2016 Peterbilt 579 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

11 safety recalls on file

The 2016 Peterbilt 579 has 11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA.

The most-reported problem area is Power Train (2 reports).

11Recalls
3Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your 579?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2016 Peterbilt 579 recalls

Methane alarm may fail if power is lost, risking fire

Recall 21V00NDec 29, 20211,107 vehicles affected

Certain heavy-duty trucks have a wiring defect in the methane detection system.

ABS warning light may stay off during power loss, raising crash risk

Recall 20V199Apr 6, 2020460,515 vehicles affected

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) controller can lose battery or ignition power.

Battery Jumper Cable Can Chafe and Cause Fire Risk

Recall 20V130Mar 4, 202035,671 vehicles affected

Certain Peterbilt trucks with a left-hand under-hood jumper terminal may have a positive battery jumper terminal cable that is too long.

Trucks Missing Side Reflectors Can Be Harder to See

Recall 18V816Nov 16, 20181,619 vehicles affected

Certain heavy trucks built from 2013 to 2015 with side extender marker lights lack the required reflex reflectors on those extenders.

Loose Steering Tie Rod Can Cause Loss of Steering

Recall 17V593Sep 22, 201717,737 vehicles affected

A castellated nut on the steer axle may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen on certain 2016 Kenworth trucks equipped with specific Spicer steer axles.

Spotlight Wiring Can Overheat and Cause a Cab Fire

Recall 17V471Jul 25, 20175,731 vehicles affected

A short circuit in the spotlight wiring on certain Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks may not be adequately protected.

Truck May Roll Backward After Shifting Out of Reverse

Recall 15V639Oct 9, 201527 vehicles affected

Certain 2016 Kenworth and Peterbilt heavy trucks with Eaton Fuller FR 10-speed manual transmissions may keep the reverse gear engaged after the shift lever is moved from reverse to neutral.

Engine May Stall Without Warning, Raising Crash Risk

Recall 15V597Sep 24, 2015354 vehicles affected

The engine control module (ECM) in certain heavy trucks built in mid-2015 may short circuit.

Chafing Alternator Cable Can Cause Electrical Short and Fire

Recall 15V456Jul 22, 2015288 vehicles affected

Certain Peterbilt trucks with extended-body Leece Neville alternators have alternator charge cables that may rub against a metal freon discharge line.

Alternator cable can chafe and cause a fire

Recall 15V270May 8, 20151,494 vehicles affected

The alternator charge cable on these trucks may rub against a metal freon discharge line.

Wrong tire pressure on label may cause tire failure

Recall 15V132Mar 6, 2015213,230 vehicles affected

The tire and rim certification label on certain Peterbilt trucks may list a tire pressure lower than the correct amount.

Most common 2016 Peterbilt 579 problems

Problem areas named in the 3 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Power Train2
Steering1
Electrical System1

What owners report

2021-12-27, Electrical System
the window switch that operates the window goes bad on every single one of these trucks . the switch controls windows , door locks dome light and mirror heat. the switch is unavailable to buy as a part , the part is on national backorder with no estimated time . the window does not go up or down . the window needs to work in order for the vehicle to pass safety inspection . this makes it safety issue .
2016-07-08, Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 PETERBILT 579. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE EMITTED AND THE STEERING COLUMN RELEASED INDEPENDENTLY ONTO THE CONTACT'S LAP. THE LOCKING MECHANISM WAS ADJUSTED AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS PLACED BACK INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMP OR UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 09/28/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE LOCKING CAM AND SPRING. ALSO, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER MOVED TO EASILY
2016-07-05, Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 PETERBILT 579. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL BEFORE GOING BACK INTO DRIVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80.

2016 Peterbilt 579 questions

Does the 2016 Peterbilt 579 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls for the 2016 Peterbilt 579: Methane alarm may fail if power is lost, risking fire; ABS warning light may stay off during power loss, raising crash risk; Battery Jumper Cable Can Chafe and Cause Fire Risk; Trucks Missing Side Reflectors Can Be Harder to See; Loose Steering Tie Rod Can Cause Loss of Steering. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Peterbilt 579?

Based on 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (2), Steering (1), Electrical System (1).

How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Peterbilt 579 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Peterbilt 579 years

Other 2016 Peterbilt models