Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1996 Peterbilt 379 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
2
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 100% | ▲ up |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DESIGN LEVEL 1, ROCKWELL FF980 SERIES FRONT AXLE. THE FRONT AXLE HUB FLANGE CAN DEVELOP CRACKS DUE TO HIGH STRESS LEVELS.
Consequence
CRACKS IN A HUB FLANGE CAN RESULT IN A WHEEL SEPARATION.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE FRONT HUBS WITH AN IMPROVED DESIGN LEVEL 2 HUB.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“BRIDGESTONE, BSR 25, DOT UNKNOWN, 11R245, REPLACEMENT TIRE WITH 10,000 MILES ON A 1996, PETERBUILT, 379. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT LEFT TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION, NO TREAD WAS LEFT ON TIRE.*AK ”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Peterbilt 379. 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.