2020 Peterbilt 579
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle has a following distance sensor on front bumper. Sensor is sensing overpasses when traveling underneath them and that should not be detected. Vehicle is automatically applying hard braking.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231219
1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: forward collision avoidance.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle has a following distance sensor on front bumper. Sensor is sensing overpasses when traveling underneath them and that should not be detected. Vehicle is automatically applying hard braking.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231219
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electronic stability control (esc).
Show complaint excerpts
EOA SUPPORT BRACKET BROKE OFF AND THE EOA MANIFOLD FELL INTO THE DRIVE SHAFT CAUSING THE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE. THE TRUCK WAS ON THE INSTATE IN THE CITY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200922
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Peterbilt 579. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250918
SAFETY TIMELINE
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Peterbilt 520 and 579 vehicles and Kenworth T680, T880 and W990 vehicles. The mirror glass may detach from the mirror carrier plate due to inadequate adhesion.
Remedy: PACCAR has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the upper mirror glass/mirror carrier, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019.
Campaign 19V340000 — check if this car was fixed
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Peterbilt 579 vehicles equipped with a sleeper box. The conspicuity tape may have been installed in the incorrect location, affecting the vehicle's visibility to other drivers on the road.
Remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install additional conspicuity tape on back of sleeper in correct location, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220.
Campaign 19V733000 — check if this car was fixed
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).
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.
Campaign 20V130000 — check if this car was fixed
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Kenworth T880, W990, Peterbilt 567, 579, 389, and 2022 Peterbilt 536, 537 wrecker and auto hauler vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3, 2022. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888 (Kenworth); or 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt).
Campaign 21V906000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V277000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 21V00N000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Peterbilt 579 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V340000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V733000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V130000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V906000 (electrical system, service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V277000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V00N000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2020 Peterbilt 579 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Peterbilt 579?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Peterbilt 579 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.