2004 Peterbilt 378 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other 378 years
- Not enough data 1st of 21 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2004 Peterbilt 378. That is the most of any 378 model year in the database (21 years). The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 633,000 miles. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 1owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2004 Peterbilt 378 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 100% | 633,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
2004 Peterbilt 378 recalls (3)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Equipment:other:labels
Problem: Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) is recalling certain 2004-2013 Peterbilt 379, 357, 378, 367, 388, 365, 389, 385 and 386 trucks manufactured from April 3, 2003, through October 25, 2013 and equipped with tri-drive rear axles and a tag or pusher axle. The affected vehicles may be missing required information from the certification label, specifically the tag or pusher axle the gross axle weight rating, suitable tire and rim information, and recommended tire pressure information. Without this information, the vehicles do not comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."
Risk: As a result, the axles may be overloaded or the wrong tires could be installed or the tires could be improperly inflated. All of these issues increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Peterbilt will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the certification labels missing the necessary information. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Customers can contact Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000. Peterbilt's number for this campaign is 1113-F.
Service brakes, air
Problem: On certain non-abs equipped trucks, an air hose between the tractor protection valve and the back of the cab bulkhead was omitted.
Risk: The absence of this air hose could adversely affect the drive axle brake performance while a trailer is being pulled, resulting in longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Peterbilt will inspect the air hose plumbing of the drive axle brake system and make the necessary repairs. The recall began on february 22, 2007. Owners may contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.
Engine and engine cooling
Problem: On certain tractors equipped with caterpillar diesel engines, the variable valve actuation oil line may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not positioned correctly.
Risk: The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.
Fix: Caterpillar, in conjunction with paccar, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309-675-6496, kenworth at 425-828-5440, or peterbilt at 940-591-4201.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) low engine heat and coolant leaking from oil cooler, started on cold day back december 14th 2009, took truck to dealership. Wanted oil cooler resealed and two thermostats replaced. Vehicle has third party…
Other Peterbilt 378 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 378 | 0 | 1 |
| 2015 378 | 0 | 1 |
| 2014 378 | 0 | 1 |
| 2013 378 | 0 | 2 |
| 2012 378 | 0 | 2 |
| 2011 378 | 0 | 2 |
| 2010 378 | 0 | 2 |
| 2009 378 | 0 | 3 |
| 2008 378 | 0 | 6 |
| 2007 378 | 0 | 6 |
| 2006 378 | 1 | 6 |
| 2005 378 | 0 | 5 |
| 2004 | 1 | 3 |
| 2003 378 | 0 | 4 |
| 2002 378 | 0 | 2 |
| 2001 378 | 0 | 5 |
| 2000 378 | 0 | 5 |
| 1999 378 | 0 | 5 |
| 1998 378 | 0 | 3 |
| 1997 378 | 0 | 1 |
| 1996 378 | 1 | 2 |
See all Peterbilt 378 problems by year, every Peterbilt model, or the VIN decoder.
Similar Peterbilt models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Peterbilt 378?
Owners most often report engine and engine cooling problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 1 complaint.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Peterbilt 378?
Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2004 Peterbilt 378 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 378 model years, the 2004 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.