PETERBILT 520 (2020) recall — Steering
PACCAR recalls 2015-2021 Peterbilt 520 trucks with potential steering column cracks that could cause crashes. Owners must have steering column inspected and repaired free by dealers.
Use caution until it’s fixed
If the steering column loosens from the mounting structure, steering control can become affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Contact the company & request your remedy
What happened, in plain English
PACCAR is recalling certain 2015-2021 Peterbilt 520 trucks because the steering column support structure may crack or break. This could increase crash risk if the steering becomes affected. Affected owners should have their steering column inspected by a dealer. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/79948-peterbilt-520-steering-recall-risk-of-crash-if-steering-column.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/79948-peterbilt-520-steering-recall-risk-of-crash-if-steering-column · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #21V004000
Cite this page
“Peterbilt 520 Steering Recall: Risk of Crash if Steering Column Cracks.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/79948-peterbilt-520-steering-recall-risk-of-crash-if-steering-column. Based on NHTSA recall #21V004000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V004000).
Why it’s dangerous
If the steering column support structure cracks or breaks, it can become loose. This may affect steering control, increasing the risk of a crash during normal driving.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2015-2021 Peterbilt 520 trucks with right-hand, stand-up drive models are most at risk. Drivers using these vehicles should check if their steering column has cracks.
How to tell if you have this one
Check if your Peterbilt 520 truck was manufactured between 2015 and 2021. Right-hand, stand-up drive models are affected. Owners received notification letters mailed July 30, 2021.
- Brand
Peterbilt- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Check Steering Column Condition
Inspect the steering column support structure for cracks or breaks, especially in right-hand, stand-up drive models.
Contact Dealer for Repair
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column structure if cracks are present, and add support brackets free of charge.
What NHTSA says to do
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the 520 models right hand stand-pp steering column structure and replace it if cracks are present, as well as add additional support brackets to the new (if replaced) or existing structure, free of charge. Additionally, for the 520 models, dealers will install a large gusset with triangulating support for the column bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 21PBA.
Questions people ask
Why is this recall happening?
The steering column support structure may crack or break in certain right-hand, stand-up drive models, increasing crash risk.
How do I know if my truck is affected?
Your truck is affected if it's a 2015-2021 Peterbilt 520 with right-hand, stand-up drive configuration.
What should I do if I have the affected truck?
Dealers will inspect your steering column and repair it for free if cracks are found, including adding support brackets.
Contact Peterbilt
We’ve drafted a message you can send Peterbilt to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 21V004000 — Peterbilt Peterbilt Hello, I own a Peterbilt that is covered by recall 21V004000 from Peterbilt. The official recall notice states: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the 520 models right hand stand-pp steering column structure and replace it if cracks are present, as well as add additional support brackets to the new (if replaced) or existing structure, free of charge. Additionally, for the 520 models, dealers will install a large gusset with triangulating support for the column bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 21PBA. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #21V004000 (November 1, 2021)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 4, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.