The Peterbilt 359 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 359 — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
Overview
The Peterbilt 359 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1996 across multiple generations.
How to read a Peterbilt 359 VIN — every digit explained
Every Peterbilt 359 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 359.
- 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 359, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Peterbilt 359 have?
The Peterbilt 359 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 359
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Peterbilt 359 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Peterbilt 359 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Peterbilt 359 — 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 359 specifications & dimensions
The 1996 Peterbilt 359. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Peterbilt 359 window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Peterbilt 359 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 359 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 359 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 359 get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Peterbilt 359 have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Peterbilt 359 cost to own?
A Peterbilt 359 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 359 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 359 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 359 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 359 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 359 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Peterbilt 359 last?
A well-maintained Peterbilt 359 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 359’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 359’s VIN free →All Peterbilt 359 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Peterbilt 359 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1995 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1994 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1993 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1992 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1991 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1990 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1989 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1988 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1987 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1986 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1985 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1984 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1983 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1982 359 | 0 | — | — |
| 1981 359 | 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 359?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Peterbilt 359.
How many recalls does the 359 have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1996. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a 359 last?
A well-maintained 359 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 359 reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Peterbilt 359 — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the Peterbilt 359 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 359 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 359'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 359 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.