2005 Peterbilt 379 Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 200,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Peterbilt 379 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2005 Peterbilt 379. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 2 complaints (29% of the total), followed by fuel system (2) and transmission and drivetrain (2). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 200,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 14 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 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 29%
- Fuel system2 29%
- Tires1 14%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The contact owns a 2005 Peterbilt conventional 379. The contact noticed that the fan hub was fractured. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified. Approximately two years earlier, the fan hub was replaced but became fractured again. The vehicle was at an authorized dealer being repaired. The current mileages was 490,000 and the failure mileage was 200,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10383040, filed 2011-02, 200,000 milesFuel system: “The contact stated while driving various speeds, fuel leaked from the fuel tank. There were no obvious road hazards. The vehicle was seen by a dealer for inspection. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10155615, filed 2006-04, 101,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “2005 Peterbilt 379 caught fire. Consumer heard a hissing noise and pulled over and notice the tires were on fire. The driver noticed smoke coming from the drive axles. Ohio traffic report # 10-0196-89 updated 04/15/10”
NHTSA complaint #10231773, filed 2008-06Tires: “2005 peterbuilt 379, unit 2 had a blowout on the trailer. Debris from the failure struck unit 1 causing damage. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0359-91) updated 08/06/10”
NHTSA complaint #10345509, filed 2010-07Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 101,000 and 350,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 13V593000Nov 25, 2013Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Peterbilt 379 2004–2013, 378 2004–2013, 386 2004–2013 +4 more
Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) is recalling certain 2004-2013 Peterbilt 379, 357, 378, 367, 388, 365, 389, 385 and 386 trucks manufactured from April 3, 2003, through October 25, 2013 and equipped with tri-drive rear axles and a tag or pusher axle. The…
- 08V099000Mar 4, 2008Service brakes, air › Slack adjustersCovers: Peterbilt 379 2005–2007, Kenworth T800 2005–2007, C500 2005–2007 +2 more
Paccar is recalling 130 my 2005-2007 kenworth c500, t800, w900, and peterbilt models 357 and 379 tractor trailers equipped with fabco slack adjusters on sisu axles. The slack adjusters may fail as a result of a fatigue crack rendering the slack adjuster…
- 07V044000Feb 12, 2007Service brakes, airCovers: Peterbilt 379 2003–2006, 378 2003–2006, 357 2003–2006
On certain non-abs equipped trucks, an air hose between the tractor protection valve and the back of the cab bulkhead was omitted.
- 06V251000Jul 13, 2006EquipmentCovers: Peterbilt 379 2004–2005, 387 2004–2005
On certain trucks, when using a cummins electronic icon service tool 2.2, an unintended engine start will occur.
- 05V570000Dec 22, 2005Engine and engine coolingCovers: Peterbilt 379 2004–2006, Kenworth W900 2004–2006, T2000 2004–2006 +6 more
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.
- 05V189000Apr 28, 2005SuspensionCovers: Peterbilt 379 2005, Kenworth W900 2004–2005, T2000 2004–2005 +6 more
On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the suspension has transverse beam castings that may fracture under normal loads. If a casting breaks when the vehicle is traveling on a roadway there is the potential for pieces of the casting to become projectiles and…
Recall details for the 2005 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. 14 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037541Sep 11, 2026Engine. "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…
- 11009719Oct 1, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. 1210F - SPL 170XL Interaxle Driveline Warranty section has been updated with descriptions of Recommended Repairs and an updated PRWS Claim Coding table has been added.
- 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.
- 10173212Mar 3, 2020Vehicle speed control, Electrical system. Information Only â Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to water intrusion and corrosion in some vehicles.
- 10172036Feb 28, 2020Vehicle speed control, Electrical system. Information Only: Vehicles may have the connector seal on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to sensor corrosion.
- 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.
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 2005 Peterbilt 379 have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 2005 Peterbilt 379 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Peterbilt 379 is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 2 complaints (29% of the total), followed by fuel system with 2.
Has the 2005 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.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 Peterbilt 379 reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 200,000 miles and the middle half falls between 101,000 and 350,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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.