AI Damage2021 Peterbilt 535: common problems
The maker issued 12 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 12
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- "Kenworth
Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes. 2 chassis added to the chassis list. Peterbilt: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes. 10 chassis added to the…
- "KW
A new recommended repair has been added to verify the software level and close the campaign in SIR.The repair procedure has been updated with additional note boxes for clear instructions. PB: The repair procedure has…
- Troubleshooting procedures for 2.1m cab power windows are now available
- The Parts section has been updated to clarify that freight charges for safety recall orders should not be…
The Parts section has been updated to clarify that freight charges for safety recall orders should not be passed on to the end customer.
- The right-hand shift stalk may have an improper wire harness terminal crimp within the wire harness connector
Loss of communication between the right-hand shift stalk and the vehicle may result in the vehicle being disabled after it comes to a stop, thereby increasing the risk of crash or injury. A warning will appear on the…
- As of 03/25/2025, this campaign has resumed
Software updates are now available to complete this campaign.
- Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting…
Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting issues. A new Starter Troubleshooting Guide has been created to provide a comprehensive list of starting system…
- Information Only New tools are required to support PACCAR TX-8 / ZF transmissions
Part numbers E0l-1012 (Adapter, Jack TX-8), E0l-1014 (Front Seal Installer), and E0l-1015 (Rear Seal Installer) are currently available to order
- INTERIM Safety Recall Parts are not currently available for this safety recall
This bulletin will be updated once repair parts are available. The right-hand shift stalk may have an improper wire harness terminal crimp within the wire harness connector. Loss of communication between the right-hand…
- Info Only - PACCAR is introducing Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for engine MY17 and newer chassis…
Info Only - PACCAR is introducing Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for engine MY17 and newer chassis equipped with Cummins X15, X12, ISX12, ISX12N, L9N, PX-7, and PX-9 engines The technology will leverage the…
- The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures
- chassis with a PACCAR TX-8 transmission without cruise control may have active transmission faults 86-2…
chassis with a PACCAR TX-8 transmission without cruise control may have active transmission faults 86-2 and 595-2. These faults do not affect the operation of the transmission and can be ignored.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Peterbilt 535?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 12 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 Peterbilt 535?
NHTSA lists 12 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Peterbilt 535 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2021 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.