2021 Peterbilt 579
Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving on a freeway when suddenly my truck lost all power. I managed to coast to a safe spot to park. I immediately opened hood and started troubleshooting. Left key on so I'd know if power came back on.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230114
SAFETY TIMELINE
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Kenworth T680, T880, W990, T800, W900 and Peterbilt 579, 567, 389, 367 vehicles equipped with a Cummins X15 engine.
Remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will properly torque the capscrews and the engine will also be inspected for damage and, if necessary, repaired, free of charge. The recall began on March 29, 2021.
Campaign 21V080000 — check if this car was fixed
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021 Peterbilt 348 and 579 vehicles. The spring brake chamber may have been assembled with incorrect springs that were out of specification, which may cause the pressure plate to shift.
Remedy: Dealers will replace brake chambers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 9, 2021. Owners may contact PACCAR (Peterbilt) customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 21PBE.
Campaign 21V328000 — 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, Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Peterbilt 367, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for clearance and re-work the assembly to conform with an updated design, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 24, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 11, 2022.
Campaign 21V648000 — 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
PACCAR, Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Peterbilt 579 vehicles equipped with MX-13 engines and 160-amp alternators.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the frame fastener and secure the alternator cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220.
Campaign 23V423000 — check if this car was fixed
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 579 and 567 trucks. The U-bolts that attach the air tank to the chassis may contact the fuel tank and over time, wear a hole in the tank.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and trim the U-bolts, and replace the fuel tank as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2023. Owners may contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220.
Campaign 23V653000 — check if this car was fixed
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Peterbilt and Kenworth vehicles, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220.
Campaign 24V915000 — check if this car was fixed
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 365, 367, 389, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480, T680, T880 and W990 trucks.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the gear shifter assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 15, 2025, then phased after that.
Campaign 24V190000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Peterbilt 579 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V080000 (engine) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V328000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V906000 (electrical system, service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V648000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V00N000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V423000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V653000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V915000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V190000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2021 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 2021 Peterbilt 579?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Peterbilt 579 have?
9 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.