Recall 23V423 affects 4,967 2021-2023 Peterbilt 579 trucks for alternator cable chafing. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
Peterbilt is recalling 4,967 2021-2023 579 trucks equipped with MX-13 engines and 160-amp alternators because a front spring bracket fastener can chafe the alternator positive cable. A damaged cable increases the risk of a fire, and Peterbilt dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The alternator cable on the 2021-2023 Peterbilt 579 with an MX-13 engine and 160-amp alternator carries electrical current from the alternator to the truck's charging system. It is a heavy power cable, so it needs clearance from brackets, bolt heads, and frame hardware as the cab and chassis move during normal operation.
On affected trucks, the positive alternator cable was routed too close to the left-hand front spring bracket top rear fastener. In some builds, that fastener was installed with its head on the outside of the frame rail, leaving too little space for the cable. Contact between the bolt head and cable insulation can rub through the protective covering. Once the conductor is exposed, the cable can short and damage the electrical system or start an under-hood fire.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is the cable's position against nearby frame hardware, so an owner should not expect a dashboard light, sound, or drivability change before the cable is damaged.
Who's affected?
Includes the 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years, all tied to the same positive alternator cable in the electrical system.
| 2022 Peterbilt 579 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Peterbilt 579 | electrical system |
| 2023 Peterbilt 579 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 4,967 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the list, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged alternator cable raises the risk of a fire. There is no warning sign before failure, so treat this recall as a repair to schedule soon once your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2023 Peterbilt 579 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule the free frame-fastener replacement and alternator-cable securing repair that fixes the cable chafing risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Peterbilt mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V423 when you call.
- Drive only as needed until the repair is complete, since a damaged alternator cable increases the risk of a fire.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Peterbilt technician replaces the frame fastener and secures the alternator positive cable so the fastener cannot chafe the cable. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you paid before receiving the recall notice for a repair tied to this fastener or alternator cable problem, PACCAR's general reimbursement plan covers documented costs. Bring the repair invoice and proof of payment to the Peterbilt service desk or contact Peterbilt customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 13, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 13, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 11, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| August 11, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 11, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 11, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V423?
Recall 23V423 covers 4,967 2021-2023 Peterbilt 579 vehicles with MX-13 engines and 160-amp alternators. A front spring bracket fastener was installed in a position that can chafe the alternator positive cable, and a damaged cable increases fire risk.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Peterbilt 579 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 23V423. If it is, contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule the repair. The dealer will replace the frame fastener and secure the alternator cable for free. Reference Peterbilt recall number 23PBD when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Peterbilt dealers will replace the frame fastener and secure the alternator cable free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The misplaced fastener can rub against and damage the alternator positive cable. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair and ask the service desk whether the truck needs special handling before the appointment.
When were owners notified about recall 23V423?
Owner notification letters were scheduled for August 11, 2023. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, check your VIN instead of relying on mail history. You can also call Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 23PBD.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V423000 |
|---|---|
| Peterbilt customer service | 1-940-591-4220 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V423 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V423000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →