Recall 20V132 affects 233 2016-2020 Peterbilt 320 and 520 trucks for delayed brake release. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
Peterbilt is recalling 233 2016-2020 320 and 520 vehicles with dual foot valves and liftable tag or tri-drive rear axles because a rear brake signal hose can be missing a quick release valve. Delayed brake release raises crash risk, and Peterbilt dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air brake system on 2016-2020 Peterbilt 320 and 520 trucks uses air pressure to apply and release the service brakes. On trucks with dual foot valves and a liftable tag or tri-drive rear axle, the rear brake signal hose is supposed to work with a quick release valve. That valve helps exhaust air from the brake circuit so the rear brakes release on time.
On affected trucks, the Bendix QR-1 quick release valve was left out of that rear brake signal hose during production. Without that valve, air stays in the circuit longer than designed after the driver releases the brake pedal. On covered configurations, that delayed release timing means the truck does not meet FMVSS 121 brake timing requirements.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is missing brake hardware and release timing, so an owner is not given a dashboard warning or a clear pedal feel before the condition is found.
Who's affected?
Both the 320 and 520 are included across the 2016-2020 model years, with the same brake system component listed for each.
| 2017 Peterbilt 320 | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Peterbilt 320 | brake system |
| 2019 Peterbilt 520 | brake system |
| 2017 Peterbilt 520 | brake system |
| 2018 Peterbilt 320 | brake system |
| 2016 Peterbilt 520 | brake system |
| 2018 Peterbilt 520 | brake system |
| 2019 Peterbilt 320 | brake system |
| 2020 Peterbilt 320 | brake system |
| 2020 Peterbilt 520 | brake system |
| Units affected | 233 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
A delayed brake release can leave braking force applied after the driver releases the pedal, increasing crash risk by changing how the truck responds in traffic or during low-speed maneuvering. If the brakes feel slow to release, stop using the vehicle and call a Peterbilt dealer for guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2020 Peterbilt 320 or 520 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule the free brake-signal-hose quick-release-valve inspection and installation that addresses delayed brake release.
- Bring the recall notice if Peterbilt mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V132 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking until the dealer checks the valve.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Peterbilt technician checks the vehicle for a quick release valve in the rear brake signal hose path and installs one if it is missing. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. Peterbilt has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this recall repair before receiving notice. Bring prior repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit the expense under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 4, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 24, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 1, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| May 1, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V132?
Recall 20V132 covers 233 2016-2020 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles with dual foot valves and liftable tag or tri-drive rear axles. The rear brake signal hose can be missing a quick release valve, which can delay brake release and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2016-2020 Peterbilt 320 or 520 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V132. If it is, contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer and ask for the quick release valve inspection. The dealer will install the valve as needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost. For this recall, the dealer checks the truck for a quick release valve and installs one as needed, with parts and labor covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is delayed brake release. On affected Peterbilt 320 and 520 trucks, a missing quick release valve in the rear brake signal hose can slow brake release timing, which can increase crash risk.
When did Peterbilt begin this recall repair?
The recall repair began on March 24, 2020. Owners can contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220 or call a franchised Peterbilt dealer with recall number 20PBB to ask about scheduling the inspection and repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V132000 |
|---|---|
| Peterbilt customer service | 1-940-591-4220 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V132 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V132000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →