2021 Peterbilt 537: common problems
The maker issued 26 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 26
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- 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…
- The verbiage in the Introduction section has been updated
- "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
- Bogie Crossmember Torque Value Update - Procedure has been updated to correct torque values
- Cummins TSB 210203 has been updated to remove the PACCAR suction side fuel filter part number from Table 1…
Cummins TSB 210203 has been updated to remove the PACCAR suction side fuel filter part number from Table 1 as the filter is no longer compatible.
- 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.
- Safety Recall Updated software and procedures are now available
Certain Vehicle Model Year 2021-2025 Peterbilt chassis configured for trailer towing require a software update for the Bendix EC80 ABS ECU. Software update procedures for certain Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEV) and…
- 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
NHTSA lists 26 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Peterbilt 537?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 26 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 Peterbilt 537?
NHTSA lists 26 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 537 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 2026-11-04.