RoadVitals

2016 Peterbilt 579

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
3
Latest Dec 27, 2021
Safety recallsA 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.
11
Latest Dec 29, 2021
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.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 3 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Peterbilt 579, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), electrical and steering categories. 11 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 75 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Powertrain (other)250.0%
  • Electrical125.0%
  • Steering125.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

11 campaigns cover this model year

View all 11

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
21V00N000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Dec 29, 2021
1,107 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Peterbilt 567, 579, 2021-2022 Peterbilt 536, 2017-2021 Kenworth T880, 2016-2022 Kenworth T680, 2018-2020 Kenworth T440, 2020 Kenworth T270, and 2021 Kenworth T280 vehicles. The methane detection system will not function if the system loses power.
The risk: The operator may be unaware of a system malfunction or the presence of excessive methane levels, increasing the risk of injury or fire.
The remedy: Dealers will re-wire the warning alarm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 1, 2022. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220, and Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 21KWH and 21PBN.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 21KWH and 21PBNView on NHTSA.gov
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
20V130000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

Mar 4, 2020
35,671 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Peterbilt 365, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles equipped with a left-hand under hood jumper terminal (option code 2539410). The positive battery jumper terminal cable may be too long, allowing it to chafe against the left front suspension spring and result in an electrical short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery jumper terminal cables, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 30, 2020. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20PBA.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 20PBAView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

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)

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Dec 27, 2021

the window switch that operates the window goes bad on every single one of these trucks . the switch controls windows , door locks dome light and mirror heat. the switch is unavailable to buy as a part , the part is on national backorder with no estimated time . the window does not go up or down . the window needs to work in order for the vehicle to pass safety inspection . this makes it safety issue .

NHTSA ID
11445089
Incident
Sep 1, 2021
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jul 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 PETERBILT 579. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE EMITTED AND THE STEERING COLUMN RELEASED INDEPENDENTLY ONTO THE CONTACT'S LAP. THE LOCKING MECHANISM WAS ADJUSTED AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS PLACED BACK INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMP OR UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 09/28/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE LOCKING CAM AND SPRING. ALSO, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER MOVED TO EASILY WHEN BUMPED. *JS

NHTSA ID
10883505
Incident
Feb 16, 2016
Mileage
40,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 5, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 PETERBILT 579. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL BEFORE GOING BACK INTO DRIVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80.

NHTSA ID
10882597
Incident
Apr 4, 2016
Mileage
80 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

E324

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The campaign expiration date has been changed to 03/01/2027.

02-177

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Troubleshooting procedures for 2.1m cab power windows are now available.

32-025

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 warranty claims. Engine starting system warranty claims now require a completed Starter Checklist, a Battery Pack Midtronics Report, and a Cable Drop Midtronics Report. Claims filed without these documents may be denied.

E304

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Emissions Recall Certain vehicles with PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 EMY2016 engines with less than 300,000 miles (482,803 km) have been shown, in testing, to exceed regulatory limits for NOx and N2O emissions. This bulletin now applies to both Canadian and U.S. registered vehicles. Software is now available to remedy this emissions non-compliance.

28-001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

For all Peterbilt chassis equipped with an air shifted PTO. Oil from the air shift cover of the PTO may leak into the air line, causing the EOA solenoid to become inoperative.

01-079

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Fix-as-Fail - HVAC Intermittently Stops Blowing Cold Air

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.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Peterbilt 579 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027020—
2026120—
2025070—
2024370—
20233110—
20226150—
2021190—
2020460—
2019282—
20187142—
20173133—
2016Viewing3111—
2015491—
20142121—
20131131—
2012061—
2011040—
2010030—
2009020—
2008020—
2007010—
2006010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.