VehicleVerdict

2004 Peterbilt 387 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2004 Peterbilt 387 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other 387 years?

387 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted7 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 2 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 7 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints
387 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 387 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Peterbilt 387 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Latches & Locks1100%

Does the 2004 Peterbilt 387 have recalls?

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

06V251000OtherJuly 13, 2006 · 40 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, WHEN USING A CUMMINS ELECTRONIC ICON SERVICE TOOL 2.2, AN UNINTENDED ENGINE START WILL OCCUR.

Consequence

GIVEN THE PURPOSE AND FUNCTIONALITY OF THIS SERVICE TOOL, THIS SERIES OF EVENTS WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN A SERVICE FACILITY AND COULD POSE A HAZARD IF THE TRUCK WERE TO UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE OR THE ENGINE TO START WITHOUT ANY WARNING, POSSIBLY CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

CUMMINS IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 06E063000) AND WILL REPLACE THE ICON SERVICE TOOL 2.2 WITH A NEW ICON SERVICE TOOL 2.3 FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-343-7357 OR PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4201.

05V570000EngineDecember 22, 2005 · 30,995 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR DIESEL ENGINES, THE VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION OIL LINE MAY WEAR AGAINST THE SHARP EDGE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD IF NOT POSITIONED CORRECTLY.

Consequence

THE OIL LINE MAY BE CUT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSING AN OIL LEAK AND A POSSIBLE FIRE.

Remedy

CATERPILLAR, IN CONJUNCTION WITH PACCAR, WILL BE CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CALL CATERPILLAR AT 309-675-6496, KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440, OR PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.

04V548000SeatsNovember 16, 2004 · 251 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, THE PIVOT BOLTS WHICH HOLD THE SEAT BACK FRAME TO THE SEAT CUSHION FRAME CAN LOOSEN AND POSSIBLY FRACTURE OR DISLODGE, CAUSING THE SEAT BACK TO FAIL TO PROVIDE FULL SUPPORT TO THE DRIVER.

Consequence

A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR SHOULD THE SEAT FALL BACKWARDS DURING USE.

Remedy

GRA-MAG WILL PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH REPAIR KITS WHICH INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTS TO REPAIR THE SEAT. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GRA-MAG AT 614-875-8435 OR PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.

2004 Peterbilt 387 — common questions

Is the 2004 Peterbilt 387 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2004 Peterbilt 387 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Peterbilt 387. 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.