 13KWD, 0313-DView on NHTSA.gov
13V048000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Feb 13, 2013
2,019 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Kenworth T680 and T880 trucks, manufactured from January 18, 2012, through February 1, 2013; and model year 2013-2014 Peterbilt 579 and 567 vehicles, manufactured from January 20, 2012, through January 31, 2013. The Exterior Lights Self-Test switch is intended to be used when the vehicle is parked. If the switch is pressed while the vehicle is in motion, the Exterior Lights Self-Test switch will cause all exterior lighting to be extinguished.
The risk: An unexpected loss of lighting during vehicle operation may reduce the driver's ability to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects, as well as reduce the truck's visibility to other drivers or pedestrians, increasing the risk of crash.
The remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will disable the Exterior Lights Self-Test software parameter and remove the Exterior Lights Self-Test switch and install a switch plug in its place. The services will be offered free of charge. The recall began on February 28, 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 13KWB/0213-BView on NHTSA.gov
13V027000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Jan 25, 2013
330 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2013 Kenworth T680 vehicles, manufactured from November 29, 2012, through December 6, 2012; and model year 2013 Peterbilt 579 and 567 vehicles, manufactured from August 28, 2012, through December 31, 2012. These vehicles were equipped with the air suspension dump valve option. New software may cause the rear air suspension to re-inflate without warning when the operator turns the ignition key to the "off" position.
The risk: An unexpected re-inflation of the suspension could result in personal injury to a person near the rear suspension.
The remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software. The recall will begin during February 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 13KWA/113-AView on NHTSA.gov
12V214000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

May 16, 2012
7 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 KENWORTH T680, AND PETERBILT 579 VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES EXCEED THE BRAKE TIMING TEST REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 121 FOR TRAILER CIRCUITS WHEN 15 FOOT COILED TRAILER LINES ARE USED.
The risk: THE LONGER BRAKE APPLY TIME MAY RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: PACCAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTALL A RELAY VALVE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. ALL THE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. OWNER MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
PACCAR INCORPORATEDManufacturer number 12KWB/0512-AView on NHTSA.gov

What a recall is

Safety recall
A safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
Safety investigation
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
Manufacturer communication
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect, and it is not a recall.

PE20006ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist

Opened May 1, 2020
Closed Mar 27, 2024

On May 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE20006 to investigate complaints of intermittent loss of power steering assist in Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), Volvo Trucks of North America (Volvo) and PACCAR vehicles equipped with a ZF/TRW (TRW) THP60 steering gear.  The investigation focused on 2010-2020 DTNA Freightliner Cascadia, M2 and WST; Volvo VN, VAH and VHD and PACCAR 337, 365, 389, 567, 579 model vehicles.Field reports and interviews with fleet drivers allege that high power steering fluid temperatures could result in internal seal and bearing failures causing pressure fluctuation, affecting left and right-hand turns.  The inability of the driver to steer the vehicle as intended can increase the risk of a crash and injury. ODI analyzed data provided by TRW, DTNA, Volvo, and PACCAR in response to individual information request letters.ODI found that most failures occurred within the first two years and/or 50,000 miles of service.  The claim rate decreased with time and miles in service and remained less than 0.5%. ODI normalized data from each of the manufacturers and determined that there was not a substantial difference in the failures.Additionally, TRW improved a seal in the steering gear in December 2015.Trucks built on or after 2016 (as 2017 and newer model years) show a decreasing trend of failures. In view of the overall low failure rate, the nature of early-life failure, and failure rate trending downward for model years 2017 and newer, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed.  The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .