Peterbilt's lineup has 2,101 recorded NHTSA recalls across 43 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.2/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Peterbilt's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Peterbilt — VIN decoder & full model lineup
PETERBILT is a renowned American manufacturer specializing in heavy-duty, over-the-road trucks, primarily serving the demanding needs of the construction, mining, and logging industries. These robust vehicles are known for their durability and ability to tackle the toughest jobs, and are most commonly driven by professional contractors and fleet operators. At ForCar.org, we can decode any PETERBILT VIN to reveal its complete specifications, recall history, and a wealth of detailed vehicle information.
Buying or selling? See what used Peterbilt models are worth, current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Peterbilt models 43
Every Peterbilt model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Peterbilt More models 43
Peterbilt recalls
Across the Peterbilt lineup, ForCar tracks 2,101 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Peterbilt recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Peterbilt model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Peterbilt 579 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Peterbilt 365 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Peterbilt 367 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Peterbilt 567 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Peterbilt 389 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Peterbilt 320 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 07 | Peterbilt 388 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 08 | Peterbilt 379 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Peterbilt 387 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 10 | Peterbilt 386 | 3.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Peterbilt: Equipment:other:labels. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Peterbilt reliable?
Across rated models, Peterbilt averages a 4.2/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 36 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Peterbilt competes in the North American Class 8 long-haul, vocational and medium-duty segments against Kenworth (its PACCAR sibling), Freightliner, Volvo, Mack, International and Western Star. The brand's positioning emphasizes premium aluminum-cab construction, classic American long-hood styling and high resale value. Peterbilt and Kenworth share PACCAR engineering, platforms and powertrains but maintain distinct dealer networks and styling. The Model 389 owner-operator truck commands premium pricing and resale values.
Peterbilt models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Peterbilt model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Peterbilt 379 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Peterbilt 579 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Peterbilt 389 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Peterbilt 388 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Peterbilt 357 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 06 | Peterbilt 386 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 07 | Peterbilt 387 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Peterbilt 567 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 09 | Peterbilt 587 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 10 | Peterbilt 330 | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Peterbilt models
Fuel-economy rankings for Peterbilt are being compiled — check the most fuel-efficient cars meanwhile.
Safest Peterbilt models
NHTSA safety rankings for Peterbilt are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a Peterbilt window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Peterbilt's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Peterbilt window stickers →How to read a Peterbilt VIN
Every Peterbilt built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Peterbilt and the country it was built in (real Peterbilt codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA1XP
- Canada2XP
- Mexico3WP
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Peterbilt
Theodore Alfred Al Peterman, owner of a Washington State lumber operation, became frustrated with available trucks for hauling logs in the 1930s and acquired the bankrupt Fageol Truck and Coach Company in Oakland in 1939. The first Peterbilt-built truck rolled out the same year. After Peterman's 1944 death, his widow Ida ran the company until 1958, when PACCAR acquired Peterbilt. The 1986 Model 379 set the modern standard for owner-operator long-hood tractors, succeeded by the Model 389 in 2006.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1939 |
| Headquarters | Denton, USA |
| Parent company | PACCAR |
| Slogan | "Class. Pure and Simple." |
| Models tracked | 43 (1981–2026) |
Peterbilt — frequently asked
How do I decode a Peterbilt VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Peterbilt models are there?
ForCar tracks 43 Peterbilt models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Peterbilt made?
Peterbilt is headquartered in Denton, USA, founded in 1939. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Peterbilt recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Peterbilt model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Peterbilt is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Peterbilt warranty?
New Peterbilt vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Peterbilt dealer.