Recall 19V917 affects 21 2018-2019 Peterbilt 520 vehicles for a steering bracket defect. Repair will be free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer once available.
Peterbilt is recalling 21 2018-2019 520 vehicles built in Right-Hand Stand-Up configuration because the steering assist cylinder bracket was not mounted properly. A broken bracket can damage nearby components or lock the steering, increasing crash risk; Peterbilt dealers will repair it for free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The steering assist cylinder on 2018-2019 Peterbilt 520 trucks is part of the power steering system. It helps move the steering linkage so the driver does not have to supply all of the force at the wheel. The assist cylinder needs a properly mounted bracket on the right side spring bracket to hold it in place while the truck steers.
On affected Right-Hand Stand-Up trucks, the wrong front spring bracket was installed on the right side. That bracket lacked the holes needed to fully attach the power steering assist bracket. With the assist bracket only partly supported, the bracket can break away from its mounting point during service.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the bracket breaks, the driver is dealing with a steering assist part that is no longer secured as designed, so the truck needs dealer inspection and recall repair.
Who's affected?
Covers the 520 across the 2018 and 2019 model years, with the steering system listed for both years.
| 2018 Peterbilt 520 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Peterbilt 520 | steering system |
| Units affected | 21 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
If the improperly mounted steering assist cylinder bracket breaks, it can damage nearby components or lock the steering. That increases the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously and stop in a safe place if steering feels abnormal. Repair will be free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Peterbilt 520 is included in this recall.
- Use the Peterbilt owner notice to confirm the current repair instructions before scheduling service.
- Call Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with questions, and reference recall number 19V917 when you call.
- Ask a franchised Peterbilt dealer about the free steering-assist-cylinder bracket mounting correction, which fixes the bracket that can break and lock up steering.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop driving and contact the dealer if steering feels abnormal.
What happens at the repair
Once the repair is available, a Peterbilt technician will inspect the steering assist cylinder bracket mounting on the affected 520 and correct the mounting so the bracket is secured as intended. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under recall 19V917. Schedule the service through a Peterbilt dealer when the repair opens, and ask the service desk what paperwork they need for the appointment.
Timeline
| December 20, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 20, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| February 20, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 20, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 4, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V917?
Recall 19V917 covers 21 2018-2019 Peterbilt 520 vehicles built in right-hand stand-up configuration. The steering assist cylinder bracket was not mounted correctly, and that bracket can break, damage nearby parts, or lock the steering, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Peterbilt 520 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 19V917. If it is, call a franchised Peterbilt dealer and ask for the steering assist cylinder bracket mounting correction. Reference Peterbilt recall number 19PBF when you schedule service.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Peterbilt dealers will correct the steering assist cylinder bracket mounting free of charge. Parts and labor are covered by the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. If the steering assist cylinder bracket breaks, it can damage surrounding components or lock the steering, increasing crash risk. Until your VIN is checked and the dealer repair is completed, ask Peterbilt service what driving limits apply to your truck.
When were owners notified about recall 19V917?
Peterbilt sent an interim owner notification on January 31, 2020, and the recall began March 4, 2020. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V917000 |
|---|---|
| Peterbilt customer service | 1-940-591-4220 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V917 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V917000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →