2005 Peterbilt 386 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine And Engine Cooling (1)
Safety recalls (1)
Equipment:other:labels 2013-11-25 · campaign 13V593000 · 561 vehicles
Defect: Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) is recalling certain 2004-2013 Peterbilt 379, 357, 378, 367, 388, 365, 389, 385 and 386 trucks manufactured from April 3, 2003, through October 25, 2013 and equipped with tri-drive rear axles and a tag or pusher axle. The affected vehicles may be missing required information from the certification label, specifically the tag or pusher axle the gross axle weight rating, suitable tire and rim information, and recommended tire pressure information. Without this infor
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.
Fix: Peterbilt will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the certification labels missing the necessary information. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Customers can contact Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000. Peterbilt's number for this campaign is 1113-F.
Service bulletins (13)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-09-11 · P001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"kenworth: dealers should check the chassis list and sir weekly for vin changes. 2 chassis added to the chassis list. peterbilt: dealers should check the chassis list and sir weekly for vin changes. 10 chassis added to the chassis list."
Power Train 2024-10-01 · 1210F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
1210f - spl 170xl interaxle driveline warranty section has been updated with descriptions of recommended repairs and an updated prws claim coding table has been added.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer 2021-02-10 · 02-160 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only â windshield washer pumps have a high no trouble found rate. washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
Electrical System 2020-06-08 · 32-015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only: this bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure the appropriate tests for battery warranty are performed in order to prevent battery warranty claims filed with incorrect or incomplete information.
Power Train 2020-05-29 · 11-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only: hendrickson softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.
Equipment 2020-03-17 · 32-016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only: proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage.
Showing the 6 most recent of 13 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2008-11-25 · Engine And Engine Cooling · 435,000 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2005 peterbilt 386. the contact stated that he felt as if he had been drugged whenever he awoke from sleeping in the vehicle. the following day, while driving approximately 70 mph, he became sleepy for no apparent reason. he purchased a tester to test the vehicle for nitric oxide and the levels read over 5,000 ppm. the com…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.