1998 Peterbilt 379 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1998 Peterbilt 379 — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other 379 years?

379 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 379 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Peterbilt 379 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	3	50%	▲ up
Suspension	2	33%	new
Brakes	1	17%	— flat

Does the 1998 Peterbilt 379 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V125000SuspensionApril 1, 2003 · 154 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRUCK HUB UNITS MANUFACTURED BY SKF EXCLUSIVELY FOR USE ON ARVINMERITOR'S FF98X SERIES NON-DRIVE STEER AXLES, THE HUB UNIT BEARINGS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.

Consequence

SEIZURE OF THE BEARINGS CAN CAUSE WHEEL SEPARATION OR WHEEL END FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FRONT AXLE HUBS. NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 16, 2003. THE MANUFACTURER HAS ADVISED US THAT PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITH A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201 OR KENWORTH 425-828-5440.

99V181001Electrical SystemJuly 9, 1999 · 272 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR ENGINES AND EATON AUTOSHIFT TRANSMISSIONS. THE ENGINES CAN STALL BECAUSE OF SOFTWARE PROBLEMS.

Consequence

INCREASED STEERING EFFORT CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL UPDATE THESE ENGINES WITH SOFTWARE CHANGES. CATERPILLAR IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THIS RECALL.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING THE FAULTY FUEL LINE ROUTING AND ENGINE WIRING SPARKED CAUSING A FIRE WITHOUT WARNING PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 00V-029 (EQUIPPED WITH 1998 CATERPILLAR 3406E ENGINES). NLM”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 2, 1999 · fire

“I'VE HAD THE TRUCK IN THE SHOP FOUR TIMES TO FIX THE SAME PROBLEM AN IS STILL NOT FIXED.AT THE TIME IT WAS VERY DANGROUS THE PROBLUM IS A LITTLE BIT FIXED BUT , I WENT IN THERE TO BUY A NEW TRUCK AN I GOT A TRUCK THAT LEANS TO RIGHT TIRES GOING BAD I'VE PUT TWO SET'S OF STEARING TIRES ON BEEN IN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 5, 1998

“I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START. WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH PACCAR FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS NOW. MY HUSBANDS TRUCK, LISTED ON THE INCLUDED FORM, WAS ALMOST BRAND NEW WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNT BEYOND REPAIR. WE HAVE RECENTLY HIRED A LAYWER TO HELP US IN THIS CASE. THAT IS WHY I DON'T WANT YOU TO NOTIFY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 7, 1998 · fire

1998 Peterbilt 379 — common questions

Is the 1998 Peterbilt 379 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Peterbilt 379 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 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.

How does 1998 compare to other 379 years?

What are the most common 1998 Peterbilt 379 problems?

Does the 1998 Peterbilt 379 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1998 Peterbilt 379 — common questions

Is the 1998 Peterbilt 379 reliable?

Does the 1998 Peterbilt 379 have recalls?

Related