Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2013 Peterbilt 579 peaked in 2013, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2013 Peterbilt 579
Heavy truck, diesel, 6x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Mar 4, 2013 to Mar 4, 2013.
Recall campaigns covering this model year13701k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Below the median 2013 heavy truck
Severity index0.02013 heavy trucks average 17.1
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2013 Peterbilt 579 name visibility and wipers
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
13 recall campaigns cover the 2013 Peterbilt 579
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20V-199 | Apr 6, 2020 | 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… | Stability and traction control | 460,515 | Software update |
| 18V-816 | Nov 16, 2018 | Since both intermediate side marker lamps and reflex reflectors are required, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor… | Lighting | 1,619 | Repair or modification |
| 17V-471 | Jul 25, 2017 | Spotlight circuit may not be adequately protected in the event of a short | Electrical system | 5,731 | Not stated |
| 15V-641 | Oct 9, 2015 | Affected trucks are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, which, due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking… | Equipment | 290 | Part replacement |
| 15V-456 | Jul 22, 2015 | Affected trucks, equipped with extended-body Leece Neville alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon… | Electrical system | 288 | Repair or modification |
| 15V-270 | May 8, 2015 | Affected trucks, equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Delco-Remy 40SI alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed… | Electrical system | 1,494 | Repair or modification |
| 15V-132 | Mar 6, 2015 | Affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount | Equipment | 213,230 | Label or owner notice |
| 14V-283 | May 29, 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… | Airbags | 1,705 | Repair or modification |
| 14V-012 | Jan 24, 2014 | In the affected vehicles, the doors may lock permanently while closed or may be opened from the outside even after they have been locked | Latches and locks | 11,056 | Part replacement |
| 13V-091 | Mar 13, 2013 | Cables for anchoring the seat belt buckles of both the driver and passenger seat may fray | Seat belts | 2,509 | Part replacement |
| 13V-048 | Feb 13, 2013 | Exterior Lights Self-Test switch is intended to be used when the vehicle is parked | Electrical system | 2,019 | Software update |
| 13V-027 | Jan 25, 2013 | These vehicles were equipped with the air suspension dump valve option | Electrical system | 330 | Software update |
| 12V-214 | May 16, 2012 | Paccar is recalling certain model year 2013 kenworth t680, and peterbilt 579 vehicles, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal… | Brakes | 7 | Repair or modification |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2013 Peterbilt 579
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Mar 4, 2013Failure Feb 25, 201335,511 milesSaint Peters, MOVisibility/wiper
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TRACTOR TRAILER MODEL PETERBILT 579. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS DID NOT HAVE A PROTECTING GUARD AND ALLOWED WIND TURBULENCE TO CREATE WATER PUDDLES ON THE WINDOWS AND CAUSED OBSTRUCTION TO THE DRIVER'S VIEW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE TRAILER WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,511.
NHTSA complaint 10501160
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
1 NHTSA investigation on file
- PE20006 Preliminary evaluation, Steering
Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist
Opened May 1, 2020, closed Mar 27, 2024
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
51 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- P001 Sep 11, 2026 · 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." - 02-177 May 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Troubleshooting procedures for 2.1m cab power windows are now available. - 01-079 Jun 23, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-as-Fail - HVAC Intermittently Stops Blowing Cold Air - 02-161 Apr 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Non-Safety Campaign- Chassis Fairings become loose and rattle. - 02-160 Feb 10, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only – Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter. - 32-018 Feb 25, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Non-Safety Campaign – Chassis with the City Horn option may generate unexpected alerts. A VECU software update is available to resolve the issue. - 32-017 Feb 25, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Non-Safety Campaign – The batteries may drain quickly due to the VECU not going to sleep. Updated VECU software is available to resolve the issue. - 116-1 Jul 13, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SmartNav 2.0 Hardware retrofit for quality validation and vehicle validation units. - 01-079 Nov 11, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix as Fail The HVAC system, on model 579 and 567 vehicles manufactured since 1/20/2012 may have inadequate temperature control. The HVAC may intermittently stop blowing cold air, typically after a truck restart. Driver may notice the system returns to nor… - 02-158 Aug 25, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined that certain model 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks, built between 4/13/2010 and 3/16/2020 and equipped with a flush mounted battery box, utilized rubber washers that could rub through a… - 32-015 Jun 8, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure the appropriate tests for battery warranty are performed in order to prevent battery warranty claims filed with incorrect or incomplete information. - 43-067 Jun 10, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix as Fail: For all conventional models, except 387/587, equipped with Side-of-Cab (“SOC”) exhaust and built from 03/6/2006 to 1/20/2020, the clamps that secure the SOC exhaust stacks may not be tightened properly. This may allow the exhaust stack to rota… - 11-001 May 29, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements. - 18PBB Apr 30, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Safety Recall Bulletin: Updated with permanent repair path for phase 1 vehicles. The Tractor ABS Lamp May Not Illuminate When ABS Controller Loses Battery and/or Ignition Power. NHTSA recall number is 18V368. Non compliance to FMVSS and CMVSS 121 and 136… - 20 PBC Apr 15, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Safety Recall Interim Bulletin: The Tractor ABS Lamp May Not Illuminate When ABS Controller Loses Battery and/or Ignition Power. NHTSA recall number is 20V199 Non compliance to FMVSS and CMVSS 121 and 136. Resolution is to Reflash software. - 34-085 Mar 3, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only – Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to water intrusion and corrosion in some vehicles. - 34-086 Mar 26, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined in model 567 and 579 vehicles built after 2011, the door harnesses may fail due to repeated door open and close cycles. Resolution is to replace the door harness with a more robust designed harness if a failure is exp… - 32-016 Mar 17, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage. - 34-085 Feb 28, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only: Vehicles may have the connector seal on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to sensor corrosion. - 03-071 Dec 18, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only - Vehicles built with NAMUX software from 2013 to present may experience accuracy issues with the tachometer. The issue can be temporarily resolved using any one of the included procedures. - 01-075 Nov 6, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal failure of the A/C compressor. - 16-041 Sep 27, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Non Safety Campaign: Peterbilt has determined that certain Model 365, 384, 386, 388, 389, 3895, 587 and 579 vehicles built between March 27, 2012 and January 20, 2019 with Flex Air suspension in a 6x2 configuration have U-bolts that may fail prematurely. - TIB43-062 Sep 27, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only â“ This bulletin provides information about the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) and Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP). - 42-058 Aug 23, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-As-Fail: Two separate causes have been identified as root cause of intermittent low coolant indicator illumination. - 01-073 Aug 2, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix as Fail HVAC system may demonstrate inadequate temperature control, be stuck in defrost mode, or have intermittent changes in fan speed that can be remedied with an updated HVAC software. - 34-066 Jun 10, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only - Quick Reference Guide for Electric harness damage repairs. - 34-077 Apr 8, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion. - 13-049 Jan 4, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information: Bendix ACOM Software version 6.16.5.0 for diagnostics may introduce an unrecoverable error. Notice to dealers to replace this version with older software version until Bendix introduces new version. - 03-064 Jul 23, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information - Recommended Practices for Updating ESA Software - 32-010 Apr 6, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information only - Customer installed inverters may be wired incorrectly. - 15-17 Feb 9, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-As-Fail - Low Beam Headlamp Bulb Diagnosis (Inspect Bulb and Connector) - 19-17 Dec 13, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Informational Only - Peterbilt 579 aero bumper radar cover license plate grommets require 1/4"x 20 x 3/4"long fasteners. - 817-1 Sep 28, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Non Safety Campaign: The circuit for the Trailer Hotline/Trailer Power may not be properly protected on Model 567/579 vehicles equipped with this option. - 15-16 Sep 27, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-As-Fail: Repair for horizontal exhaust diffuser configurations with broken brackets or cracked diffuser. - 20-16 Sep 12, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-As-Fail: HVAC panel and temperature mode doors are failing for certain 579 and 567 models. - 20-16 Mar 3, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
FIX-AS-FAIL: PETERBILT 567/579 HVAC PANEL AND TEMPERATURE MODE DOORS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY - 19-16 Jan 16, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
FIX-AS-FAIL: MOLDED AIR INTAKE PIPE MAY CRACK ALLOWING DUST TO INTRUDE INTO ENGINE. PROCEDURE IS PROVIDED FOR INSPECTING AND REPLACING THE AIR INTAKE PIPE. - 816-2 Dec 19, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NON-SAFETY CAMPAIGN: REPLACE THE MOLDED AIR INTAKE PIPE, WHICH CAN CRACK AND ALLOW ROAD DEBRIS INTO THE ENGINE. DEBRIS ENTERING THROUGH THE INTAKE MAY CAUSE SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE. - 18-16 Nov 7, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
FIX-AS-FAIL: AN INTERNAL ISSUE MAY CAUSE SOME HVAC MODE DOOR ACTUATORS TO FAIL. THIS WILL CAUSE THE HVAC SYSTEM TO ACT ERRATICALLY OR CONSTANTLY TURN ON AND OFF. - RN-514-1 Aug 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER, ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, WAS MANUFACTURED WITH DOT4 FLUID FOR CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER, MAY SEIZED DUE TO BORATE CRYSTALS FORMING. REPLACE DOT4 FLUID WITH DOT3 FLUID. MODELS 2013 579, 567, 587. *PE - SB-E-097 Jun 27, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATES DUE TO AN ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) SOFTWARE ISSUE, REAR NOX SENSOR, OPERATING CORRECTLY. *PE - SB-114 Jan 13, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: INSTRUCTION INFORMATION IS BEING PROVIDED REGARDING THE SHIPPING OF SLEEPER ROOF FAIRING (72" AND 80"), WITH VEHICLE, FROM FACTORY. MODEL 579, 567. NO YEARS LISTED. *PE - RN-713-1 Sep 10, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE RH U/C AERODYNAMIC CLOSEOUTS HAVE INCORRECT CUTOUT LOCATIONS FOR AFTER TREATMENT HARNESS AND CLOSEOUT LOCATIONS NEED MODIFICATION TO ALLOW CORRECT ROUTING OF RH U/C AFTER TREATMENT HARNESS. MODE… - RN-813-2 Sep 10, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. ON SOME TRUCKS, WITH QUALCOMM, THE SPEAKER FOR QUALCOMM WAS NOT INSTALLED, AND NEEDS TO BE INSTALL. MODEL 579. NO YEARS LISTED. *PE - RN-10132 Nov 11, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: SOME TRUCKS ARE MISSING HOOD LATCH REINFORCEMENT SPACER AND WOULD NEED INSTALLATION OF SPACERS ON EACH SIDE OF HOOD (LENGTH 117"). MODEL 579. NO YEARS LISTED. *PE - RN-413-1 Jun 4, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. CERTAIN TRUCKS, WITH CUMMINS ENGINE, HAVE EXPERIENCE LOSS OF POWER TO AFTER TREATMENT COMPONENTS AND NEED TO SWITCH THE FUSES FROM 5 AMP TO 10 AMP. MODELS 320, 587, CONVENTIONAL. NO MODEL YEARS LI… - FRN-413-9 May 31, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. WHILE TRUCK IS MOVING, AND EXTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH IS ACTIVATED, WILL CAUSE LIGHTS TO GO OUT AND SWITCH PLUG NEEDS REPLACING AND SOFTWARE UPDATED. MODELS 567, 579. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. … - RN-213-1 Mar 14, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. ON SOME TRUCKS, ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTIONS IS PROVIDED TO ASSIST WITH PREPRODUCTION PARTS, RETROFIT FOR INTERIOR, WHICH IS WITH CURRENT PRODUCTION PARTS. MODELS 2012 579. *PE - RN-113-1 Jan 31, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: A DESIGN CHANGE, FOR HOOD LATCH AREA, PROVIDING REINFORCEMENT OF INSTALLED HOOD FAILING TO MEET SPECIFICATIONS ON SOME TRUCKS. MODEL 579. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE - RN-712-2 Aug 15, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: CERTAIN TRUCKS HAVE SUSPENSION LINKAGE (UPGRADE) ON SEAT, WITH AN INSTALLED SUPPORT BRACKET DESIGNED TO REDUCED THE MOVEMENT. MODEL 2013 579. *PE - RN-612-1 Aug 15, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: CERTAIN MODEL YEAR TRUCK MAY EXPERIENCE ISSUES WITH MIRROR CONTROLS, DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS PERFORMING PROPERLY. UPDATED SOFTWARE AND PARTS NEED TO BE REPLACED ACCORDING TO REPAIR NOTICE. MODEL 2013 579. *PE
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.