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Peterbilt 363 — MPG, VIN Decoder, Recalls, Reliability & Specs

Everything on the Peterbilt 363 — 0 recalls, common problems, the best & worst years, full specs, MPG and NHTSA safety, by model year.

Data · NHTSA & EPA · 1997–2023 · 27 model years · Updated Jul 17, 2026 · Not yet rated
Quick answer

The Peterbilt 363 spans 1997–2023 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.

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1997–2023
Years
0
Recalls
Top MPG
—★
NHTSA
0
Complaints
Not yet rated
ForCar Reliability Score
Too new — not enough data yet

We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Peterbilt 363 — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.

Overview

The Peterbilt 363 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1997 to 2023 across multiple generations.

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How to read a Peterbilt 363 VIN — every digit explained

Every Peterbilt 363 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.

FIG.02
1–3 · WMI1XP
4–8 · VDSCM826
9 · Check5
10 · YearR
11 · PlantA
12–17 · Serial004352
  • 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 363.
  • Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Real Peterbilt WMIs — the first 3 VIN digits by build country
  • USA1XP
  • Canada2XP
  • Mexico3WP
17 CHARS·SOURCE SAE / ISO 3779 · NHTSA vPIC

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 363, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.

How many recalls does the Peterbilt 363 have?

The Peterbilt 363 has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1997–2023. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.

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Best and worst years for the Peterbilt 363

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Peterbilt 363 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.

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What are the most common Peterbilt 363 problems?

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Peterbilt 363 — 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 363 specifications & dimensions

The 2023 Peterbilt 363. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Peterbilt 363 window sticker.

Specs cache warming…

Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.

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Peterbilt 363 cargo space, seating & interior room

How much the 363 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 363 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.

Wheels & tires
Wheel sizeby VIN
Tire sizeby VIN
Bolt patternby trim
Tire pressure32–36 PSI
Engine oil
Oil typeFull synthetic
Gradeon oil cap
Capacityby engine
Battery
Main battery12V · group by trim
Key-fob cellCR2032
Wiper blades
Front bladesby generation
Rear bladeif equipped
Fuses
Fuse boxeshood + dash
Diagramon box lid
Light bulbs
Headlightby trim
Tail / brakeby trim
Fogif equipped

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.

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What MPG does the Peterbilt 363 get?

MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.

What engines does the Peterbilt 363 have? Power & range

Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.

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How much does a Peterbilt 363 cost to own?

A Peterbilt 363 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 363 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.

84%
Value @ 1 yr
68%
Value @ 3 yrs
56%
Value @ 5 yrs
Est. 5-yr fuel
FIG.06
$
AgeValue retainedEst. resale valueLost to depreciation
Year 184%$25,200−$4,800
Year 276%$22,800−$7,200
Year 368%$20,400−$9,600
Year 461%$18,300−$11,700
Year 556%$16,800−$13,200
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar estimate

What goes into the five-year cost to own:

  • Depreciation — the biggest cost: this 363 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 363 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 363 safe?

NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 363 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.

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How many miles does a Peterbilt 363 last?

A well-maintained Peterbilt 363 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.

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Check your Peterbilt 363’s VIN — history, recalls & specs

Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.

Check this 363’s VIN free →

All Peterbilt 363 model years

A year-by-year snapshot of the Peterbilt 363 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.

FIG.09
YearRecallsBest MPGSafety
2023 3630
2022 3630
2021 3630
2020 3630
2019 3630
2018 3630
2017 3630
2016 3630
2015 3630
2014 3630
2013 3630
2012 3630
2011 3630
2010 3630
2009 3630
2008 3630
2007 3630
2006 3630
2005 3630
2004 3630
2003 3630
2002 3630
2001 3630
2000 3630
1999 3630
1998 3630
1997 3630
ROWS 27·SOURCE NHTSA + EPA

Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).

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Frequently asked questions

What are the worst years for the 363?

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Peterbilt 363.

How many recalls does the 363 have?

0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1997–2023. Always check open recalls by your VIN.

How many miles does a 363 last?

A well-maintained 363 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Is the 363 reliable?

We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Peterbilt 363 — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.

What's the Peterbilt 363 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 363 made?

The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 363'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 363 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.

Data sourced from NHTSA (recalls, complaints, safety ratings) and EPA fueleconomy.gov (MPG). Best/worst-year analysis is ForCar's own aggregation of complaint volume. Last updated Jul 2026. — ForCar Editorial Reviewed by Denis Kataev, founder of ForCar.
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