VehicleVerdict

2002 Peterbilt 379 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2002 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other 379 years?

379 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted18 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 1 complaints1994: 1 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 9 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 6 complaints2000: 18 complaints2001: 9 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 7 complaints2006: 2 complaints2007: 7 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints
379 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 379 years to avoid →

Does the 2002 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.

02V241001BrakesSeptember 10, 2002 · 3,158 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX TC-7 TRAILER CONTROL HAND-OPERATED VALVE WITH PUSH-TO-CONNECT FITTINGS. THE DELIVERY PORT IN THE VALVE BODY MAY BE PARTIALLY BLOCKED DUE TO A PROBLEM DURING THE MOLDING PROCESS.

Consequence

SUCH BLOCKAGE MAY SLOW THE DELIVERY AND EXHAUST OF AIR TO AND FROM THE TRAILER BRAKES WHEN THEY ARE OPERATED BY THIS HAND-OPERATED TRAILER CONTROL VALVE.

Remedy

PACCAR WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE HAND VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.

2002 Peterbilt 379 — common questions

Is the 2002 Peterbilt 379 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Peterbilt 379 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Peterbilt 379. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.