Recall 14V178 covers 63 2014-2015 Peterbilt 587 trucks for fog lights that stay on with high beams. Free software update at a franchised Peterbilt dealer.
Peterbilt is recalling 63 2014-2015 587 trucks because a software malfunction can turn the fog lights back on 10 seconds after the driver switches on the high beams. That light combination can exceed federal output limits and blind oncoming drivers, increasing crash risk; the Peterbilt dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The exterior lighting system on the 2014-2015 Peterbilt 587 controls the headlights and fog lights. High beams are meant to give the driver more forward light in dark conditions. Fog lights are meant to sit lower and help illuminate the road surface in fog, rain, or similar conditions.
On affected trucks, the lighting software does not keep those lamps separated correctly. When the driver turns on the high beams, the fog lights turn off at first, but after 10 seconds they turn back on. That leaves the high beams and fog lights on together, which produces more light output than allowed under the federal lighting standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue happens only after the driver selects the high beams, so the visible clue is the fog lights coming back on while the high beams remain on.
Who's affected?
Fog-light and headlight components are listed separately for the 2014-2015 Peterbilt 587 trucks.
| 2015 Peterbilt 587 | Fog lights |
|---|---|
| 2015 Peterbilt 587 | Headlights |
| 2014 Peterbilt 587 | Fog lights |
| 2014 Peterbilt 587 | Headlights |
| Units affected | 63 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Using fog lamps and high beams together can blind oncoming traffic with excessive light and increase the risk of a crash. Until the programming update is complete, avoid that lighting combination and schedule service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Peterbilt 587 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer and ask whether the free CECU software update is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the CECU programming update that keeps the fog lights from turning back on while the high beams are on.
- Bring the recall notice if Peterbilt mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V178 when you call.
- Avoid using high beams with fog lights until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Peterbilt has identified the dealer fix for this recall. A Peterbilt technician updates the Cab Electronic Control Unit software so the fog lights stay off when the high beams are on. The source remedy says the recall began in May 2014 and the update is free of charge. Contact a Peterbilt dealer before you arrive so the service desk can confirm whether the CECU software update is open for your VIN. The dealer repair will be free once available for your truck.
Timeline
| April 8, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 15, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V178?
Recall 14V178 covers 63 2014-2015 Peterbilt 587 vehicles with a lighting software defect. The fog lights can turn back on after the driver switches on the high beams, creating excessive light output. Peterbilt dealers update the Cab Electronic Control Unit for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Peterbilt 587 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V178. If it is, contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer and ask for the Cab Electronic Control Unit programming update. Reference recall number 14V178 and Peterbilt recall number 414-E when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects and noncompliance recalls at no cost. Peterbilt dealers update the Cab Electronic Control Unit programming free of charge so the fog lights stay off when the high beams are on.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is excessive light output from the high beams and fog lights operating together. That can blind oncoming traffic and increase crash risk. The dealer repair corrects the programming so the fog lights do not come on while the high beams are active.
When did Peterbilt start this recall repair?
Peterbilt started the recall repair in May 2014. If your 2014-2015 Peterbilt 587 is included and the update was never completed, a franchised Peterbilt dealer can still perform the Cab Electronic Control Unit programming update for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V178000 |
|---|---|
| Peterbilt customer service | 1-800-473-8372 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V178 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V178000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →