The worst 2025 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 3
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
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
- What is wrong
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2025 Kenworth T180, Peterbilt 535, 567, 2025-2026 Kenworth T280, 2023-2026 Kenworth T380, 2024-2026 Kenworth T480, 2024-2026 Peterbilt 536, 537, and 548 trucks. The exterior lighting switch may fail, resulting in the hazard lights and the instrument display back-light brightness adjustment not functioning. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Inoperative hazard lights cannot alert other drivers as intended. In addition, the inability to adjust the brightness on the instrument panel display can make it difficult to see critical safety information or distract the driver. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the vehicle cab controller unit (VECU) software, free of charge. Owners are advised that a non-responsive switch can be temporarily reset by a key cycle. Owner notification letters were mailed March 26, 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 numbers for this recall are 25KWB and 25PBB.
Recall number 25V041000 · Recall details
Steering
- What is wrong
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Kenworth T280, T380, T480, T680, T880, L770, W990, and 2024-2025 Peterbilt 389, 520, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, 589 trucks. The steering gear assemblies may have been assembled incorrectly with fewer recirculating balls than are required, which may result in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gears as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 20, 2024. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1‑940‑591‑4220 and/or Kenworth customer service at 1‑425‑828‑5888. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24PBC and 24KWC.
Recall number 24V044000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2025 Peterbilt 535 17
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.
- 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
- "Kenworth: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes
- Updated Sheppard Steering Gear Classification Tool link in Inspection Procedure
- "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.
- Parts and procedures are now available for all affected chassis equipped with Vehicle Electronic Control...
- A new Recommended Repair has been added
- Procedures are now available for Phase 1 chassis equipped with Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) and...
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Questions about the 2025 Peterbilt 535
Is the 2025 Peterbilt 535 reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2025 Peterbilt 535.
What is the most common problem with the 2025 Peterbilt 535?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2025 Peterbilt 535 have?
3 recalls, covering exterior lighting, electrical system and steering.
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