The worst 2021 Peterbilt 535 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 1
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
- What is wrong
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 365, 367, 389, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480, T680, T880 and W990 trucks. The right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors may have been improperly crimped, resulting in a loss of communication.
- Risk
- A loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after coming to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the gear shifter assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 15, 2025, then phased after that. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1‑425‑828‑5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1‑940‑591‑4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24PBE and 24KWE.
Recall number 24V190000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Peterbilt 535 13
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The new 2.1m day cab lift tools, a Level 3 mandatory tool, are now available to order.
- "Kenworth: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes
- "KW: A new recommended repair has been added to verify the software level and close the campaign in...
- Troubleshooting procedures for 2.1m cab power windows are now available.
- The Parts section has been updated to clarify that freight charges for safety recall orders should not be...
- The right-hand shift stalk may have an improper wire harness terminal crimp within the wire harness connector
- As of 03/25/2025, this campaign has resumed
- Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting...
- Information Only New tools are required to support PACCAR TX-8 / ZF transmissions
- Interim
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Questions about the 2021 Peterbilt 535
Is the 2021 Peterbilt 535 reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2021 Peterbilt 535.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Peterbilt 535?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2021 Peterbilt 535 have?
1 recall, covering power train.
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