Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2004 Peterbilt 330 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
3
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1 | 33% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 33% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 33% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS BUILT WITH CUMMINS ISC AND ISL ENGINES, PLUGS WERE ASSEMBLED INCORRECTLY CREATING STRESS AND CRACKS WHICH COULD CAUSE AN OIL LEAK.
Consequence
THIS OIL LEAKAGE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IGNITE AND CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
CUMMINS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND ARRANGE FOR INSTALLATION OF A STEEL CUP PLUG BOSS CAP. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C7 OR 3126E 2002 ENGINES AND HORTON FAN HUBS, THE FAN HUB MOUNTING BOLTS CAN FAIL RESULTING IN THE HUB AND FAN ASSEMBLY SEPARATING FROM THE ENGINE. THIS LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD CAUSES UNWANTED VIBRATION IN THE ASSEMBLY THAT LEADS TO BOLT FAILURE.
Consequence
IF THE BOLTS FAIL, THE COMPLETE HUB AND FAN ASSEMBLY COULD SEPARATE FROM THE ENGINE RESULTING IN EQUIPMENT DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL ADD A RIGID SPACER ACROSS THE TWO LOWER MOUNTING HOLES OF THE FAN HUB TO MAINTAIN THE CLAMPING FORCE AND REPLACE ALL THE BOLTS AND WASHERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4201.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DT: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS AN ENGINE PROBLEM (NO POWER) THAT THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO LOCATE. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER. THE OTHER DEALER PUT THE VEHICLE ON A DYNO-METER AND INDICATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE…”
“DT: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS AN ENGINE PROBLEM (NO POWER) THAT THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO LOCATE. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER. THE OTHER DEALER PUT THE VEHICLE ON A DYNO-METER AND INDICATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE…”
“DT: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS AN ENGINE PROBLEM (NO POWER) THAT THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO LOCATE. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER. THE OTHER DEALER PUT THE VEHICLE ON A DYNO-METER AND INDICATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE…”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Peterbilt 330. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.