Recall 20V429 affects 239 2020 Peterbilt 520 trucks for loose steering assist bracket bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
Peterbilt is recalling 239 2020 520 vehicles because incorrect bolts were used to secure the steering assist cylinder bracket. Loose bolts can let the bracket flex or break, damage nearby components, or lock up the steering, which raises crash risk; Peterbilt dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering assist cylinder bracket on a 2020 Peterbilt 520 holds the power steering assist cylinder in position. That cylinder helps the steering system move heavy front wheels with less driver effort. The bracket and its bolts need to stay tight so the assist cylinder stays aligned and supported while the truck turns.
On affected trucks, the wrong bolts were installed at the bracket. The specified bolts used a lock patch, a thread-locking coating that helps keep a bolt from backing out after it is tightened. The substitute bolts lacked that lock patch, so vibration and steering loads can work the bolts loose. If enough clamping force is lost, the bracket and steering assist cylinder are no longer held as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver or service technician who sees loose or missing bracket bolts, movement at the steering assist cylinder, or damage around that bracket should treat it as related to this recall.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Peterbilt 520 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 239 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Peterbilt 520 truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose steer assist bracket bolts can let the bracket flex or break. That can damage nearby parts or lock the steering, which increases crash risk. Schedule the repair soon, and drive cautiously until the hardware is secured. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Peterbilt 520 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule the free steering-assist-bracket hardware repair that secures the loose bracket bolts.
- Bring the recall notice if Peterbilt has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V429 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair, and stop the truck if the steering binds or feels abnormal.
- Call Peterbilt customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with questions before your appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Peterbilt technician installs the correct hardware with thread adhesive for the steering assist cylinder bracket. The technician also replaces components damaged by the improperly secured bracket. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you have already paid out of pocket for this steering bracket repair, Peterbilt's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring your repair paperwork and receipts to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 24, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 14, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| August 14, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 17, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 22, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V429?
Recall 20V429 covers 239 2020 Peterbilt 520 vehicles with incorrect bolts securing the steering assist cylinder bracket. Loose bolts can let the bracket flex or break, damage nearby components, or lock up the steering, increasing crash risk. Peterbilt dealers will install corrected hardware with thread adhesive for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Peterbilt 520 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V429. If it is, contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule the steering assist bracket hardware repair. Reference recall number 20V429 or Peterbilt recall 20PBD when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Peterbilt dealers will install hardware with thread adhesive and replace components damaged by the improperly secured steering assist bracket free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my Peterbilt 520 before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is steering lockup from loose steering assist bracket bolts, which increases crash risk under NHTSA campaign 20V429. Check your VIN, schedule the free dealer repair, and call Peterbilt customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with safety questions.
What if I bought my 2020 Peterbilt 520 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor safety recalls regardless of ownership history. If you never received the original notice from August 17, 2020, check your VIN and ask a franchised Peterbilt dealer about recall 20V429 or Peterbilt recall 20PBD.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V429000 |
|---|---|
| Peterbilt customer service | 1-425-828-5888 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V429 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V429000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →