Peterbilt Class 8

Peterbilt 379

Truck tractor • Production 1987–2007

Day cab and sleeper Long-haul, owner-operator, show truck

Discontinued 2007

Class

Class 8

Type

Truck tractor

Production

1987–2007

GVWR

Class 8 (33,001+ lbs)

About the Peterbilt 379

The Peterbilt 379 is an iconic Class 8 conventional tractor produced from 1987 to 2007, best known for its long hood, classic chrome styling, and status as a favorite among owner-operators and show-truck builders. Offered as a day cab and in various sleeper configurations, the 379 was powered by the Caterpillar C15, Cummins ISX, and Detroit Series 60 engines, almost always paired with Eaton Fuller manual transmissions. It was succeeded by the Peterbilt 389, which continued its classic styling. The 379 remains highly sought-after in the used market and commands strong resale values.

Overview

Specifications

Manufacturer: Peterbilt
Class: Class 8
Vehicle type: Truck tractor
Cab type: Day cab and sleeper
Production years: 1987–2007
Applications: Long-haul, owner-operator, show truck
Typical engines: Caterpillar C15, Cummins ISX, Detroit Series 60
Typical transmissions: Eaton Fuller manual
GVWR range: Class 8 (33,001+ lbs)

Design and engineering

The 379 is defined by its long aluminum hood, traditional square styling, and extensive customization potential, prioritizing image and driver preference over modern aerodynamics.

Generations and major changes

379

1987–2007

Long-running classic conventional; offered with Caterpillar, Cummins, and Detroit engines; succeeded by the styling-compatible Peterbilt 389.

Market position and popularity

One of the most recognizable and desirable classic Class 8 trucks; retains strong owner-operator demand and resale value in the used market.

Who buys this truck

Owner-operators and enthusiasts who want a classic, high-resale conventional with a pre-emissions engine.

Common problems and reliability notes

As a pre-emissions-era (through 2007) truck, common concerns are high-mileage wear on the Caterpillar C15 and other engines and typical age-related maintenance. Year-specific recall and complaint history should be checked below.

Pros and cons

✓ Pros

• Iconic classic styling and strong resale value
• Caterpillar C15 and other pre-emissions engines prized for simplicity
• Highly customizable owner-operator favorite
• Rugged, serviceable design

⚠ Cons

• Poor aerodynamics and fuel economy vs. modern tractors
• Discontinued — used-only, and often expensive
• Older safety and driver-comfort features

Recalls and complaints by model year

Browse recalls and complaints by model year:

Year	Recalls	Links
2007	4	Recalls
2006	3	Recalls
2005	2	Recalls
2003	5	Recalls
2000	6	Recalls

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Peterbilt 379?

What years was the Peterbilt 379 produced?

Peterbilt 379 production started in 1987. The model was discontinued in 2007. There have been 1 distinct generations or major updates during this production run, each with significant changes in styling, engines, or features. Used Peterbilt 379 trucks remain widely available in the secondary market.

What engines come in the Peterbilt 379?

Peterbilt 379 trucks typically come with one of these engines: Caterpillar C15, Cummins ISX, Detroit Series 60. All are 6-cylinder inline diesel engines, ranging from 11-16 liter displacement. Engine choice depends on application (long-haul, regional, vocational) and buyer preference. Each engine choice has different reliability, fuel economy, and parts/service ecosystem implications — see our engine guides at /resources/guides/ for deeper comparisons.

Is the Peterbilt 379 reliable?

Like all commercial diesels, the Peterbilt 379 has known issue patterns: As a pre-emissions-era (through 2007) truck, common concerns are high-mileage wear on the Caterpillar C15 and other engines and typical age-related maintenance. Year-specific recall and complaint history should be checked below.… For full known-issue details and the recall/complaint history broken down by model year, see the dedicated sections on this page.

Who is the typical Peterbilt 379 buyer?

Owner-operators and enthusiasts who want a classic, high-resale conventional with a pre-emissions engine.

What are the most common Peterbilt 379 recalls and complaints?

Open NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the Peterbilt 379 vary by model year. See the table above for year-by-year breakdown with direct links to the recall and complaint detail pages. Common patterns across all years include DEF/SCR aftertreatment issues (on 2010+ models), EGR cooler failures at high mileage, and turbocharger boost-pressure faults — these affect most modern commercial diesels, not just this model.

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