1999 Peterbilt 379 Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Peterbilt 379 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1999 Peterbilt 379. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by fuel system (2) and steering (1). Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 9 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling2 40%
- Fuel system2 40%
- Steering1 20%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Vehicle fire ignited in engine compartment. While driving the driver noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The driver pulled the vehicle over and drifted about 1/2 mile with the engine off. The consumer exited the vehicle and saw flames under the engine area. The driver retrieved a fire extinguished and attempted to put out the fire but was unsuccessful. The cab of the semi sustained heavy fire, smoke and water damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10052201, filed 2003-12Fuel system: “I own a 1999 Peterbilt 379 with less than 700,000 miles. Today I had to replace a fuel tank strap that broke. Based on the age of the truck, it appears to me that it is a little premature to be replacing a strap, especially on something as critical as a fuel tank. I have also read there is a problem with the steering linkage, however I have never received any recall notice from Peterbilt or anyone else. What do I need to look for to see if it applies to my truck?”
NHTSA complaint #10016372, filed 2003-04Steering: “There is an inch of dead play in the steering wheel. Consumer has to turn the steering wheel an ich one way to get it to start turning in the opposite direction. This causes no control of the vehicle when driving at high speed. The dealer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #854235, filed 1999-12Transmission and drivetrain: “The crankshaft broke when slowing for a scale house, leaving the truck disabled. The truck was towed to a shop. The cluch and transmission input shaft had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10074269, filed 2004-05Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 03V125000Apr 1, 2003Suspension › Front › HubCovers: Peterbilt 379 1998–2002, 387 1998–2002, 357 1998–2002 +5 more
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.
- 02V037003Jul 15, 2002Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assemblyCovers: Peterbilt 379 1999–2000, Kenworth T800 1999–2000, W900 1999–2000 +10 more
Heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain arvinmeritor and dana axles. Peterbilt will recall 1,434 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor axles manufactured from december 11, 1999, to may 14, 2000, and from july 22 to september 30, 2000…
- 01V140006Aug 28, 2001Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assemblyCovers: Peterbilt 379 1999–2000, Kenworth T800 1999–2000, W900 1999–2000 +10 more
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain meritor axles. The tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness.
- 01V179000Jun 5, 2001Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LatchCovers: Peterbilt 379 1999–2001, 357 1999–2001, 330 1999–2001 +2 more
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. A change in the internal linkage of certain cab doors has created a possible binding condition.
- 01V044005Mar 1, 2001Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assemblyCovers: Peterbilt 379 1999, Kenworth T800 1999, W900 1999 +11 more
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with tie rod assemblies manufactured by trw. The suspect tie rods contain 24-dl model ball sockets. Certain of the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below-specification case depth and/or hardness, which can…
- 99V181001Jul 9, 1999Electrical system › Ignition › ModuleCovers: Peterbilt 379 1998–1999, Kenworth W900 1998–1999, T800 1998–1999 +5 more
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar engines and eaton autoshift transmissions. The engines can stall because of software problems.
Recall details for the 1999 Peterbilt 379 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 9 on record; the latest 9 are shown.
- 10188550Feb 10, 2021Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Equipment. Information Only â Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
- 10177021Jun 8, 2020Electrical system. 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…
- 10176033May 29, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.
- 10173205Mar 17, 2020Equipment. Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage.
- 10168703Nov 6, 2019Engine cooling. Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal failure of the A/C compressor.
- 10162392Jun 10, 2019Electrical system. Information Only - Quick Reference Guide for Electric harness damage repairs.
- 10159674Apr 8, 2019Equipment. Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion.
- 10154733Jan 4, 2019Electrical system. Information: Bendix ACOM Software version 6.16.5.0 for diagnostics may introduce an unrecoverable error. Notice to dealers to replace this version with older software version until Bendix introduces…
- 10143649Jul 23, 2018Electrical system. Information - Recommended Practices for Updating ESA Software
Other model years of the Peterbilt 379
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 6 | 267,009 | 9 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 7 | 200,000 | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 6 | — | 4 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 12 | — | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 5 | — | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 6 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Peterbilt 379 have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1999 Peterbilt 379 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Peterbilt 379 is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by fuel system with 2.
Has the 1999 Peterbilt 379 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.