Recall 21V004 affects 1,021 2015-2021 Peterbilt 520 and 320 vehicles for steering-column support cracks. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
Peterbilt is recalling 1,021 2015-2021 320 and 520 vehicles because the steering column support structure can crack or break on certain right-hand, stand-up drive models. If the column loosens from its mounting structure, steering control can be affected and crash risk increases; the Peterbilt dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The steering assembly bracket in 2015-2021 Peterbilt 520 and 320 trucks supports the steering column. In right-hand, stand-up drive models, that bracket helps hold the column steady while the driver steers from the alternate driving position. The steering column needs that support so steering input stays controlled and predictable.
On the recalled trucks, the steering column support structure can crack or break. Once the bracket or surrounding support starts to separate, the column is no longer held as firmly as designed. Peterbilt later added a larger gusset, a reinforcing brace, to give the column bracket more triangulated support in production.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the support cracks far enough, the driver is not given a specific light, sound, or dashboard message tied to this bracket before the steering column support fails.
Who's affected?
The scope spans both Peterbilt 320 and 520 trucks from the 2015-2021 model years, with the same steering column bracket concern across the list.
| 2016 Peterbilt 520 | steering column |
|---|---|
| 2019 Peterbilt 320 | steering column |
| 2018 Peterbilt 520 | steering column |
| 2020 Peterbilt 520 | steering column |
| 2021 Peterbilt 520 | steering column |
| 2016 Peterbilt 320 | steering column |
| 2019 Peterbilt 520 | steering column |
| 2017 Peterbilt 320 | steering column |
| 2017 Peterbilt 520 | steering column |
| 2018 Peterbilt 320 | steering column |
| 2021 Peterbilt 320 | steering column |
| 2015 Peterbilt 320 | steering column |
| 2020 Peterbilt 320 | steering column |
| 2015 Peterbilt 520 | steering column |
| Units affected | 1,021 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 5 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 steering column loosens from its mounting structure, steering control can be affected and crash risk increases. Until the truck is inspected, keep extra space, avoid unnecessary trips, and arrange dealer service promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2021 Peterbilt 520 or 320 is included in this recall.
- Watch for Peterbilt's owner letter if you have not received it; letters were mailed July 30, 2021.
- Contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer and ask whether recall 21V004 is open for your VIN.
- Ask the dealer about the steering-column inspection and support-bracket repair, which addresses cracking in the right-hand, stand-up steering column structure.
- Limit use until the dealer confirms the repair path; a loose steering column affects steering control and raises crash risk.
What happens at the repair
Once the final dealer repair is available, a Peterbilt technician will inspect the right hand stand up steering column support structure on affected 520 models and replace it if cracks are present. The technician will also add support brackets to the new or existing structure and install a large gusset with triangulating support for the column bracket. Parts and labor are covered by the recall. Peterbilt has a general reimbursement plan on file, so owners who already paid for a related steering column support repair should keep invoices and ask Peterbilt customer service how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 11, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 8, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| March 8, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 8, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 8, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 30, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V004?
Recall 21V004 covers 1,021 2015-2021 Peterbilt 320 and 520 vehicles with right-hand, stand-up drive configurations. The steering column support structure can crack or break, and Peterbilt dealers will inspect and reinforce the column structure for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2021 Peterbilt 320 or 520 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V004. If it is, contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer and reference recall number 21V004 or Peterbilt recall 21PBA. Ask whether the inspection and steering-column support repair is open for your VIN.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Peterbilt dealers will inspect the steering column support structure, replace cracked parts, and add the required support brackets free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of steering control if the steering column loosens from the mounting structure. That condition can affect steering and increase crash risk. If the steering feels loose or abnormal, stop using the truck and call a franchised Peterbilt dealer before moving it.
When were owners notified about recall 21V004?
Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2021. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 or a franchised Peterbilt dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V004000 |
|---|---|
| Peterbilt customer service | 1-940-591-4220 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V004 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V004000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →