AI Damage2000 Peterbilt 379: common problems
Owners of the 2000 Peterbilt 379 filed 12 complaints with NHTSA, most often about latches, locks, linkages and powertrain. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 12
What fails most often
- 1 Latches, locks, linkages 33% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 25% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 25% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 17% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 17% of all complaints
- 6 Suspension 17% of all complaints
- Latches, locks, linkages: 4 complaints (33% of all).
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (25% of all).
- Structure: 3 complaints (25% of all).
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (17% of all).
- Steering: 2 complaints (17% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 12 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latches, locks, linkages | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
2000 peterbilt 379 utility trailer wheel bearing caught on fire. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0205-89) updated 08/05/10 updated 9/1/10 the consumer stated the bearings went dry and started a grease fire, not the tires. Updated 09/1/410
The weld between the shaft housing and air chamber arm was breaking.
Problems with s cam brake assemblies that were installed on the tri axle truck. The problem was common in other trucks with large engines such as 600 hp and dana spicer dual rear axle configuration.
The consumer stated that the vehicle's braking system operated poorly. The consumer had the vehicle inspected and it was determined that all four rear wheel brake assemblies were cracked. Eleven failures were reported with the dealer within 22 months.
While driving 65 mph and going over a pot hole in the pavement the driver's side door unexpectedly opened. The cause is unknown. Nlm
Vehicle is leaning too much to the left. Vehicle has been to the dealer and several independent repair shops, and no one can correct the problem, asking nhtsa to assist on this issue..
Power steering reservoir mounting bracket broke, owner was informed that a service bulletin was issued and that a replacement bracket would be installed if the existing bracket was cracking, consumer suggests an angle type bracket be fabricated and bolted to the existing reservoir bracket, then bolted to the lower…
Front doors unlatch when going over bumps, numerous attempts have been made by the dealer to correct the problem, however the problem still exists, also an air ride was installed for the cab, but it's beginning to buckle near the air cleaner.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 10,160 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 28% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 379 has 4 complaints (17 years in the data). This year has 12, above average.
What to check before buying
- Latches, locks, linkages. Door, hood and tailgate latches, especially near the impact.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Peterbilt 379?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: latches, locks, linkages, powertrain, structure. Total complaints: 12. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (8%), steering or power steering problems (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2000 Peterbilt 379?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2000 Peterbilt 379 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2000 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.