The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·21V004000·Announced 2021-01-11

Peterbilt 320 and 520 Trucks Recalled for Steering Column Defect

PACCAR is recalling 2015-2021 Peterbilt 320 and 520 trucks because the steering column support may crack, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (steering column support) that can lead to loss of steering control and increased crash risk, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

PACCAR Incorporated is recalling certain 2015-2021 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where the steering column support structure may crack or break in certain right-hand, stand-up drive models.

If the steering column loosens from the mounting structure, steering control can become affected, which increases the risk of a crash. The source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities associated with this defect.

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column structure on 520 models. If cracks are present, the structure will be replaced, and additional support brackets will be added to the new or existing structure. For 520 models, dealers will also install a large gusset with triangulating support for the column bracket. All repairs are free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
PETERBILT 520, 320
Brand
PETERBILT
Manufacturer
PACCAR Incorporated
Category
Vehicle — Commercial Truck
Hazard
Affected units
1,021

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • 520
  • 320

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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