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2003 Peterbilt 379Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2003 Peterbilt 379, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 12, 2007. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Peterbilt 379 has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling10
Fuel system, diesel10
Wheels10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

2003 Peterbilt 379 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Service brakes, air

Recall 07V-044 · Feb 12, 2007 · 18 vehicles

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,…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Spindle: arm

Recall 03V-410 · Oct 20, 2003 · 1,187 vehicles

Risk. IF THE CRACK SHOULD PROPAGATE OVER TIME, THE BALL COULD BECOME LOOSE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Service brakes, air: slack adjusters

Recall 03V-343 · Sep 15, 2003 · 111 vehicles

Risk. IF THE LEFT BRAKE CANNOT FULLY BE APPLIED OR IF IT WERE TO BECOME STUCK AND NOT RELEASE, THIS COULD AFFECT THE VEHILCE STOPPING DISTANCE AND STABILITY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Power train: axle hubs

Recall 03V-288 · Aug 6, 2003 · 132 vehicles

Risk. FAILURE TO PROPERLY ENGAGE THE LOCKING FEATURE INTO THE NUT COULD CAUSE THE NUT TO LOOSEN WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE WHEEL BEARING TO OVER HEAT AND FAIL…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall
–no report yet

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly

Recall 03V-168 · May 5, 2003 · 483 vehicles

Risk. IF LEFT UNDETECTED OR CORRECTED IT COULD LEAD TO THE SEPARATION OF THE FIFTH WHEEL TOP PLATE FROM ITS MOUNTING STRUCTURE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Peterbilt.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other 379 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 379 median. How we score

'87'88'91'92'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 379 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHEN ENGAGED THE VEHICLE RAN FOR APPROXIMATELY 15-30 SECONDS THEN STALLED. THE CONSUMER THEN HAD TO MANUALLY UTILIZE THE "HAND PRIMER VALVE" IN ORDER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS ADVISED THAT SINCE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING EQUIPMENT DID NOT SHOWING ANY ISSUES, PROBLEM DID NOT EXIST. THE MOTOR…
Complaint 10017732 · Apr 29, 2003

Own a 2003 379?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.