Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2015 Peterbilt 579 peaked in 2015, 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
2015 Peterbilt 579
Heavy truck, diesel, 4x2, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Feb 20, 2015 to Apr 15, 2021.
Recall campaigns covering this model year9722k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints4Close to the median 2015 heavy truck
Severity index50.02015 heavy trucks average 19.6
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Components
25% of complaints about the 2015 Peterbilt 579 name electrical system
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
9 recall campaigns cover the 2015 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 |
| 20V-130 | Mar 4, 2020 | Positive battery jumper terminal cable may be too long, allowing it to chafe against the left front suspension spring and result in an electrical… | Electrical system | 35,671 | Part replacement |
| 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-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-810 | Dec 29, 2014 | Affected vehicles may experience brake drag due to an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber | Brakes | 1,623 | Part replacement |
| 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 |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2015 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.
4 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Apr 15, 2021Failure Apr 13, 2021Port ST Lucie, FLUnknown or otherFire
WE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK ON 4/09/21 AND ON 4/13/21 WHILE IT WAS PARKED AT THE YARD IT CUT ON FIRE BY ITSELF, NO EXTERNAL CAUSE OTHER THAN SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK THAT WE WERE NOT TOLD OR AWARE. IT LOOKS LIKE IT COULD BE SOME DEFECTIVE PARTS FROM MANUFACTURE THAT HAVE 3 RECALLS THAT CAUSE FIRE. I WOULD LIKE TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION AND FIND OUT THE OFFICIAL CAUSE. WE LOST OUR RETIREMENT FUNDS AND NOW NOBODY WANTS TO BE RESPONSABLE FOR. A WITNESS RECORDED A VIDEO AND YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE WHERE THE FIRE WAS COMING
NHTSA complaint 11408294 - Filed Oct 19, 2017Failure Oct 17, 2017273,465 milesNorth Bergen, NJElectrical system, Engine, Fuel system, Fuel pump
DRIVER WAS DRIVING AND TRUCK JUST SHUT OFF, FORCING HIM TO SIDE OF ROAD, HAD TO GET TOWED DUE TO FACT THAT COULD NOT REPAIR. AT DEALER I AM TOLD FUEL PUMP LEAKED INTO ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND ECM. CAUSING TRUCK TO SHUT DOWN AND NOT START.
NHTSA complaint 11034567 - Filed Mar 4, 2016Failure Dec 12, 201560,000 milesNorth Bergen, NJPower train
LEAKING FITTINGS ON TRANSMISSION COOLER CAUSED FLUID TO RUN OUT AND SEIZED TRANSMISSION, WHILE DRIVER WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, DUE TO BAD INSTALLATION AT FACTORY. UPON INSPECTION FOUND 3 OUT OF 5 TRUCKS WITH SAME PROBLEM. WARRANTY COVERAGE WAS DENIED BY EATON AND PETERBILT CLAIMING DRIVER ERROR.
NHTSA complaint 10839909 - Filed Feb 20, 2015Failure Nov 26, 201443,000 milesVAN Neys, CASuspensionFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 PETERBILT 579. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AXLE WAS ON FIRE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND BOTH FRONT AXLES CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AGAIN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
NHTSA complaint 10689686
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
65 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- 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. - 32-025 Nov 22, 2024 · 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… - 28-001 Sep 18, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 Jun 23, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-as-Fail - HVAC Intermittently Stops Blowing Cold Air - 14-043 Sep 9, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-As-Fail On certain chassis with Low Air Leaf Suspension or Low-Low Air Leaf Suspension, the Height Control Valve (HCV) arm may be rubbing on other components when the bend in the arm is facing outboard. Flipping the bend in the HCV arm inboard prevents … - 13-060 Aug 3, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures. - E271 Jun 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
An engine software update is required to resolve OBD system readiness, DEF doser diagnostics, and otherOBD system software related issues. - FRN715-1 Nov 18, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Instrumentation - SmartNav 2.0 Software Update - Peterbilt vehicles manufactured between July 01, 2015 through November 12, 2015 with the SmartNav 2.0 system have some SmartNav features, including truck navigation and Bluetooth phone service disabled at the… - FRN215-3 Nov 13, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
HVAC - Sleeper Heater O-ring Coolant Leak Phase 2 - Peterbilt has determined that vehicles built between 08/01/2013 and 08/01/2014 and were manufactured fwith a sleeper heater may have sleeper heater o-rings that are incompatible with the extended-life cool… - 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… - 13-054 Jul 29, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-As-Fail - Bendix New-Gen Lightweight Steer Axle Drum Brake Spider Cracking - 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… - 20PBA Apr 17, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Safety Recall: NHTSA recall number is 20V130. A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, may exist in certain Model 365, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles manufactured between April 18, 2014 and March 09, 2020 with a left-hand under hood jumper start term… - 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. - 43-066 Mar 27, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DEF tank covers may become loose and potentially crack on vehicles built before October 2019 with DEF tank part number M86-6221-003**(TANK-DEF MEDIUM ASSY) and M86-6222-003**(TANK-DEF LARGE, ASSY). Resolution is to resolve the vibration on the tank cover b… - 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. - 20PBA Mar 31, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Safety Recall Interim Bulletin: Peterbilt has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, may exist in certain Model 365, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles manufactured between April 18, 2014 and September 30, 2019 with a left-hand under hood jum… - 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. - 01-078 Dec 20, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined that certain models 567 and 579 vehicles built after January 01, 2013 with an Espar fuel fire heater and SmartAir may have an auto On/Off malfunction at lower temperatures. User may experience lack of heat function on… - 01-077 Dec 20, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined that model 567 and 579 vehicles built after January 01, 2013 and equipped with Espar fuel fire heater and SmartAir may have temperature overshoot issue. User may experience higher sleeper interior temperature than the … - 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. - 02-152 Oct 30, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix as Fail: Certain model 579 trucks manufactured between September 5, 2014 and May 25, 2018 may have a faux door panel on the fairing with an insufficient weld that could result in the panel loosening. Resolution is to replace the applicable door panel … - 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). - 02-150 Aug 22, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix as Fail Vehicles equipped with chassis fairings may have battery box openings that allow debris to enter the box. A battery box closeout has been designed and when installed will prevent debris from entering the battery box. - 42-056 Aug 28, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-As-Fail -“ Composite fittings used in the cooling system may crack, resulting in coolant leaks. Brass fittings are available to replace the composite fittings. - 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. - 18PBC Jan 9, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Safety Recall: Vehicles fail to confirm with FMVSS/CMVSS No 108 - Table 1-a requirements for intermediate side marker lamp and reflex reflector. - 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. - 34-064 Jan 24, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Non-Safety Campaign: Vehicles may have a fuse installed in the PDC (Power Distribution Center) in a location unable to support the amperage. - 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) - 7-17 Jan 22, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-As-Fail ? There is an updated plug to fix leaking steer axle hubcaps. - 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. - 317-2 Oct 31, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Non-Safety Campaign ? Outside air temperature sensor may fail for 567 and 579 built between 2015 and 2017. - 14-17 Oct 31, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-as-Fail ? Outside air temperature sensor may fail for 567 and 579 built between 2015 and 2017. - 517 Jun 30, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-as-Fail: CECU3 software P30-1011-139 software has been released. This software update is not mandatory. This software requires MY2017 PCC software when installed on MY2015/2016 vehicles equipped with PCC. - 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 - 10161 Feb 20, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
FIX-AS-NEEDED - SMARTNAV SOFTWARE UPDATE IS AVAILABLE FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO IN-CALL AUDIO, RADIO SETTINGS AND WHEEL SEEK FUNCTIONALITY. - 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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.