2008 Peterbilt 386 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor (2) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System (1) · Engine And Engine Cooling (1)
Safety recalls (6)
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2020-04-06 · campaign 20V199000 · 460,515 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX Software. In the event that the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the dash warning light for the ABS may not illuminate to warn the driver of the loss of ABS. As such, these vehicles fail
Risk: If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the NAMUX software within the cab control module, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on June 4, 2020. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20pbc AND 20KWB.
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.
Electrical System:software 2011-07-21 · campaign 11V380000 · 211 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 KENWORTH T660, T700, AND T800 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19, 2010, THROUGH MAY 13, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2008, 2010, AND 2011 PETERBILT 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388 AND 587 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 11, 2011, AND EQUIPPED WITH PACCAR MX ENGINES AND EATON ULTRASHIFT DM OR ALLISON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS (WITHOUT AUTO-NEUTRAL). THE FAST IDLE CONTROL MAY BE ACTIVATED BY THE OPERATOR WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN GEA
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.
Fix: KENWORTH AND PETERBILT DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE ENGINE SOFTWARE FOR THE AFFECTED CHASSIS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly 2011-02-23 · campaign 11V127000 · 4,664 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 KENWORTH T2000, T660, T700, T800, AND W900, AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 PETERBILT 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, AND 587 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH PACCAR MX ENGINES. THE OIL MODULE CENTRIFUGAL SPINNER FILTER CAP IN THE PACCAR MX ENGINE MAY BECOME LOOSE, POSSIBLY ALLOWING THE CAP TO COME OFF AND ENGINE OIL TO PARTIALLY DISCHARGE FROM THE OIL MODULE ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL RE-TORQUE THE OIL MODULE FILTER CAP AND INSTALL A SECONDARY RETENTION DEVICE ON THE SECONDARY CENTRIFUGAL SPINNER FILTER CAP. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
Power Train:axle Assembly 2010-12-13 · campaign 10V634000 · 12,873 vehicles
Defect: 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 I
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.
Steering:column 2010-07-02 · campaign 10V308000 · 9,697 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRW STEERING SHAFTS. THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD AROUND THE STEERING SHAFT TUBE THAT WELDS THE SPLINED TUBE TO THE NON-SPLINED TUBE MAY BE MISLOCATED. MISLOCATION OF THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD MAY ALLOW THE SPLINED TUBE AND NON-SPLINED TUBE TO ROTATE RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER DURING A LOW SPEED, HIGH TORQUE TURN, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A SEPARATION OF THE TWO TUBES.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING SHAFT USING A WELD PLACEMENT GAUGE PROVIDED BY TRW. ANY STEERING SHAFT FOUND TO HAVE BEEN WELDED IMPROPERLY WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 940-591-4196.
Service bulletins (20)
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.
Structure 2020-06-10 · 43-067 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
fix as fail: for all conventional models, except 387/587, equipped with side-of-cab (âsocâ) exhaust and built from 03/6/2006 to 1/20/2020, the clamps that secure the soc exhaust stacks may not be tightened properly. this may allow the exhaust stack to rotate and contact the cab or sleeper.
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.
Showing the 6 most recent of 20 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2009-06-18 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System · 15,000 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2008 peterbilt 386 tractor. the contact stated that the regeneration cycle related to the diesel engine (used to burn soot from the exhaust) would not function properly. as a result, the engine would shut off. prior to the failure, the engine warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. the failure occurred ever…”
2008-05-23 · Engine And Engine Cooling · 80,000 mi“ 2008 peterbilt 386 road tractor with a cummins isx 550 hp engine. purchased 9-10-07. electrical issues. the door locks were blowing fuses, the gps and radio would go off and on, the power windows and windshield wipers stopped working, the dash lights and buzzers would flash and alarm when on rough roads, the low coolant light staying on. some sens…”
2008-02-21 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor · 2,000 mi“diesel particulate filter leaks vanadium pentoxide fumes and/or liquid residue. peterbuilt and cummins are fighting over who is responsible. peterbilt says there is no solution to this problems now, although they claim a team of engineers is working on it. it concerns me that they see no problem with allowing a cancerous substance to come in con…”
2008-02-06 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor · 2,000 mi“diesel particulate filter leaks vanadium pentoxide fumes and/or liquid residue. peterbilt and cummins are fighting over who is responsible. peterbilt says there is no solution to this problem now, although they claim a team of engineers is working on it. it concerns me that they see no problem with allowing a cancerous substance to come in contact …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.