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2005 Peterbilt 379 problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Peterbilt 379 is engine and cooling. It has 1.2 times the complaints of a typical 379 model year.

Typical year1.2x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
14
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2005 Peterbilt 379 problems

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

  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Tires
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 6

Equipment: other: labelsReported November 25, 2013 · 561 vehicles affected
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: slack adjustersReported March 4, 2008 · 130 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Paccar is recalling 130 my 2005-2007 kenworth c500, t800, w900, and peterbilt models 357 and 379 tractor trailers equipped with fabco slack adjusters on sisu axles. The slack adjusters may fail as a result of a fatigue crack rendering the slack adjuster inoperative. This could reduce braking effectiveness.
Risk
Reduction in braking capacity could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the slack adjusters free of charge. The recall began on march 21, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440 and peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4196.

Recall number 08V099000 · Recall details

Service brakes, airReported February 12, 2007 · 18 vehicles affected
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

EquipmentReported July 13, 2006 · 40 vehicles affected
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 coolingReported December 22, 2005 · 30,995 vehicles affected
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

SuspensionReported April 28, 2005 · 1,026 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the suspension has transverse beam castings that may fracture under normal loads. If a casting breaks when the vehicle is traveling on a roadway there is the potential for pieces of the casting to become projectiles and the suspension's transverse beam may drop down low enough to contact the road surface.
Risk
This could cause sparks that could potentially ignite and cause a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the defective transverse beam assemblies free of charge. The recall began on june 10, 2005, with letters being mailed to peterbilt owners; and on june 17, 2005, for kenworth owners. Owners may contact peterbilt at 940‑591‑4201 or kenworth at 425‑828‑5440.

Recall number 05V189000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2005 Peterbilt 379

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Peterbilt 379 14

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

See all 14 bulletins for the 2005 Peterbilt 379

What 2005 Peterbilt 379 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 29, 2011 · Engine · OH · fire

2005 peterbilt 379, unit 1 was traveling eastbound on the ohio turnpike in the middle lane when his truck caught fire from underneath the front hood near the engine. Unit 1 then drove to the south side of the shoulder where he put the fire out. *bf oil leaked from underneath the hood. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0302-90)

Filed Feb 17, 2011 · Engine · 200,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 peterbilt conventional 379. The contact noticed that the fan hub was fractured. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified. Approximately two years earlier, the fan hub was replaced but became fractured again. The vehicle was at an authorized dealer being repaired. The current mileages was 490,000 and the failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2010 · Tires · FL

2005 peterbuilt 379, unit 2 had a blowout on the trailer. Debris from the failure struck unit 1 causing damage. *bf (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0359-91)*jb updated 08/06/10

Filed Mar 22, 2010 · Transmission · IN

2005 peterbilt 379 conventional, drive shaft broke from truck onto the roadway and another vehicle struck it. *bf ohio traffic crash report # 10-0279-90 updated 05/03/10

Filed Jan 28, 2010 · Fuel system · 350,000 miles · OR · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 peterbilt 379 tractor. While driving approximately 65 MPH on normal road conditions. There was a strong odor of fuel coming from outside of the vehicle. The fuel pressure gauge displayed fluctuated readings. The vehicle was able to continue in operation. Suddenly, the driver pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was engulfed in massive flames. The fire and police department were called to the scene. The vehicle was towed and completely destroyed. The failure mileage was 350,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 11/16/10.

Filed Jun 17, 2008 · Transmission · IN · fire

2005 peterbilt 379 caught fire. Consumer heard a hissing noise and pulled over and notice the tires were on fire. *nj the driver noticed smoke coming from the drive axles. Ohio traffic report # 10-0196-89 updated 04/15/10

Filed Apr 18, 2006 · Fuel system · 101,000 miles · KS

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, fuel leaked from the fuel tank. There were no obvious road hazards. The vehicle was seen by a dealer for inspection. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.

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Questions about the 2005 Peterbilt 379

Is the 2005 Peterbilt 379 reliable?

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2005 Peterbilt 379, 1.2 times a typical 379 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Peterbilt 379?

Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is fuel system (2).

How many recalls does the 2005 Peterbilt 379 have?

6 recalls, covering equipment, service brakes, air and engine and engine cooling.

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