Free Preview
#BS-2020-PET520-48A52020 Peterbilt 520
Based on reports from 3 owners and 12 recalls for this exact model.
Preliminary Verdict
Green Light
Based on 3 complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 12 recalls.
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $1.20
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
3 owners reported brakes issues.
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Brakes (3 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2020 Peterbilt 520: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 100% of all reports filed for the 2020 Peterbilt 520, with 3 owners filing complaints with NHTSA.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.



Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (12 recalls)
ENGINE
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. Due to undersized wires, the connector between the cab power harness and the power distribution center (PDC) harness may overheat and melt, possibly resulting in an engine shutdown.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 1990-2020 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles built with specific amber rear turn signals. The turn signals may also light up with the stop/tail lights when the brakes are applied. 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."
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Kenworth T800, T880 and W990 and Peterbilt 348, 367, 389, 520, and 567 vehicles. The forward rear axle output shafts may have been improperly heat treated during manufacturing, possibly resulting in the shafts fracturing.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles with dual foot valves and a liftable tag or tri-drive rear axles. The rear brake signal hose may be missing a quick release valve, possibly causing a delay in their brake release timing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Disc Brakes."
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020 Peterbilt 520 vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used to secure the steering assist cylinder bracket, possibly allowing the bolts to loosen.
+ 7 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 3 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 12 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Other Peterbilt 520 Model Years
2020 Peterbilt 520: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Peterbilt 520?
Is the 2020 Peterbilt 520 reliable?
How much does it cost to fix 2020 Peterbilt 520 problems?
Does the 2020 Peterbilt 520 have any recalls?
What mileage do Peterbilt 520 problems start?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?




Get the Full 2020 Peterbilt 520 Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 3 owner reports. Know before you buy.