AI Damage1997 Peterbilt Peterbilt: common problems
Owners of the 1997 Peterbilt Peterbilt filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 50% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 25% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 25% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (50% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (25% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 4 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 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.
Two failed fuel lines created a fire and pollution hazard. Other peterbilt owners have had the same problem and the manufacturer is aware of the problem,yet has not taken steps to correct it.
While driving the vehicle lost all engine power included power steering, while driving vehicle to the side of the road, the load shifted and the vehicle overturned. (ohio traffic crash report)
Battery cables rubbing frame and trans external filter caused draw and super heating of wires and almost resulted in fire. Mjs
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 15,521 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Peterbilt has 2 complaints (18 years in the data). This year has 4, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Peterbilt Peterbilt?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine and cooling, fuel system. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (75%), steering or power steering problems (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1997 Peterbilt Peterbilt?
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 1997 Peterbilt Peterbilt 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 1997 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.