The Peterbilt 372 spans 1981–1996 with 5 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Peterbilt 372 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1996 across multiple generations.
How to read a Peterbilt 372 VIN — every digit explained
Every Peterbilt 372 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 372.
- 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 372, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Peterbilt 372 have?
The Peterbilt 372 has 5 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1996. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1991 Peterbilt 372 recalls 1
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor
Risk. This could result in melt down of surrounding plastichousing and possible ignition of the melted material, resulting in a fire.
Fix. Replace blower switch resistor with resistor with fusible link, and relocate the resistor to a location with increased flow of cooling air.
1990 Peterbilt 372 recalls 1
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor
Risk. This could result in melt down of surrounding plastichousing and possible ignition of the melted material, resulting in a fire.
Fix. Replace blower switch resistor with resistor with fusible link, and relocate the resistor to a location with increased flow of cooling air.
1989 Peterbilt 372 recalls 2
Structure
What's wrong. Steps may not be properly welded.
Risk. Step welding could fail and result in injury to user.
Fix. Replace steps.
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor
Risk. This could result in melt down of surrounding plastichousing and possible ignition of the melted material, resulting in a fire.
Fix. Replace blower switch resistor with resistor with fusible link, and relocate the resistor to a location with increased flow of cooling air.
1988 Peterbilt 372 recalls 1
Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor
Risk. This could result in melt down of surrounding plastichousing and possible ignition of the melted material, resulting in a fire.
Fix. Replace blower switch resistor with resistor with fusible link, and relocate the resistor to a location with increased flow of cooling air.
Best and worst years for the Peterbilt 372
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Peterbilt 372 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Peterbilt 372 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Peterbilt 372 — 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 372 specifications & dimensions
The 1996 Peterbilt 372. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Peterbilt 372 window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Peterbilt 372 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 372 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 372 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 372 get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Peterbilt 372 have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Peterbilt 372 cost to own?
A Peterbilt 372 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 372 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 372 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 372 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 372 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 372 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Peterbilt 372 last?
A well-maintained Peterbilt 372 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Peterbilt 372’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 372’s VIN free →All Peterbilt 372 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Peterbilt 372 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 372 | 0 | — | — |
| 1995 372 | 0 | — | — |
| 1994 372 | 0 | — | — |
| 1993 372 | 0 | — | — |
| 1992 372 | 0 | — | — |
| 1991 372 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1990 372 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1989 372 | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1988 372 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1984 372 | 0 | — | — |
| 1983 372 | 0 | — | — |
| 1982 372 | 0 | — | — |
| 1981 372 | 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 372?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Peterbilt 372.
How many recalls does the 372 have?
5 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1996. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a 372 last?
A well-maintained 372 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 372 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the 372 is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Peterbilt 372 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 372 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 372'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 372 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.