FaultScore

FaultScore report

2000 Peterbilt 379 problems

Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 2000 Peterbilt 379 with NHTSA between 2000 and 2010. The largest single group is the steering.

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

18

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

How 2000 compares with every other Peterbilt 379

Click any bar to open that year's report.

91 92 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 03 04 05 06 07
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2000 Peterbilt 379

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Doors, Latches & Locks 4 22.2%
Steering 4 22.2%
Body & Structure 3 16.7%
Transmission & Drivetrain 3 16.7%
Suspension 2 11.1%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Brakes 2 11.1%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Mar 2000 peak 5 Jul 2010

Recalls on the 2000 Peterbilt 379

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2001218 244 units in Canada

Steering

Certain 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. This can lead to premature wear with possible separation of the ball stud from the socket, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle. Correction: dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends.

Recall 2001168 11 units in Canada

On certain vehicles equipped with Meritor FG941 front axles and manufactured between August 20, 1996 and April 4, 2001 steer axles the GAWR is overstated on the vehicle certification label. Correction: Dealers will assign the correct weight rating or change the necessary components to meet the currently assigned weight rating.

Recall 2001175 5,786 units in Canada

Structure

On certain vehicles, a change in the internal linkage of cab doors has created a possible binding condition. If the linkage binds, full engagement of the door latch may not occur, allowing the door to open inadvertently. Correction: Dealers will modify the door linkage to correct the potential of binding.

Recall 2001103 86 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, the bolts used to secure the steering shaft can fail. This condition can result in the loss of vehicle control without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the defective bolts.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Augusta, WI Fire

SUSPENSION

2000 PETERBILT 379 UTILITY TRAILER WHEEL BEARING CAUGHT ON FIRE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0205-89)*JB UPDATED 08/05/10 *BF UPDATED 9/1/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE BEARINGS WENT DRY AND STARTED A GREASE FIRE, NOT THE TIRES. UPDATED 09/1/410

NHTSA complaint #10345429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Augusta, WI Fire

SUSPENSION

2000 PETERBILT 379 UTILITY TRAILER WHEEL BEARING CAUGHT ON FIRE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0205-89)*JB UPDATED 08/05/10 *BF UPDATED 9/1/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE BEARINGS WENT DRY AND STARTED A GREASE FIRE, NOT THE TIRES. UPDATED 09/1/410

NHTSA complaint #10345429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Borden, IN

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

THE WELD BETWEEN THE SHAFT HOUSING AND AIR CHAMBER ARM WAS BREAKING. *PH

NHTSA complaint #10063160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Springfield, PA

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

PROBLEMS WITH S CAM BRAKE ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED ON THE TRI AXLE TRUCK. *MR THE PROBLEM WAS COMMON IN OTHER TRUCKS WITH LARGE ENGINES SUCH AS 600 HP AND DANA SPICER DUAL REAR AXLE CONFIGURATION. *SCC

NHTSA complaint #10044683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Grove, PA

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BRAKING SYSTEM OPERATED POORLY. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT ALL FOUR REAR WHEEL BRAKE ASSEMBLIES WERE CRACKED. ELEVEN FAILURES WERE REPORTED WITH THE DEALER WITHIN 22 MONTHS. THE WRITER, JOHN REED DAVIS, A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER WAS RETAINED BY THE CONSUMER. (PETERBILT 379 TRI AXLE DUMP TRUCK WITH S CAM BRAKE ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED ON THE TRI AXLE). *AK *NLM

NHTSA complaint #10044548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Walls, MS

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

POWER STEERING BRACKET BROKE AND WAS REPLACED AT 183467, IT IS BEING REPLACED AGAIN AT 393927, CONSUMER STATES THE BRACKET BROKE AT THE TOP MOUNTING HOLE, CONSUMER FEELS A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED REGARDING THIS PROBLEM INSTEAD OF A SERVICE BULLETIN. *SLC

NHTSA complaint #562632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

NEW Lisbon, WI

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND GOING OVER A POT HOLE IN THE PAVEMENT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR UNEXPECTEDLY OPENED. THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. NLM

NHTSA complaint #8004016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Berwyn, IL

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

VEHICLE IS LEANING TOO MUCH TO THE LEFT.

NHTSA complaint #899683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Berwyn, IL

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

VEHICLE IS LEANING TOO MUCH TO THE LEFT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AND SEVERAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS, AND NO ONE CAN CORRECT THE PROBLEM, ASKING NHTSA TO ASSIST ON THIS ISSUE.*AK. SEVERAL MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE STEER TIRES WERE WORN, THE STEER AXLE WHEEL BEARING WAS BROKEN AND THE RIGHT STEER AXLE KINPIN HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY, THE VEHICLE WAS ALIGNED, THE CLUTCH WAS ADJUSTED, THE STEERING WAS TIGHT, AND THE STEERING GEAR BOX WAS REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #899684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Berwyn, IL

STEERING

VEHICLE IS LEANING TOO MUCH TO THE LEFT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AND SEVERAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS, AND NO ONE CAN CORRECT THE PROBLEM, ASKING NHTSA TO ASSIST ON THIS ISSUE.*AK. SEVERAL MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE STEER TIRES WERE WORN, THE STEER AXLE WHEEL BEARING WAS BROKEN AND THE RIGHT STEER AXLE KINPIN HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY, THE VEHICLE WAS ALIGNED, THE CLUTCH WAS ADJUSTED, THE STEERING WAS TIGHT, AND THE STEERING GEAR BOX WAS REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #899684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Berwyn, IL

SUSPENSION

VEHICLE IS LEANING TOO MUCH TO THE LEFT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AND SEVERAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS, AND NO ONE CAN CORRECT THE PROBLEM, ASKING NHTSA TO ASSIST ON THIS ISSUE.*AK. SEVERAL MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE STEER TIRES WERE WORN, THE STEER AXLE WHEEL BEARING WAS BROKEN AND THE RIGHT STEER AXLE KINPIN HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY, THE VEHICLE WAS ALIGNED, THE CLUTCH WAS ADJUSTED, THE STEERING WAS TIGHT, AND THE STEERING GEAR BOX WAS REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #899684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Berwyn, IL

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

VEHICLE IS LEANING TOO MUCH TO THE LEFT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER AND SEVERAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS, AND NO ONE CAN CORRECT THE PROBLEM, ASKING NHTSA TO ASSIST ON THIS ISSUE.*AK. SEVERAL MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE STEER TIRES WERE WORN, THE STEER AXLE WHEEL BEARING WAS BROKEN AND THE RIGHT STEER AXLE KINPIN HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY, THE VEHICLE WAS ALIGNED, THE CLUTCH WAS ADJUSTED, THE STEERING WAS TIGHT, AND THE STEERING GEAR BOX WAS REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #899684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Walls, MS

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

POWER STEERING RESERVOIR MOUNTING BRACKET BROKE, OWNER WAS INFORMED THAT A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED AND THAT A REPLACEMENT BRACKET WOULD BE INSTALLED IF THE EXISTING BRACKET WAS CRACKING, CONSUMER SUGGESTS AN ANGLE TYPE BRACKET BE FABRICATED AND BOLTED TO THE EXISTING RESERVOIR BRACKET, THEN BOLTED TO THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD BOLT, THIS WOULD ELIMATE TORSION STRESSES ON THE RESERVOIR BRACKETS AT THE TIMING COVER WHERE CRACKS BEGIN. *SLC

NHTSA complaint #562632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Walls, MS

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

POWER STEERING BRACKET BROKE AND WAS REPLACED AT 183467, IT IS BEING REPLACED AGAIN AT 393927, CONSUMER STATES THE BRACKET BROKE AT THE TOP MOUNTING HOLE, CONSUMER FEELS A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED REGARDING THIS PROBLEM INSTEAD OF A SERVICE BULLETIN. *SLC

NHTSA complaint #562632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hebron, IN

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

FRONT DOORS UNLATCH WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE DEALER TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, ALSO AN AIR RIDE WAS INSTALLED FOR THE CAB, BUT IT'S BEGINNING TO BUCKLE NEAR THE AIR CLEANER. *SLC

NHTSA complaint #559182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Valparaisa, IN

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

FRONT DOORS UNLATCH WHILE TRAVELING OVER UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES, DEALER HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN FIXING PROBLEM. *SLC

NHTSA complaint #559181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Valparaiso, IN

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

FRONT DOORS WILL UNLATCH CAUSING THEM TO OPEN COMPLETELY, DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *SLC

NHTSA complaint #559180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hebron, IN

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK

FRONT DOORS UNLATCH WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE DEALER TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, ALSO AN AIR RIDE WAS INSTALLED FOR THE CAB, BUT IT'S BEGINNING TO BUCKLE NEAR THE AIR CLEANER. *SLC

NHTSA complaint #559182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Garden City, KS

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY A TRUCK PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. CONSUMER SLAMMED ON BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED INTO GEAR. CONTACTED DEALER. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES.

NHTSA complaint #858239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.