Recall 19V657 affects 12 2017-2018 Peterbilt 579 trucks missing electronic stability control. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
Peterbilt is recalling 12 2017-2018 579 electric trucks because they were built without stabilization hardware and software that works with the braking system. Without electronic stability control, the truck has a higher risk of loss of stability control and a crash; Peterbilt dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The electronic stability control system on a heavy Peterbilt 579 is designed to help keep the truck pointed where the driver intends during a loss of traction or a sudden maneuver. It uses sensors, brake controls, and software to detect a developing skid, then applies braking at individual wheels to help the driver maintain control. On these electric trucks, that stabilizing layer is missing.
The affected 2017-2018 Peterbilt 579 trucks were built on Peterbilt glider chassis and converted with an electric propulsion system. They do not have the stabilization hardware and software that interacts with the braking system, so the trucks do not meet the federal electronic stability control requirement for heavy vehicles. Once the required hardware and software are installed, the trucks conform to that requirement.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is the absence of the stability control equipment itself, so a driver should not expect a light, sound, or change in pedal feel before the system is needed.
Who's affected?
Scope spans the 2017 and 2018 model years for the same electronic stability control component.
| 2017 Peterbilt 579 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
|---|---|
| 2018 Peterbilt 579 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
| Units affected | 12 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Without Electronic Stability Control, the truck has a greater chance of losing stability control, which increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before this safety gap matters, so schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Peterbilt 579 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule the free Electronic Stability Control system installation that adds the missing stability-control hardware and software.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 19V657 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid sudden steering or hard braking and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Peterbilt technician installs an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system so the truck has the stabilization hardware and software tied to the braking system. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. TransPower has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you already paid for the same ESC-related work before the recall repair, ask TransPower customer service or the Peterbilt service desk how to submit repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 17, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 23, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 23, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 26, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V657?
Recall 19V657 covers 12 2017-2018 Peterbilt 579 electric trucks built without stabilization hardware and software for the braking system. The trucks do not meet the federal electronic stability control standard for heavy vehicles. Dealers will install an Electronic Stability Control system for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Peterbilt 579 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 19V657. If it is, contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule the Electronic Stability Control installation. Reference recall number 19V657 when you call, or call TransPower customer service at 1-858-248-4255.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 19V657, dealers will install the Electronic Stability Control system free of charge, including the needed stabilization hardware and software.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of stability control. Without an Electronic Stability Control system, the truck has a greater chance of losing stability, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before putting the truck back into regular service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V657000 |
|---|---|
| Peterbilt customer service | 1-858-248-4255 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V657 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V657000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →