2004 Peterbilt 379 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Dec 2, 2013 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 379 years
Not enough data 12th of 22 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2004 Peterbilt 379. That ranks 12th out of 22 379 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 753,429 miles. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2004 Peterbilt 379 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~753,429 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine and Engine Cooling1100%753,429——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

2004 Peterbilt 379 recalls (4)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Equipment:other:labelsNov 25, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V593000 · 561 vehicles

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, airFeb 12, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V044000 · 18 vehicles

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.

EquipmentJul 13, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V251000 · 40 vehicles

Problem: On certain trucks, when using a cummins electronic icon service tool 2.2, an unintended engine start will occur.

Risk: Given the purpose and functionality of this service tool, this series of events would only occur in a service facility and could pose a hazard if the truck were to unexpectedly move or the engine to start without any warning, possibly causing personal injury.

Fix: Cummins is conducting this recall (please see 06e063000) and will replace the icon service tool 2.2 with a new icon service tool 2.3 free of charge. Owners may contact cummins at 1-800-343-7357 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4201.

Engine and engine coolingDec 22, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V570000 · 30,995 vehicles

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.

While driving at 70mph in sub freezing temperatures and at operating temperatures, the horton fan hub came off and into the radiator. My wife was driving at the time and i was in the sleeper cabin. There was no audible noise when the hub failed. She saw a lot of steam or smoke and first thought the…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Feb 17, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10312068

Other Peterbilt 379 years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Peterbilt 379?

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 379?

Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2004 Peterbilt 379 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 379 model years, the 2004 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.