The worst 2026 Peterbilt 520 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
Recalls 2
Steering
- What is wrong
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2026 Kenworth L770 and 2024-2026 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. The right-hand stand-up (RHSU) configuration on the steering cross-shaft may become stressed and fail.
- Risk
- A steering cross-shaft that fails can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and repair the steering cross-shafts and replace any damaged or broken cross-shafts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Peterbilt's customer service at 1‑940‑591‑4220 and Kenworth's customer service at 1‑425‑828‑5888. PACCAR's number for this recall is 26PACA.
Recall number 26V022000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: lighting control module: software
- What is wrong
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Kenworth T480, T680, T880, W990, Peterbilt 520, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, 589, 2025 Kenworth T180, Peterbilt 535, 2025-2026 Kenworth T280, T380 and L770 vehicles. The tail brake light, upper and lower beam headlights, reverse light, and turn signal may not illuminate as intended. In addition, the lift axles, if lowered, may revert to a raised position, or oscillate up and down when the signal warning lights are activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Delayed and unsteady headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an unexpected position change of the lift axles may increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the VCU software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1‑425‑828‑5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1‑940‑591‑4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 25PACF.
Recall number 25V436000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2026 Peterbilt 520 33
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- An upgraded power steering pump is available for certain Model 520 chassis with a RHSU or dual steering...
- There is an update to the CARB Base Emissions Warranty Limits table and Manufacturer’s Warranty Coverage...
- Eaton service bulletin TAIB-1026 instructs dealers to update the master switch module (MSM) software
- Additional chassis have been added to the population
- "Kenworth: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes
- "KW: The chassis list has been updated to include 1 chassis
- This optional software update is expected to be available after 08/28/2026.
- "PB: The chassis list has been updated to include 11 chassis
- When DAVIE version 26.21.2 is used to update the VECU3 to software version 3.4.46.0, the VECU3 5071...
- This optional software update is expected to be available in late August 2026 for chassis equipped with...
Compare the 2026 Peterbilt 520
Other model years
Questions about the 2026 Peterbilt 520
Is the 2026 Peterbilt 520 reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2026 Peterbilt 520.
What is the most common problem with the 2026 Peterbilt 520?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2026 Peterbilt 520 have?
2 recalls, covering steering and exterior lighting.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2026 Peterbilt 520?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history