Recall 19V452 affects 343 1990-2020 Peterbilt 520 and 320 trucks for amber rear turn signals with brake-light timing. Free repair at a franchised Peterbilt dealer.
Peterbilt is recalling 343 1990-2020 320 and 520 vehicles because certain amber rear turn signals can light up with the stop and tail lights when the brakes are applied. The mixed signal can confuse drivers and reduce brake-light effectiveness, increasing crash risk; Peterbilt dealers will repair the lighting issue free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear lighting on 1990-2020 Peterbilt 520 and 320 trucks has separate jobs. Amber rear turn signals tell traffic behind the truck that the driver is turning or changing lanes. Red stop and tail lamps show braking and rear visibility, so the color difference helps other drivers read the truck's movement quickly.
On affected trucks, certain amber rear turn signal lamps are connected or configured so they also illuminate with the stop and tail lights when the brake pedal is applied. That means an amber lamp is doing part of the red stop-lamp job. Peterbilt found this does not meet the lighting rule that stop lamps must be red, because the signal color no longer matches the function.
There is no warning sign before failure. The lights still illuminate, so the driver is not likely to feel a change from the cab. A person standing behind the truck while the brakes are applied can see the amber rear turn signal lamps lighting with the stop or tail lamps.
Who's affected?
The scope combines Peterbilt 520 and 320 trucks with the same two exterior lighting systems: turn signals and tail lights.
| 1998 Peterbilt 520 | Turn signal |
|---|---|
| 1998 Peterbilt 520 | Tail lights |
| 1996 Peterbilt 520 | Turn signal |
| 1996 Peterbilt 520 | Tail lights |
| 2016 Peterbilt 520 | Turn signal |
| 2016 Peterbilt 520 | Tail lights |
| 1994 Peterbilt 520 | Turn signal |
| 1994 Peterbilt 520 | Tail lights |
| 1990 Peterbilt 320 | Turn signal |
| 1990 Peterbilt 320 | Tail lights |
| Units affected | 343 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Rear turn signals that light up at the same time as the brake lights can confuse drivers behind you and make the brake lights less effective, increasing crash risk. Drive cautiously, leave extra space when slowing, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 1990-2020 Peterbilt 520 or 320 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule the free jumper-harness repair that keeps the amber rear turn signals from lighting with the brake lights.
- Bring the recall notice if Peterbilt mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V452 when you call.
- Drive with extra following distance until the repair, since brake-light and turn-signal confusion increases crash risk.
- Call Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with questions about scheduling or repair coverage.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Peterbilt technician checks whether the truck has rear amber lights and, when it does, installs a jumper harness between the chassis electrical harness and the amber tail lights. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid for a related wiring or rear-light repair before the recall work, ask the service desk how to submit documentation under the manufacturer's reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 14, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 28, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| August 1, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 1, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 1, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V452?
Recall 19V452 covers 343 1990-2020 Peterbilt 520 and 320 vehicles built with specific amber rear turn signals. In NHTSA campaign 19V452, the signals can light up with the brake lights, reducing brake-light clarity and increasing crash risk. Peterbilt dealers add a jumper harness for free.
What should I do if my 1990-2020 Peterbilt 520 or 320 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 19V452. If it is, contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer and ask for recall 19PBC. Trucks with rear amber lights get a jumper harness between the chassis electrical harness and amber tail lights. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says Peterbilt dealers will add the jumper harness free of charge for trucks with rear amber lights.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced brake-light clarity for drivers behind the truck. NHTSA campaign 19V452 says rear turn signals that light up with the brake lights can create confusion and impair brake-light effectiveness, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair corrects the rear lighting circuit for free.
What if I bought my Peterbilt 520 or 320 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility 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 19PBC or campaign 19V452.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V452000 |
|---|---|
| Peterbilt customer service | 1-940-591-4220 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V452 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V452000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →