Peterbilt 379 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 57 owner complaints and 31 safety recalls on file for the Peterbilt 379, across 22 model years (1995–2016). The 2000 model year has the most complaints (12). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
Peterbilt 379 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 379 year: 2000. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2000 379: 12 complaints, 6 recalls
- 2005 379: 7 complaints, 6 recalls
- 2007 379: 6 complaints, 9 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Peterbilt 379 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 10 | 7 | 0 |
| Power Train | 8 | 5 | 1 |
| Suspension | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Tires | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Peterbilt 379 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 379 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2015 379 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2014 379 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2013 379 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2012 379 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2011 379 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2010 379 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2009 379 | 0 | 5 | — | — | |
| 2008 379 | 0 | 9 | — | — | |
| 2007 379 | 6 | 9 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2006 379 | 2 | 7 | — | Tires | |
| 2005 379 | 7 | 6 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2004 379 | 1 | 4 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2003 379 | 3 | 5 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2002 379 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2001 379 | 6 | 4 | — | Suspension | |
| 2000 379 | 12 | 6 | — | Latches/locks/linkages | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1999 379 | 5 | 6 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1998 379 | 6 | 2 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1997 379 | 4 | 0 | — | Fuel/propulsion System | |
| 1996 379 | 2 | 1 | — | Tires | |
| 1995 379 | 3 | 0 | — | Electrical System |
More from Peterbilt: all Peterbilt models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Peterbilt 379 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2000 (12) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 379 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Peterbilt 379?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 10 complaints across 7 model years.
How many recalls does the Peterbilt 379 have?
31 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.