RoadVitals

2005 Peterbilt 379

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
7
Latest Jun 29, 2011
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Nov 25, 2013
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

Overview

Our database contains 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Peterbilt 379, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and powertrain (other) categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 13 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine228.6%
  • Fuel system228.6%
  • Powertrain (other)228.6%
  • Tires & wheels114.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
13V593000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Nov 25, 2013
561 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
PACCAR IncorporatedManufacturer number 1113-FView on NHTSA.gov
08V099000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SLACK ADJUSTERS

Mar 4, 2008
130 units potentially affected
The defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING 130 MY 2005-2007 KENWORTH C500, T800, W900, AND PETERBILT MODELS 357 AND 379 TRACTOR TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH FABCO SLACK ADJUSTERS ON SISU AXLES. THE SLACK ADJUSTERS MAY FAIL AS A RESULT OF A FATIGUE CRACK RENDERING THE SLACK ADJUSTER INOPERATIVE. THIS COULD REDUCE BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS.
The risk: REDUCTION IN BRAKING CAPACITY COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SLACK ADJUSTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
PACCAR INCORPORATEDManufacturer number 08KW2 & 208CView on NHTSA.gov
07V044000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Feb 12, 2007
18 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN NON-ABS EQUIPPED TRUCKS, AN AIR HOSE BETWEEN THE TRACTOR PROTECTION VALVE AND THE BACK OF THE CAB BULKHEAD WAS OMITTED.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
PACCAR INCORPORATEDManufacturer number 107BView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jun 29, 2011
Fire reported

2005 PETERBILT 379, UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING EASTBOUND ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE IN THE MIDDLE LANE WHEN HIS TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HOOD NEAR THE ENGINE. UNIT 1 THEN DROVE TO THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE SHOULDER WHERE HE PUT THE FIRE OUT. *BF OIL LEAKED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0302-90)*JB

NHTSA ID
10409964
Incident
May 6, 2011
Engine
Filed Feb 17, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PETERBILT CONVENTIONAL 379. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAN HUB WAS FRACTURED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS EARLIER, THE FAN HUB WAS REPLACED BUT BECAME FRACTURED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BEING REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 490,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ID
10383040
Incident
Feb 1, 2009
Mileage
200,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jul 26, 2010

2005 PETERBUILT 379, UNIT 2 HAD A BLOWOUT ON THE TRAILER. DEBRIS FROM THE FAILURE STRUCK UNIT 1 CAUSING DAMAGE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0359-91)*JB UPDATED 08/06/10 *BF

NHTSA ID
10345509
Incident
Jun 20, 2010
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 22, 2010

2005 PETERBILT 379 CONVENTIONAL, DRIVE SHAFT BROKE FROM TRUCK ONTO THE ROADWAY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK IT. *BF OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0279-90 UPDATED 05/03/10 *BF

NHTSA ID
10321932
Incident
Feb 9, 2009
Fuel system
Filed Jan 28, 2010
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PETERBILT 379 TRACTOR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE DISPLAYED FLUCTUATED READINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE IN OPERATION. SUDDENLY, THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN MASSIVE FLAMES. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 350,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/16/10. *LJ

NHTSA ID
10303048
Incident
Sep 9, 2007
Mileage
350,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 17, 2008
Fire reported

2005 PETERBILT 379 CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER HEARD A HISSING NOISE AND PULLED OVER AND NOTICE THE TIRES WERE ON FIRE. *NJ THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DRIVE AXLES. OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT # 10-0196-89 UPDATED 04/15/10 *BF

NHTSA ID
10231773
Incident
May 16, 2008
Fuel system
Filed Apr 18, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, FUEL LEAKED FROM THE FUEL TANK. THERE WERE NO OBVIOUS ROAD HAZARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID
10155615
Incident
Apr 18, 2006
Mileage
101,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

1210F

POWER TRAIN

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.

02-160

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Information Only – Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.

32-015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

11-001

POWER TRAIN

Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.

32-016

EQUIPMENT

Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage.

34-085

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Peterbilt 379 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2021000—
2016010—
2015010—
2014010—
2013020—
2012020—
2011020—
2010020—
2009051—
2008092—
2007694—
2006271—
2005Viewing760—
2004140—
2003350—
2002020—
2001640—
2000126047.6
1999560—
1998620—
1997400—
1996210—
1995300—
1994100—
1992100—
1991100—
1988010—
1987020—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.