- The problem
- 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."
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Peterbilt 378 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2004 Peterbilt 378 with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (1). It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in November 2013 for the labels. For comparison, the 2003 has 0 and the 2005 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 378 year, for its age
#455 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Peterbilt 378 problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Peterbilt 378 recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- On certain non-abs equipped trucks, an air hose between the tractor protection valve and the back of the cab bulkhead was omitted.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
Be the first 378 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
1 complaints about the 2004 Peterbilt 378
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6) low engine heat and coolant leaking from oil cooler, started on cold day back december 14th 2009, took truck to dealership. Wanted oil cooler resealed and two thermostats replaced. Vehicle has third party warranty. Dealer asked permission to tear down, we denied action, said to diagnose problem according to warranty protocol. Dealer completely dismantles motor incorrectly causing irreparable damage. Now dealer is...
Read the full complaint
holding vehicle hostage since we will not sign release of law suit for damage. Dealer never told us they were doing this. As an alterer of manufactured vehicles my self, I do remember that a repair shop has no authority to place a vehicle in an unsafe or inoperable condition. After the fact of this, I have seen vehicles that have been modified from the original design, that may not be properly done or even have an alterers decal showing changes to suspension, drilling and cutting of frames and so on. I am writing you on this for a possible investigation of the dealer. I have also since found this is a normal practice with this dealer. I have contacted the bbb and they have an f rating for this company on complaints. The dealer never responds. I do have an attorney involved, and would also like some assistance in this matter in my personal opinion, I feel this company could be placing people in harms way for faulty repairs, and modifications. [[redacted]] *tr
Peterbilt 378: every year compared
All 378 years2004 Peterbilt 378 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Peterbilt 378 | 1 | 3 | C | |
| 2004 Peterbilt 387 | 1 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Peterbilt 330 | 1 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Peterbilt 379 | 1 | 4 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2004 Peterbilt 378
Does the 2004 Peterbilt 378 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2004 Peterbilt 378: labels (November 2013); service brakes, air (February 2007); engine and engine cooling (December 2005). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Peterbilt 378?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (1).
How many complaints has the 2004 Peterbilt 378 had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 10, 2010 and the latest on March 10, 2010. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 Peterbilt 378 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 46 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Peterbilt 378 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Peterbilt 378 years have the most complaints?
1996 (1), 2004 (1), 2006 (1). See every Peterbilt 378 year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 Peterbilt 378 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data