While driving at 70mph in sub freezing temperatures and at operating temperatures, the horton fan hub came off and into the radiator. My wife was driving at the time and I was in the sleeper cabin. There was no audible noise when the hub failed. She saw a lot of steam or smoke and first thought the engine had caught fire. The smoke was coming out in all directions and hit the windshield affecting her visability for a short period of time. She was able to pull off to the shoulder which at that time we were able to see anitfreeze and pieces of fan blades on the ground. We suspect there were also debris left on the road when this occurred. We bought this truck used with 294,000. The first fan hub failure occurred with 380,000, the 2nd with 649,800. We received a call from horton telling us we may be able to get some reimbursement but we have yet to hear from them yet. Updated 12/21/10*bf updated 12/23/10
The worst 2004 Peterbilt 379 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine1
Recalls 4
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- 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 affected vehicles may be missing required information from the certification label, specifically the tag or pusher axle the gross axle weight rating, suitable tire and rim information, and recommended tire pressure information. Without this information, the vehicles do not comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."
- Risk
- As a result, the axles may be overloaded or the wrong tires could be installed or the tires could be improperly inflated. All of these issues increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Peterbilt will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the certification labels missing the necessary information. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Customers can contact Peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4000. Peterbilt's number for this campaign is 1113-F.
Recall number 13V593000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air
- What is wrong
- On certain non-ABS equipped trucks, an air hose between the tractor protection valve and the back of the cab bulkhead was omitted.
- Risk
- The absence of this air hose could adversely affect the drive axle brake performance while a trailer is being pulled, resulting in longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Peterbilt will inspect the air hose plumbing of the drive axle brake system and make the necessary repairs. The recall began on february 22, 2007. Owners may contact peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4196.
Recall number 07V044000 · Recall details
Equipment
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks, when using a cummins electronic icon service tool 2.2, an unintended engine start will occur.
- Risk
- Given the purpose and functionality of this service tool, this series of events would only occur in a service facility and could pose a hazard if the truck were to unexpectedly move or the engine to start without any warning, possibly causing personal injury.
- Remedy
- Cummins is conducting this recall (please see 06e063000) and will replace the icon service tool 2.2 with a new icon service tool 2.3 free of charge. Owners may contact cummins at 1‑800‑343‑7357 or peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4201.
Recall number 06V251000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.
- Remedy
- Caterpillar, in conjunction with paccar, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309‑675‑6496, kenworth at 425‑828‑5440, or peterbilt at 940‑591‑4201.
Recall number 05V570000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Peterbilt 379 13
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- "Kenworth: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes
- 1210F - spl 170XL
- 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 – Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed,...
- Information Only: Vehicles may have the connector seal on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed,...
- Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal...
- Information Only
What 2004 Peterbilt 379 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2004 Peterbilt 379
Other model years
199119921994199519961997199819992000200120032004200520062007
Questions about the 2004 Peterbilt 379
Is the 2004 Peterbilt 379 reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2004 Peterbilt 379, fewer than a typical 379 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Peterbilt 379?
Engine and cooling, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2004 Peterbilt 379 have?
4 recalls, covering equipment, service brakes, air and engine and engine cooling.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2004 Peterbilt 379?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history