Peterbilt Class 8

Peterbilt 579

Truck tractor • Production 2012–present

Day cab, 58-inch sleeper, 72-inch sleeper, 80-inch sleeper Long haul, regional, dedicated lanes, owner-operator

In production

Class

Class 8

Type

Truck tractor

Production

2012–present

GVWR

33,000-80,000 lb (combined)

About the Peterbilt 579

The Peterbilt Model 579 is Peterbilt's modern aerodynamic Class 8 highway tractor, introduced in 2012 to replace the older Model 387. The 579 is offered in day cab, 58-inch, 72-inch, and 80-inch sleeper configurations. The 2022 model year introduced the '579 EPIQ' refresh with improved aerodynamics, new dash with 15-inch digital display, and updated active safety. PACCAR MX-13 engine is standard, with Cummins X15 available. Peterbilt fit-and-finish is widely regarded as the best among aerodynamic Class 8 trucks.

Overview

Specifications

Manufacturer: Peterbilt
Class: Class 8
Vehicle type: Truck tractor
Cab type: Day cab, 58-inch sleeper, 72-inch sleeper, 80-inch sleeper
Production years: 2012–present
Applications: Long haul, regional, dedicated lanes, owner-operator
Typical engines: PACCAR MX-13, Cummins X15
Typical transmissions: Eaton Endurant, PACCAR TX-12 AMT, Eaton manual options
GVWR range: 33,000-80,000 lb (combined)

Design and engineering

The 579 features Peterbilt's signature smooth, rounded aerodynamic styling — distinct from the more angular Freightliner Cascadia or Kenworth T680. The cab is mounted on air-ride suspension for driver comfort. Interior fit-and-finish is the best in the industry — Peterbilt uses higher-grade plastics, real metal trim, and a tighter dash assembly than competitors. The 2022 EPIQ refresh updated the dash with a 15-inch digital cluster and added a 12-inch infotainment screen. The 80-inch sleeper offers full stand-up height with a king-size bed and refrigerator-microwave-cabinet combo.

Generations and major changes

Original 579

2012–2021

Original aerodynamic design replacing Model 387

579 EPIQ

2022–present

15-inch digital dash, 12-inch infotainment, improved aerodynamics, Bendix Wingman Fusion safety suite

Market position and popularity

Peterbilt 579 is the #2 owner-operator choice (behind the Model 389 long-hood) and a popular fleet choice for premium fleets like Boyd Bros, Mesilla Valley, and CFI. Resale values are 8-12% higher than comparably-spec'd Cascadias. The 579 is particularly popular with mid-size fleets (10-100 trucks) that prioritize driver retention through better truck quality.

Who buys this truck

Premium owner-operators willing to pay extra for better truck quality and resale value. Mid-size fleets (10-100 trucks) using driver retention as recruiting advantage. Specialty haulers (heavy-haul, oilfield) that need premium components.

Common problems and reliability notes

PACCAR MX-13 EGR cooler failures around 400K-600K miles ($2,000-4,000 replacement). DEF/SCR system issues (similar to all 2010+ EPA diesels). Dash plastic squeaks and rattles on early 2012-2015 model years (improved on 2018+). Cab air-ride bushings wear at 400K-500K miles.

Pros and cons

✓ Pros

• Best fit-and-finish among aerodynamic Class 8 trucks
• Strong resale value
• PACCAR engine reliability has improved significantly since 2020
• Premium driver experience improves retention
• Distinctive styling (driver preference)

⚠ Cons

• Higher acquisition cost than comparable Cascadia (5-10%)
• PACCAR MX-13 has known EGR cooler failures at high mileage
• Smaller dealer network than Freightliner
• PACCAR engine parts pricing is high

Recalls and complaints by model year

Browse recalls and complaints by model year:

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Links
2026	1	1	Recalls Complaints
2024	2	3	Recalls Complaints
2023	2	3	Recalls Complaints
2022	4	7	Recalls Complaints
2021	2	1	Recalls Complaints
2020	2	2	Recalls Complaints
2019	1	2	Recalls Complaints
2018	4	6	Recalls Complaints
2017	8	2	Recalls Complaints
2016	4	3	Recalls Complaints
2015	0	4	Complaints
2014	2	2	Recalls Complaints
2013	7	1	Recalls Complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Peterbilt 579?

What years was the Peterbilt 579 produced?

Peterbilt 579 production started in 2012. The model remains in production today. There have been 2 distinct generations or major updates during this production run, each with significant changes in styling, engines, or features. Both new and used Peterbilt 579 trucks are commonly available.

What engines come in the Peterbilt 579?

Peterbilt 579 trucks typically come with one of these engines: PACCAR MX-13, Cummins X15. All are 6-cylinder inline diesel engines, ranging from 11-16 liter displacement. Engine choice depends on application (long-haul, regional, vocational) and buyer preference. Each engine choice has different reliability, fuel economy, and parts/service ecosystem implications — see our engine guides at /resources/guides/ for deeper comparisons.

Is the Peterbilt 579 reliable?

Like all commercial diesels, the Peterbilt 579 has known issue patterns: PACCAR MX-13 EGR cooler failures around 400K-600K miles ($2,000-4,000 replacement). DEF/SCR system issues (similar to all 2010+ EPA diesels). Dash plastic squeaks and rattles on early 2012-2015 model years (improved on 2018+). Cab air-ride bushings w… For full known-issue details and the recall/complaint history broken down by model year, see the dedicated sections on this page.

Who is the typical Peterbilt 579 buyer?

What are the most common Peterbilt 579 recalls and complaints?

Open NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the Peterbilt 579 vary by model year. See the table above for year-by-year breakdown with direct links to the recall and complaint detail pages. Common patterns across all years include DEF/SCR aftertreatment issues (on 2010+ models), EGR cooler failures at high mileage, and turbocharger boost-pressure faults — these affect most modern commercial diesels, not just this model.

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