The Peterbilt 353 spans 1981–1996 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Peterbilt 353 — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
Overview
The Peterbilt 353 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1996 across multiple generations.
How to read a Peterbilt 353 VIN — every digit explained
Every Peterbilt 353 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit 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 this 353.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA1XP
- Canada2XP
- Mexico3WP
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your 353, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Peterbilt 353 have?
The Peterbilt 353 has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1996. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Peterbilt 353
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Peterbilt 353 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Peterbilt 353 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Peterbilt 353 — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Peterbilt 353 specifications & dimensions
The 1996 Peterbilt 353. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Peterbilt 353 window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Peterbilt 353 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 353 holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Peterbilt 353 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Peterbilt 353 get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Peterbilt 353 have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Peterbilt 353 cost to own?
A Peterbilt 353 holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used 353 is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this 353 loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the 353 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Peterbilt 353 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 353 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Peterbilt 353 last?
A well-maintained Peterbilt 353 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.
Check your Peterbilt 353’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 353’s VIN free →All Peterbilt 353 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Peterbilt 353 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1995 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1994 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1993 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1992 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1991 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1990 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1989 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1988 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1987 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1986 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1985 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1984 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1983 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1982 353 | 0 | — | — |
| 1981 353 | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the 353?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Peterbilt 353.
How many recalls does the 353 have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1996. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a 353 last?
A well-maintained 353 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 353 reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Peterbilt 353 — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the Peterbilt 353 warranty?
New Peterbilt models carry 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.
Where is the Peterbilt 353 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 353's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Peterbilt may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the 353 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.