The Peterbilt 377 spans 1986–1996 with 6 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 377 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1986 to 1996 across multiple generations.
How to read a Peterbilt 377 VIN — every digit explained
Every Peterbilt 377 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 377.
- 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 377, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Peterbilt 377 have?
The Peterbilt 377 has 6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1986–1996. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1996 Peterbilt 377 recalls 1
Suspension:front:hub
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with design level 1, rockwell ff980 series front axle. The front axle hub flange can develop cracks due to high stress levels.
Risk. Cracks in a hub flange can result in a wheel separation.
Fix. Dealers will remove and replace the front hubs with an improved design level 2 hub.
1989 Peterbilt 377 recalls 1
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
What's wrong. Battery box cover mounting bracket failure could allow cover to come loose.
Risk. Cover could detach from truck and cause an accident.
Fix. Repair mounting bracket weld in a manner to prevent failure.
1988 Peterbilt 377 recalls 2
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages
What's wrong. The windshield wiper drive linkage could lockup and cause wipers to stop.
Risk. This condition could impair the drivers vision and avehicle crash may result.
Fix. The windshield wiper drive linkage will be replaced on all vehicles.
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
What's wrong. Battery box cover mounting bracket failure could allow cover to come loose.
Risk. Cover could detach from truck and cause an accident.
Fix. Repair mounting bracket weld in a manner to prevent failure.
1987 Peterbilt 377 recalls 2
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages
What's wrong. The windshield wiper drive linkage could lockup and cause wipers to stop.
Risk. This condition could impair the drivers vision and avehicle crash may result.
Fix. The windshield wiper drive linkage will be replaced on all vehicles.
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
What's wrong. Battery box cover mounting bracket failure could allow cover to come loose.
Risk. Cover could detach from truck and cause an accident.
Fix. Repair mounting bracket weld in a manner to prevent failure.
Best and worst years for the Peterbilt 377
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Peterbilt 377 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Peterbilt 377 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Peterbilt 377 — 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 377 specifications & dimensions
The 1996 Peterbilt 377. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Peterbilt 377 window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Peterbilt 377 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 377 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 377 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 377 get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Peterbilt 377 have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Peterbilt 377 cost to own?
A Peterbilt 377 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 377 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 377 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 377 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 377 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 377 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Peterbilt 377 last?
A well-maintained Peterbilt 377 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 377’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 377’s VIN free →All Peterbilt 377 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Peterbilt 377 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 377 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1995 377 | 0 | — | — |
| 1994 377 | 0 | — | — |
| 1993 377 | 0 | — | — |
| 1992 377 | 0 | — | — |
| 1991 377 | 0 | — | — |
| 1990 377 | 0 | — | — |
| 1989 377 | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1988 377 | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1987 377 | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1986 377 | 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 377?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Peterbilt 377.
How many recalls does the 377 have?
6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1986–1996. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a 377 last?
A well-maintained 377 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 377 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the 377 is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Peterbilt 377 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 377 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 377'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 377 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.