The worst 1999 Peterbilt 378 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
Recalls 5
Suspension: front: hub
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.
- 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 an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy with a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 940‑591‑4201 or kenworth 425‑828‑5440.
Recall number 03V125000 · Recall details
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. A change in the internal linkage of certain cab doors has created a possible binding condition.
- Risk
- If the linkage binds, full engagement of the door latch may not occur, allowing the door to open inadvertently.
- Remedy
- Dealers will modify the door linkage to correct the potential of binding. Owner notification began june 22, 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 01V179000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- 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 lead to premature wear of the socket.
- Risk
- If this condition occurs, the driver can lose partial control of the right front wheel, possibly resulting in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the defective ball sockets and/or drag links. Owner notification began on april 10, 2001, to kenworth owners and on april 25, 2001, to peterbilt owners. 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 kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5000, peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4000 or trw customer service at 1‑866‑280‑3287.
Recall number 01V044005 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- 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
Electrical system: ignition: module
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar engines and eaton autoshift transmissions. The engines can stall because of software problems.
- Risk
- Increased steering effort can occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update these engines with software changes. Caterpillar is conducting the owner notification and remedy of this recall.
Recall number 99V181001 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Peterbilt 378 9
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Information Only – Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate
- Information Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure...
- Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.
- Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment...
- Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal...
- Information Only
- Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion.
- Information: Bendix ACOM Software version 6.16.5.0 for diagnostics may introduce an unrecoverable error
- Information
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Questions about the 1999 Peterbilt 378
Is the 1999 Peterbilt 378 reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 1999 Peterbilt 378.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Peterbilt 378?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 1999 Peterbilt 378 have?
5 recalls, covering suspension, latches/locks/linkages and steering.
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