1996 Peterbilt 378 Problems: 1 Complaint, 2 Recalls

The worst 1996 Peterbilt 378 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Steering
1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Steering
1

Recalls 2

Seat belts: front: anchorageReported February 22, 2001 · 6,623 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: class 7 and class 8 vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 207, "seating system," and no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some fasteners used to attach the shoulder belt anchor bracket to the cab structure were omitted during production.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the shoulder belt anchorage may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will add the necessary fasteners. Owner notification began march 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4000.

Recall number 01V054000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: hubReported November 24, 1997 · 470 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with design level 1, rockwell ff980 series front axle. The front axle hub flange can develop cracks due to high stress levels.
Risk: Cracks in a hub flange can result in a wheel separation.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the front hubs with an improved design level 2 hub.

Recall number 97V196003 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1996 Peterbilt 378

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Peterbilt 378 8

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

Jun 8, 2020 Service bulletinInformation Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure...
May 29, 2020 Service bulletinInformation only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.
Mar 17, 2020 Service bulletinInformation Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment...
Nov 6, 2019 Service bulletinInformation Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal...
Jun 10, 2019 Service bulletinInformation Only
Apr 8, 2019 Service bulletinInformation Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion.
Jan 4, 2019 Service bulletinInformation: Bendix ACOM Software version 6.16.5.0 for diagnostics may introduce an unrecoverable error
Jul 23, 2018 Service bulletinInformation

What 1996 Peterbilt 378 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 7, 2003 · Steering · OR

Consumer states that the teeth on the tilt steering are broken causing vehicle to lose control and crash. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. Please provide additional information. Ts

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19962004 2006

Questions about the 1996 Peterbilt 378

Is the 1996 Peterbilt 378 reliable?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1996 Peterbilt 378, close to a typical 378 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Peterbilt 378?

Steering, with 1 complaint.

How many recalls does the 1996 Peterbilt 378 have?

2 recalls, covering seat belts and suspension.

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1996 Peterbilt 378 problems