- The problem
- On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.
- The risk
- Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace all front axle hubs. Notification began july 16, 2003. The manufacturer has advised us that parts will not be available until september 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy with a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201 or kenworth 425-828-5440.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Peterbilt 385 Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1998 Peterbilt 385 have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in April 2003 for the hub.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical 385 year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1998 Peterbilt 385 recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, the shoulder belt anchorage may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- The 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.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar engines and eaton autoshift transmissions. The engines can stall because of software problems.
- The risk
- INCREASED STEERING EFFORT CAN OCCUR.
- The fix
- Dealers will update these engines with software changes. Caterpillar is conducting the owner notification and remedy of this recall.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1998 Peterbilt 385 yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Peterbilt 385: every year compared
All 385 years1998 Peterbilt 385 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Peterbilt 385 | 0 | 3 | D | |
| 1998 Peterbilt 379 | 6 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Peterbilt Peterbilt | 1 | 3 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Peterbilt 385
Does the 1998 Peterbilt 385 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1998 Peterbilt 385: hub (April 2003); anchorage (February 2001); module (July 1999). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1998 Peterbilt 385 had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1998 Peterbilt 385 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 35 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Peterbilt 385 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 1998 Peterbilt 385 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data