Peterbilt 388 problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 1 owner complaints and 18 recalls on file for the Peterbilt 388 (2005–2019).

Complaints
1
Recalls
18
Model years
15
Worst year
—

Complaints by model year

2005200620072008200920102011120122013201420152016201720182019
NHTSA complaints per Peterbilt 388 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 388 model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2019 38800001—
2018 38800001—
2017 38800001—
2016 38800003—
2015 38800007—
2014 38800008—
2013 38800009—
2012 388100010Wheels & Tires
2011 388000011—
2010 388000011—
2009 38800009—
2008 38800008—
2007 38800004—
2006 38800002—
2005 38800001—

Most common Peterbilt 388 problem areas (all years)

  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints

Peterbilt 388 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 15V889000Dec 31, 201515 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: If the truck exceeds the load rating on the tire, the tire may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V740000Nov 9, 20151,876 vehiclesModel years 2009–2015

    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 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 15V132000Mar 6, 2015213,230 vehiclesModel years 2006–2016

    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.

  • Recall 15V108000Feb 24, 20155,141 vehiclesModel years 2009–2015

    Risk: Undertorqued tie rod end clamp bolts are susceptible to corrosion, which may cause loose bolts to separate resulting in a loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V283000May 29, 20141,705 vehiclesModel years 2010–2015

    Risk: Without a warning of a problem existing in the side air bag system, the driver may continue to operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury from the side air bag not deploying in the event of a rollover.

  • Recall 14V145000Mar 25, 2014474 vehiclesModel years 2008–2013

    Risk: The improper brake configuration could lengthen the braking distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • 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 11V203000Mar 24, 20115,831 vehiclesModel years 2009–2011

    Risk: This could result in a fire.

  • 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