2003 Peterbilt 379 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Wheels:lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs (1) · Fuel System, Diesel:storage:tank Assembly (1) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (13)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-09-11 · P001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"kenworth: dealers should check the chassis list and sir weekly for vin changes. 2 chassis added to the chassis list. peterbilt: dealers should check the chassis list and sir weekly for vin changes. 10 chassis added to the chassis list."
Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer 2021-02-10 · 02-160 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only â windshield washer pumps have a high no trouble found rate. washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
Electrical System 2020-06-08 · 32-015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only: this bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure the appropriate tests for battery warranty are performed in order to prevent battery warranty claims filed with incorrect or incomplete information.
Power Train 2020-05-29 · 11-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only: hendrickson softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.
Equipment 2020-03-17 · 32-016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only: proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage.
Engine And Engine Cooling 2019-11-06 · 01-075 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only: this bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal failure of the a/c compressor.
Showing the 6 most recent of 13 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2005-06-03 · Fuel System, Diesel:storage:tank Assembly“i bought a 2003 peterbilt 379 truck with a split tank in november 2002. since brand new the truck never ran right, even the oil samples performed on the truck showed something was not right. i took it back many times to the dealership only to be told nothing was wrong. the dealership sent me to the caterpillar dealership because it was a cat engine…”
2003-04-29 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine“when engaged the vehicle ran for approximately 15-30 seconds then stalled. the consumer then had to manually utilize the "hand primer valve" in order to restart the vehicle. the dealer has advised that since diagnostic testing equipment did not showing any issues, problem did not exist. the motor was manufactured by catapult, serial no. 69z70080…”
2002-08-15 · Wheels:lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs“while traveling on highway saw grease leaking from underneath the vehicle. left front wheel was leaking. manufacturer was aware of problem.*ak…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.