The Peterbilt 357 has 28 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1987–2016. On average a defect was admitted 2.35 years after the car was built, the slowest took 9 years. The most recalled system is Steering (5 campaigns). Owners also filed 18 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Peterbilt 357
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Steering 5 Read
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with dana spicer integral knuckle and steer arm assemblies, the steer axle assemblies may have a longitudinal crack in the steer arm
Risk. If the crack should propagate over time, the ball could become loose resulting in a loss of steering, which could result in a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the knuckle and steer arm assemblies. Owner notification began january 5, 2004. Owners should contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4201
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. The bolts used to secure the steering shaft can fail
Risk. This condition can result in the loss of vehicle control without warning, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the defective bolts. Owner notification began april 2, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000
What's wrong. Heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain arvinmeritor and dana axles. Peterbilt will recall 1,434 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor axles manufactured from december 11, 1999, to may 14, 2000, and from july 22 to september 30, 2000. Kenworth will recall 859 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor vehicles manufactured from december 11, 1999, to may 23, 2000, and from july 27, 2000, to september 30, 2000 and kennworth will recall an additional 4,151 vehicles equipped with dana axles and manufactured from june 23 to december 6, 1999, and from may 23 to september 30, 2000. The tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or…
Risk. This can lead to premature wear with possible separation of the ball stud from the socket, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle
Fix. Dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends. Owner notification began july 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at…
Suspension 4 Read
What's wrong. On some peterbilt trucks, certain parts used in the air suspensions have a high copper content causing premature failure
Risk. Failure could cause erratic vehicle handling which can cause a vehicle crash without warning
Fix. Dealers will inspect and, when necessary, replace the defective parts. The recall began on january 17, 2007. Owners may contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196
What's wrong. On some peterbilt trucks, certain parts used in the air suspensions have a high copper content causing premature failure
Risk. Failure could cause erratic vehicle handling which can cause a vehicle crash without warning
Fix. Dealers will inspect and, when necessary, replace the defective parts. The recall began on january 17, 2007. Owners may contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the suspension has transverse beam castings that may fracture under normal loads. If a casting breaks when the vehicle is traveling on a roadway there is the potential for pieces of the casting to become projectiles and the suspension's transverse beam may drop down low enough to contact the road surface
Risk. This could cause sparks that could potentially ignite and cause a fire
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the defective transverse beam assemblies free of charge. The recall began on june 10, 2005, with letters being mailed to peterbilt owners; and on june 17, 2005, for kenworth owners. Owners may contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201 or kenworth at 425-828-5440
Power Train 4 Read
What's wrong. On certain trucks, the axle housings may have been manufactured with steel that was out of specification which could result in a fatigue failure over time
Risk. If a fatigue failure occurs and is left unattended, the axle may lock up or the end of the axle could come off, which may result in a vehicle crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the axles free of charge. The recall began on may 9, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196
What's wrong. Paccar is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 kenworth and peterbilt vehicles manufactured from february 2, 2006 through april 30, 2007. The bearing surfaces of the extended lube universal joint that attaches the inter-axle driveline to the drive axle may become prematurely worn due to breakdown of lubrication and/or excessive heat. Prematurely worn bearing surfaces may result in the u-joint becoming loose and/or binding. This condition may result in universal joint failure, allowing the inter-axle driveline to detach from the axle
Risk. Detachment of the driveline from the axle may cause the vehicle to lose power and become disabled in the roadway. Also, the driveline could drop from the vehicle into the roadway increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Paccar is working with its supplier to remedy the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2011. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 940-591-4196
What's wrong. On certain trucks, the axle housings may have been manufactured with steel that was out of specification which could result in a fatigue failure over time
Risk. If a fatigue failure occurs and is left unattended, the axle may lock up or the end of the axle could come off, which may result in a vehicle crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the axles free of charge. The recall began on may 9, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196
Service Brakes, Air 4 Read
What's wrong. Paccar is recalling 130 my 2005-2007 kenworth c500, t800, w900, and peterbilt models 357 and 379 tractor trailers equipped with fabco slack adjusters on sisu axles. The slack adjusters may fail as a result of a fatigue crack rendering the slack adjuster inoperative. This could reduce braking effectiveness
Risk. Reduction in braking capacity could increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the slack adjusters free of charge. The recall began on march 21, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196
What's wrong. On certain non-ABS equipped trucks, an air hose between the tractor protection valve and the back of the cab bulkhead was omitted
Risk. The absence of this air hose could adversely affect the drive axle brake performance while a trailer is being pulled, resulting in longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Peterbilt will inspect the air hose plumbing of the drive axle brake system and make the necessary repairs. The recall began on february 22, 2007. Owners may contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196
What's wrong. Paccar is recalling 130 my 2005-2007 kenworth c500, t800, w900, and peterbilt models 357 and 379 tractor trailers equipped with fabco slack adjusters on sisu axles. The slack adjusters may fail as a result of a fatigue crack rendering the slack adjuster inoperative. This could reduce braking effectiveness
Risk. Reduction in braking capacity could increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the slack adjusters free of charge. The recall began on march 21, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196
Equipment 2 Read
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)."
Risk. If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)."
Risk. If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D
What's wrong. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)."
Risk. If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash
Fix. Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D
Trailer Hitches 2 Read
What's wrong. Paccar is recalling 318 my 2007-2009 kenworth t800, w900, and peterbilt 357, 365, 367, 378, 379, 384, 385, 386,388, and 389 trucks equipped with premier trailer hitch assemblies. The pintle hitch assemblies may have been manufactured in a manner resulting in a reduction of fatigue strength of the pivot pins
Risk. This reduction of fatigue strength could cause the pivot pin to crack and eventually break, causing the trailer to detach from the truck while in motion, which could cause a crash that could result in personal injury or death
Fix. Dealers will replace the potentially defective pivot pin free of charge. The recall began on april 18, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196
What's wrong. Paccar is recalling 318 my 2007-2009 kenworth t800, w900, and peterbilt 357, 365, 367, 378, 379, 384, 385, 386,388, and 389 trucks equipped with premier trailer hitch assemblies. The pintle hitch assemblies may have been manufactured in a manner resulting in a reduction of fatigue strength of the pivot pins
Risk. This reduction of fatigue strength could cause the pivot pin to crack and eventually break, causing the trailer to detach from the truck while in motion, which could cause a crash that could result in personal injury or death
Fix. Dealers will replace the potentially defective pivot pin free of charge. The recall began on april 18, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196
What's wrong. Paccar is recalling 318 my 2007-2009 kenworth t800, w900, and peterbilt 357, 365, 367, 378, 379, 384, 385, 386,388, and 389 trucks equipped with premier trailer hitch assemblies. The pintle hitch assemblies may have been manufactured in a manner resulting in a reduction of fatigue strength of the pivot pins
Risk. This reduction of fatigue strength could cause the pivot pin to crack and eventually break, causing the trailer to detach from the truck while in motion, which could cause a crash that could result in personal injury or death
Fix. Dealers will replace the potentially defective pivot pin free of charge. The recall began on april 18, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196
Engine And Engine Cooling 2 Read
What's wrong. On certain trucks built with cummins ism c876 engines, the electronic control module fails to recognize inputs of the vehicle electronic control unit or from a driver actuated dash switch thereby increasing the risk of unintended (or unexpected) elevated exhaust temperatures
Risk. While this condition does not involve a risk of fire in the vehicle itself, it could present a fire hazard in a situation where the vehicle's exhaust is in close proximity to materials or substances that can melt, burn, or explode
Fix. Cummins, in conjunction with paccar, will conduct the remedy campaign. Cummis will install new ecm software. Owners can contact cummins at 1-800-343-7357, peterbilt at 940-591-4201 or kenworth at 425-828-5440
What's wrong. On certain tractors equipped with caterpillar diesel engines, the variable valve actuation oil line may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not positioned correctly
Risk. The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire
Fix. Caterpillar, in conjunction with paccar, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309-675-6496, kenworth at 425-828-5440, or peterbilt at 940-591-4201
What's wrong. On certain tractors equipped with caterpillar diesel engines, the variable valve actuation oil line may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not positioned correctly
Risk. The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire
Fix. Caterpillar, in conjunction with paccar, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309-675-6496, kenworth at 425-828-5440, or peterbilt at 940-591-4201
Parking Brake 1 Read
What's wrong. Certain trucks equipped with bendix sr-7 spring brake modulating valves. The internal rubber check valve may leak causing a delay in the application of the spring brakes to park the vehicle after the operator pulls the dash valve button
Risk. This could delay or failure in applying the parking brakes potentially resulting in a vehicle roll away
Fix. Dealers will install a check valve repair kit for the affected sr-7 spring brake modulating valve free of charge. The recall began on august 22, 2007. Owners may contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201
What's wrong. Certain trucks equipped with bendix sr-7 spring brake modulating valves. The internal rubber check valve may leak causing a delay in the application of the spring brakes to park the vehicle after the operator pulls the dash valve button
Risk. This could delay or failure in applying the parking brakes potentially resulting in a vehicle roll away
Fix. Dealers will install a check valve repair kit for the affected sr-7 spring brake modulating valve free of charge. The recall began on august 22, 2007. Owners may contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. A change in the internal linkage of certain cab doors has created a possible binding condition
Risk. If the linkage binds, full engagement of the door latch may not occur, allowing the door to open inadvertently
Fix. Dealers will modify the door linkage to correct the potential of binding. Owner notification began june 22, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. A change in the internal linkage of certain cab doors has created a possible binding condition
Risk. If the linkage binds, full engagement of the door latch may not occur, allowing the door to open inadvertently
Fix. Dealers will modify the door linkage to correct the potential of binding. Owner notification began june 22, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. A change in the internal linkage of certain cab doors has created a possible binding condition
Risk. If the linkage binds, full engagement of the door latch may not occur, allowing the door to open inadvertently
Fix. Dealers will modify the door linkage to correct the potential of binding. Owner notification began june 22, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000
Seat Belts 1 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: class 7 and class 8 vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 207, "seating system," and no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some fasteners used to attach the shoulder belt anchor bracket to the cab structure were omitted during production
Risk. In the event of a crash, the shoulder belt anchorage may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of personal injury
Fix. Dealers will add the necessary fasteners. Owner notification began march 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000
What's wrong. Vehicle description: class 7 and class 8 vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 207, "seating system," and no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some fasteners used to attach the shoulder belt anchor bracket to the cab structure were omitted during production
Risk. In the event of a crash, the shoulder belt anchorage may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of personal injury
Fix. Dealers will add the necessary fasteners. Owner notification began march 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000
What's wrong. Vehicle description: class 7 and class 8 vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 207, "seating system," and no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some fasteners used to attach the shoulder belt anchor bracket to the cab structure were omitted during production
Risk. In the event of a crash, the shoulder belt anchorage may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of personal injury
Fix. Dealers will add the necessary fasteners. Owner notification began march 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 2.35 years |
| Slowest campaign | 9 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 17.4% |
| Campaigns on record | 28 |
Which 357 years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Equipment | |
| 2015 | Equipment | |
| 2014 | Equipment | |
| 2013 | Equipment | |
| 2012 | Equipment | |
| 2011 | Equipment | |
| 2010 | Equipment | |
| 2009 | Trailer Hitches | |
| 2008 | Suspension | |
| 2007 | Suspension | |
| 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | |
| 2005 | Suspension | |
| 2004 | Suspension | |
| 2003 | Trailer Hitches | |
| 2002 | Service Brakes, Air | |
| 2001 | Seat Belts | |
| 2000 | Seat Belts | |
| 1999 | Steering | |
| 1998 | Seat Belts | |
| 1997 | Seat Belts | |
| 1996 | Seat Belts | |
| 1988 | Visibility | |
| 1987 | Visibility |
Check your own car
Each of these 28 campaigns covers a range of production, not every Peterbilt 357 ever built — two cars of the same year can differ by a single week at the plant. Whether yours is among them, and whether the free repair was already carried out, is answered only by the number on its windscreen: check this 357 by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
A campaign on one model says little about the brand as a whole — see how the Peterbilt 357 compares in the full recall check by make and model →
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Peterbilt 357 have?
28 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1987–2016. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my 357 still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 2.35 years, and the slowest campaign came 9 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.