Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 Peterbilt Conventional Series — 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
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON SOME VEHICLES, THE RECTANGULAR HEAD LAMPS ARE WIRED INCORRECTLY, WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH FOUR HEAD LIGHTS.
Remedy
ALL TRUCKS CONTAINING AN INCORRECT HARNESS WILL HAVE THE CONNECTOR REWIRED TO CORRECT THE OPERATION OF THE HEAD LAMPS.
Defect
THE STEERING POWER CYLINDER CLAMPS MAY CRACK WHEN TIGHTENED.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING POWER CLAMPS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
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.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Peterbilt Conventional Series. 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.