2018 Peterbilt 579 Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 36,375miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 14campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Peterbilt 579 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2018 Peterbilt 579. The part named most often is electrical system, with 4 complaints (57% of the total), followed by brakes (3) and steering (2). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 67% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 36,375 miles. Of all complaints, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns and 91 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 3 recall campaigns covering the cables and 31 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the abs warning light and 6 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system4 57%
- Brakes3 43%
- Steering2 29%
- Engine1 14%
- Other or unknown1 14%
- Suspension1 14%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The main electrical harness coming out of the main computer and running the entire span underneath the cab had little to no protective sheathing/cord wrap/aluminum wrap protecting the wires. The harness is routed through a u-bolt type flange as well as hangs near several metal parts that, while in motion, rub against the wires causing them to fray. This in turn caused several items to begin to short out and also caused numerous wires to heat up and melt. It was discovered when the drivers side headlight failed and the same side running lights came on and stayed on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11184671, filed 2019-03, 60,000 milesBrakes: “Bendix wingman collision mitigation system, this system as am trying to brake the vehicle determined that the vehicle in front was closer than it really was and locked the brakes and steering, at such time the driver looses control of the vehicle completely, this was the fourth time it did this, the third time it locked the brakes I was trying to brake while a car was driving out of a driveway, second time I was trying to pass a car and it detected the car to close and locked the brakes, first time bumper to bumper it was raining, on a highway a vehicle cut in front of me tried to apply the…”
NHTSA complaint #11202730, filed 2019-04, 20,000 milesSteering: “Front axle begins popping and making metal to metal noises when hitting bumps and or turning. We took it to the shop and they found the nuts to the U-bolts that hold the leaf springs to the front axle had begun backing off and were out of torque spec. Upon receiving the truck back the front end no longer made this noise. Approximately 8 months later we are hearing the same metal on metal and popping noises that we heard previously. We have also noticed similar year Peterbilt 579's with this same noise and popping so this isn't specific to our vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11522814, filed 2023-05Engine: “This vehicle about 6-8 weeks ago started throwing codes for all systems above (over 100 codes). This issue affected all systems of the vehicle including but not limited to the speed and braking of the vehicle, plus the fuel system and adaptive driving systems. We took it to the dealer Performance Peterbilt in Tifton, GA. They cleared the codes and said they resolved it by replacing a NOX sensor. We left the repair shop and within 50-100 miles the exact same issue started up again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11624162, filed 2024-11Mileage when problems were reported
67% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,000 and 60,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 22V277000Apr 25, 2022Steering › Critical fastenersCovers: Peterbilt 579 2018–2020, 567 2018–2020, Kenworth T680 2018–2020 +12 more
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. The Dana D-Series axle steer arm fasteners that…
- 21V00N000Dec 29, 2021Electrical system › WiringCovers: Peterbilt 579 2016–2022, Kenworth T680 2016–2022, Peterbilt 567 2016–2022 +4 more
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. The methane detection…
- 20V199000Apr 6, 2020Service brakes, air › Antilock › Abs warning lightCovers: Peterbilt 579 2008–2019, Kenworth T800 2008–2020, T270 2008–2020 +16 more
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX…
- 20V130000Mar 4, 2020Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › CablesCovers: Peterbilt 579 2015–2020, 389 2015–2020, 567 2015–2020 +1 more
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). The positive battery jumper terminal cable may be too long, allowing it to chafe…
- 19V657000Sep 17, 2019Electronic stability control (esc)Covers: Peterbilt 579 2017–2018
Transportation Power, Inc. (TransPower) is recalling certain 2017-2018 electric trucks built on Peterbilt 579 chassis. The vehicles do not have stabilization hardware and software that interacts with the braking system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply…
- 18V931000Dec 21, 2018Power train › Clutch assemblyCovers: Peterbilt 579 2018–2019, 567 2018–2019, Kenworth T680 2018–2019 +12 more
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Peterbilt 337, 348, 365, 367, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks and 2018-2019 Kenworth C500, T270, T370, T440, T660, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks equipped with automated manual transmissions. An…
See all 14 recalls for the 2018 Peterbilt 579 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 91 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037541Sep 11, 2026Engine. "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…
- 11037451Sep 5, 2026Engine. An exhaust manifold slip joint seal kit is now available for EPA 2017-2024 PACCAR MX-13 engines.
- 11035343Jul 25, 2026Engine. 105 chassis have been removed from the chassis list and unflagged in PRWS due to expiration of applicable warranty coverage. Total chassis population is 732.
- 11035111Jul 10, 2026Engine. The Condition, Chassis Affected, Service Action, Warranty, and Procedure sections have been updated to include the latest prognostics bulletin verbiage.
- 11033351May 6, 2026Electrical system. Troubleshooting procedures for 2.1m cab power windows are now available.
- 11032293Apr 17, 2026Engine. The attached procedures document has been updated with more detail and explanations. This is not a stand-alone procedure. Cummins Quickserve troubleshooting will specify the use of these procedures…
- 11032290Apr 16, 2026Other or unknown. Bogie Crossmember Torque Value Update - Procedure has been updated to correct torque values.
- 11032284Apr 1, 2026Engine, Electrical system. EPA17-24 MX Fuel Injector Connector - This bulletin has been revised to include all EPA17-24 and CARB24 PACCAR MX engines.
- 11028314Jan 31, 2026Engine. Procedure pictures updated for clarity. When troubleshooting Cummins X15 fault codes 555 or 556, follow this additional testing, inspection, and documentation procedure to help identify the root…
- 11022487Aug 4, 2025Electrical system. "Campaign New and improved software is now required for chassis equipped with an Engine Model Year 2016 PACCAR MX-13 engine to maintain DEF sensor performance and ensure compliance with emissions…
Other model years of the Peterbilt 579
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7 | 220,536 | 15 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 5 | 264,786 | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 7 | 36,375 | 14 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Peterbilt 579 have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2018 Peterbilt 579 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Peterbilt 579 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 4 complaints (57% of the total), followed by brakes with 3.
Has the 2018 Peterbilt 579 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Peterbilt 579 reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 36,375 miles and the middle half falls between 20,000 and 60,000 miles; 67% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.