Peterbilt 579 Reliability
53 NHTSA complaints (2013–2026). Complaint rate: 460.9 per 1,000 vehicles.
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: The 2018 Peterbilt 579 had a notable spike in NHTSA complaints. Other years had typical complaint volumes. Most common issue across all years: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
No years stand out as significantly better.
Too New
Need 3+ years on the road for reliable complaint data.
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Peterbilt 579 Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 9 | 0.0% |
| POWER TRAIN | 9 | 0.0% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 7 | 0.0% |
| STEERING | 5 | 0.0% |
| SUSPENSION | 4 | 0.0% |
| TIRES | 3 | 33.3% |
| ENGINE | 2 | 0.0% |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 2 | 0.0% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 | 0.0% |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2 | 0.0% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 5 | 0 | — | View 2014View→ |
| 2015AVOID | — | 6 | 0 | 2 | View 2015View→ |
| 2016 | — | 4 | 0 | — | View 2016View→ |
| 2017 | — | 3 | 1 | 2 | View 2017View→ |
| 2018AVOID | — | 12 | 0 | 3 | View 2018View→ |
| 2019 | — | 4 | 0 | — | View 2019View→ |
| 2020 | — | 4 | 0 | — | View 2020View→ |
| 2022AVOID | — | 6 | 0 | — | View 2022View→ |
| 2023 | — | 3 | 0 | — | View 2023View→ |
| 2024TOO NEW | — | 3 | 0 | — | View 2024View→ |
See also: Peterbilt 579accident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
Buying a Peterbilt 579?
Check the specific VIN for hidden accidents, title issues, and full vehicle history — just $4.99.
Check VIN Free