Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2004 Peterbilt 379, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine and engine cooling1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 40 2004 379 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 3 people died inside them, and 4 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2004 Peterbilt 379 failed the safety check 0.60% of the time — 73% less often than the average 2004 passenger car (2.21%). Median odometer at inspection: 223,304 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Recalls in Canada
4 Transport Canada recalls for the 2004 Peterbilt 379.
| 2020551 12 Nov 2020 | Structure Issue: On certain trucks, the welds that attach the trailer hitch may crack due to improper welding. As a result, the hitch could detach from the truck while … |
| 2013420 26 Nov 2013 | Label On certain trucks manufactured with tri-drive rear axles and a tag or pusher axle, the compliance label may be missing the tag or pusher Gross Axle Weight Ratin… |
| 2009247 19 Aug 2009 | Engine On certain vehicles equipped with a Caterpillar C15 engine, the Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) oil line may wear against the P-clip retaining the oil line. An … |
| 2005402 22 Dec 2005 | Engine On certain vehicles equipped with a Caterpillar engine, the Variable Valve Actuation oil line (VVA line) used on 6 cylinder, 15L turbocharged and air-to-air aft… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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."
ON CERTAIN NON-ABS EQUIPPED TRUCKS, AN AIR HOSE BETWEEN THE TRACTOR PROTECTION VALVE AND THE BACK OF THE CAB BULKHEAD WAS OMITTED.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, WHEN USING A CUMMINS ELECTRONIC ICON SERVICE TOOL 2.2, AN UNINTENDED ENGINE START WILL OCCUR.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Peterbilt told its dealers about the 2004 Peterbilt 379: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11009719 | 1210F - SPL 170XL Interaxle Driveline Warranty section has been updated with descriptions of Recommended Repairs and an updated PRWS Claim Coding table has been added. |
| 10188550 | Information Only Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter. |
| 10177021 | Information Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure the appropriate tests for battery warranty are performed in order to prevent battery warranty claims filed with incorrect or incomplete information. |
| 10176033 | Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements. |
| 10173212 | Information Only Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to water intrusion and corrosion in some vehicles. |
| 10173205 | Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage. |
| 10172036 | Information Only: Vehicles may have the connector seal on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to sensor corrosion. |
| 10168703 | Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal failure of the A/C compressor. |
| 10162392 | Information Only - Quick Reference Guide for Electric harness damage repairs. |
| 10159674 | Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion. |
| 10154733 | Information: Bendix ACOM Software version 6.16.5.0 for diagnostics may introduce an unrecoverable error. Notice to dealers to replace this version with older software version until Bendix introduces new version. |
| 10143649 | Information - Recommended Practices for Updating ESA Software |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)