Peterbilt 386 problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 2 owner complaints and 17 recalls on file for the Peterbilt 386 (2005–2019).

Complaints
2
Recalls
17
Model years
15
Worst year
—

Complaints by model year

2005200620072008200920102011220122013201420152016201720182019
NHTSA complaints per Peterbilt 386 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Every Peterbilt 386 model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2019 38600002—
2018 38600002—
2017 38600003—
2016 38600005—
2015 38600003—
2014 38600005—
2013 38600006—
2012 38620007Wheels & Tires
2011 38600006—
2010 38600005—
2009 38600005—
2008 38600006—
2007 38600003—
2006 38600001—
2005 38600001—

Most common Peterbilt 386 problem areas (all years)

  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints

Peterbilt 386 recalls

  • Recall 20V199000Apr 6, 2020460,515 vehiclesModel years 2008–2019

    Risk: If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V657000Sep 21, 201848,896 vehiclesModel years 2017–2019

    Risk: If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V593000Sep 22, 201717,737 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V872000Dec 5, 20162,046 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: If the brake lights do not illuminate when the brakes are applied, other drivers will be unaware the vehicle is stopping, which can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V740000Nov 9, 20151,876 vehiclesModel years 2009–2013

    Risk: Higher vehicle speeds and other factors such as tire load and road temperatures may result in premature tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V597000Sep 24, 2015354 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: An engine that stalls without warning increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V456000Jul 22, 2015288 vehiclesModel years 2012–2016

    Risk: If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 15V270000May 8, 20151,494 vehiclesModel years 2011–2016

    Risk: If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 14V013000Jan 24, 201410,414 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

  • Recall 13V593000Nov 25, 2013561 vehiclesModel years 2005–2013

    Risk: As a result, the axles may be overloaded or the wrong tires could be installed or the tires could be improperly inflated. All of these issues increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 13V222000May 28, 20131,773 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: Unintended engine startup could cause injury to a person working in the engine compartment. Vehicles with standard transmissions may experience unexpected movement, which may result in personal injury or a crash.

  • Recall 12V026000Jan 30, 201215,932 vehiclesModel years 2012–2013

    Risk: Unexpected continuous brake application can cause the brakes to overheat and lead to a fire. Unexpected continuous brake application can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Also, the brakes may be applied without illuminating the brake lights, failing to give proper warning to other drivers.

  • Recall 11V380000Jul 21, 2011211 vehiclesModel years 2008–2011

    Risk: If the fast idle control function is engaged with the transmission in gear, the vehicle could unexpectedly accelerate and override the parking brake and , creating a risk of a crash and damage to other vehicles or property and the potential for injury to nearby pedestrians.

  • Recall 11V127000Feb 23, 20114,664 vehiclesModel years 2007–2012

    Risk: The discharge of engine oil onto exhaust components which are hot, such as when the engine is under significant load, may cause a fire.

  • Recall 10V634000Dec 13, 201012,873 vehiclesModel years 2007–2008

    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.

  • Recall 10V453000Oct 1, 2010384 vehiclesModel years 2011

    Risk: The leaking of engine oil onto hot exhaust components, such as when the engine is under significant load, may create the possibility of a fire.

  • Recall 10V308000Jul 2, 20109,697 vehiclesModel years 2008–2010

    Risk: A separation of the splined and non-splined tubes would cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Other Peterbilt models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology