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Campaign 15V270 Posted May 8, 2015 1,494 units

2011-2016 Peterbilt Trucks Recall 15V270: Cable Chafe

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 1, 2026

Recall 15V270 covers 1,494 2011-2016 Peterbilt trucks with alternator charge cables that can chafe and short. Repair is free at franchised Peterbilt dealers.

Peterbilt is recalling 1,494 2011-2016 trucks, including the 567, 579, 587, T660, T680, 386, 389, and T880, because the alternator charge cable can chafe against a metal freon discharge line. If the cable insulation wears through, an electrical short can increase the risk of a fire; the dealer repair is free.

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What's wrong?

The alternator charge cable on these 2011-2016 Peterbilt trucks carries electrical current from the alternator back into the charging system. On affected 567, 579, 587, T660, T680, 386, 389, and T880 trucks with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Delco-Remy 40SI alternators, that cable runs near a formed metal freon discharge line, part of the air conditioning system that carries refrigerant away from the compressor.

The problem is clearance. The cable and metal line sit too close together, so normal vibration lets the cable rub against the line. Over time, that rubbing wears through the cable insulation. Once exposed, the cable can short against the metal line, creating heat and an engine fire risk.

There is no warning sign before failure. The issue develops in the cable routing, not in a driver control you can feel from the seat.

Who's affected?

Spans 8 truck model lines from 2011-2016, all tied to the same alternator, generator, and regulator electrical system.

2013 Peterbilt 567 electrical system
2016 Peterbilt 579 electrical system
2014 Peterbilt 579 electrical system
2013 Peterbilt 579 electrical system
2012 Peterbilt 579 electrical system
Units affected1,494
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date.

A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.

What's the safety risk?

If the alternator charge cable rubs through its insulation, it can create an electrical short and increase the risk of a fire. Treat this as a fire risk and schedule the cable rerouting promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2016 Peterbilt 567, 579, 587, T660, T680, 386, 389, or T880 is included in this recall.
  2. Contact your nearest franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule the free alternator charge cable reroute, which moves the cable away from the metal freon line that can rub through the insulation.
  3. Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 15V270 when you call.
  4. Avoid parking near dry grass or other flammable material until the repair is complete.
  5. Watch for burning smells, smoke, or electrical problems, and stop driving if they appear.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Peterbilt technician reroutes the alternator charge cable so it no longer rubs against the formed metal freon discharge line. The technician checks the cable path around the PACCAR MX-13 engine and Delco-Remy 40SI alternator, then secures the cable away from that metal line. The recall repair is free. Parts and labor are covered under campaign 15V270.

Timeline

May 8, 2015 NHTSA published the recall
September 16, 2015 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 15V270?

Recall 15V270 covers 1,494 2011-2016 Peterbilt trucks equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Delco-Remy 40SI alternators. The alternator charge cable can rub against a metal freon discharge line, wear through its insulation, and create an electrical short that increases fire risk.

What should I do if my 2011-2016 Peterbilt truck is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V270. If it is, contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer and ask for the alternator charge cable rerouting repair. Reference recall 15V270 and PACCAR recall number 515-F when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 15V270, the dealer reroutes the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line free of charge.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is fire from an electrical short. If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, the exposed cable can short near the metal freon discharge line. The free dealer repair moves the cable away from that contact point.

What if I bought this Peterbilt truck used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your truck is included, then call a franchised Peterbilt dealer and reference recall 15V270 when scheduling the repair.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V270000
Peterbilt customer service1-425-828-5000
NHTSA recall #15V270
NHTSA recall # (full)15V270000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →