1998 Peterbilt 379
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 1999 | 5 |
| 2000 | 12 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 7 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING THE FAULTY FUEL LINE ROUTING AND ENGINE WIRING SPARKED CAUSING A FIRE WITHOUT WARNING PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 00V-029 (EQUIPPED WITH 1998 CATERPILLAR 3406E ENGINES). NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20010502
1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED WITH THIS COMPLAINT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100223
1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes, air.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START. WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH PACCAR FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS NOW. MY HUSBANDS TRUCK, LISTED ON THE INCLUDED FORM, WAS ALMOST BRAND NEW WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNT BEYOND REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000324
1 of 6 total reports mentions: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MAIN POWER LINE RUBBED AGAINST THE FUEL LINE, CAUSING AND ELECTRIC STATIC AND SPARKED A FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990908
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FRONT AXLE HUBS. NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 16, 2003. THE MANUFACTURER HAS ADVISED US THAT PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO
Campaign 03V125000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR ENGINES AND EATON AUTOSHIFT TRANSMISSIONS. THE ENGINES CAN STALL BECAUSE OF SOFTWARE PROBLEMS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THESE ENGINES WITH SOFTWARE CHANGES. CATERPILLAR IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THIS RECALL.
Campaign 99V181001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Peterbilt 379 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V181001 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V125000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 Peterbilt 379 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Peterbilt 379?
The most-reported component is electrical system:wiring:front underhood, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Peterbilt 379 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.