2015 Peterbilt 520 problems, complaints & recalls
Safety recalls (3)
Suspension:multiple Axle 2022-12-16 · campaign 22V939000 · 15,658 vehicles
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.
Risk: An unstable axle can decrease vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Steering:column 2021-01-11 · campaign 21V004000 · 1,021 vehicles
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.
Risk: If the steering column loosens from the mounting structure, steering control can become affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal 2019-06-14 · campaign 19V452000 · 343 vehicles
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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 19PBC.
Service bulletins (25)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-09-11 · P001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"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."
Engine 2024-11-22 · 32-025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Service Brakes 2022-08-03 · 13-060 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the service information for bendix air dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures.
Visibility 2022-07-12 · 01-085 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
info only – certain 520 model chassis built between 2014 and 2021, and equipped with the red dot hvac system, may have service port spacing which will not allow the connection of a pressure gauge to both the high and low side service ports simultaneously. a specific tool is available from the sup
Engine And Engine Cooling 2021-06-08 · E271 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
an engine software update is required to resolve obd system readiness, def doser diagnostics, and otherobd system software related issues.
Electrical System 2021-02-25 · 34-074 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the current chassis harness connector contains a wire that is no longer necessary with the latest electrical architecture. the presence of the wire could result in a false fault code.
Showing the 6 most recent of 25 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.