- The problem
- 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 to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems," and 136, "Electronic Stability Control System on Heavy Vehicles."
- The risk
- If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2008 Peterbilt 386 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2008 Peterbilt 386 with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (4) and the electrical system (1). It is covered by 14 recalls, the latest in April 2020 for the electronic stability control (ESC). For comparison, the 2007 has 1 and the 2009 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 386 year, for its age
#307 most complained-about 2008 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2008 Peterbilt 386 problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2008 Peterbilt 386 recalls 14
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
- 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 information, the vehicles do not comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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 gear.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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 inter-axle driveline to detach from the axle.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The problem
- Paccar is recalling 4,883 my 2006-2009 kenworth t600, t660, t800, w900, t2000 and my 2008-2009 peterbilt 365, 367, 379, 384, 386, 387, 388 and 389 trucks. Inadequate stiffness of the diesel particulate filter (dpf) bracket could result in separation of the dpf from the chassis.
- The risk
- A vehicle crash could occur if another vehicle strikes the dpf on the roadway.
- The fix
- Paccar is working with caterpillar to repair these vehicles (please see 08e041). Owners may contact caterpillar at 1-800-447-4986 or kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.
- The problem
- Paccar is recalling 318 my 2007-2009 kenworth t800, w900, and peterbilt 357, 365, 367, 378, 379, 384, 385, 386,388, and 389 trucks equipped with premier trailer hitch assemblies. The pintle hitch assemblies may have been manufactured in a manner resulting in a reduction of fatigue strength of the pivot pins.
- The risk
- This reduction of fatigue strength could cause the pivot pin to crack and eventually break, causing the trailer to detach from the truck while in motion, which could cause a crash that could result in personal injury or death.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the potentially defective pivot pin free of charge. The recall began on april 18, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.
- The problem
- Paccar is recalling 6,169 my 2008 kenworth t300, t660, t800, t2000, w900 and c500 vehicles and my 2008-2009 peterbilt models 365, 367, 384, 387, 388, 389 and 389 kits. Certain door latch assemblies on these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 206, 'Door locks and door retention components." The rotor in some of these door latch assemblies did not receive the proper heat treatment and may be soft.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, force could cause the rotor to crack and the door would not have primary or secondary closing security which could possibly lead to injury of the vehicle occupant.
- The fix
- Paccar is working with trimark and will inspect and replace the door latch if it is found to be defective. The recall began on march 14, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.
- The problem
- Certain trucks equipped with eaton synflex eclipse brand extruded nylon air brake hose tubing fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 106, "Brake hoses." The tubing was manufactured with only four layers of nylon material, instead of the specified five layers.
- The risk
- The diameter of the hose affects the fittings which may allow air to leak from the brakes and create the potential for a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the air brake hoses and, if necessary, replace the hoses. The recall began on february 22, 2008. Owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.
- The problem
- On certain kenworth and peterbilt heavy duty trucks equipped with tas-85 trw steering gears, the inner surface of the outer sector shaft teeth of the steering gears may have an incorrect involute profile, which may lead to chipping and damage of the gearing system.
- The risk
- This type of damage may cause a "bind/stick" condition in the vehicle steering during a turn increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair and replace any suspect tas-85 steering gear assembly free of charge. The recall began on january 9, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 940-591-4201.
- The problem
- On certain peterbilt trucks, the longitudinal seams on the fuel tanks were fabricated using an incorrect weld speed for the given material thickness. This error resulted in a weld which did not completely penetrate the entire material thickness.
- The risk
- Fuel tanks possessing this defect could leak diesel fuel in the event of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace any defective fuel tanks free of charge. The recall began on october 8, 2007. Owners may contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201.
- The problem
- On certain trucks built with cummins ism c876 engines, the electronic control module fails to recognize inputs of the vehicle electronic control unit or from a driver actuated dash switch thereby increasing the risk of unintended (or unexpected) elevated exhaust temperatures.
- The risk
- While this condition does not involve a risk of fire in the vehicle itself, it could present a fire hazard in a situation where the vehicle's exhaust is in close proximity to materials or substances that can melt, burn, or explode.
- The fix
- Cummins, in conjunction with paccar, will conduct the remedy campaign. Cummis will install new ecm software. Owners can contact cummins at 1-800-343-7357, peterbilt at 940-591-4201 or kenworth at 425-828-5440.
- The problem
- On certain trucks, the removable tow hitch ,when used to tow or lift a vehicle, can fail due to defective material in the tow hitch.
- The risk
- If the tow hitch assembly fails while a vehicle is being towed or lifted, it may cause an accident that could result in personal injury or death.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the tow pin assembly free of charge. The recall began on september 4, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 940-591-4201.
What owners say
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4 complaints about the 2008 Peterbilt 386
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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 everytime the vehicle was operated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer numerous times, but none of the remedies were sufficient. The vehicle was also repaired...
Read the full complaint
according to nhtsa campaign id number 08v487000; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer could not assist. The current mileage was 100,680 and failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
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 sensors;fuses replaced. In january having oil pressure issues. Pressure would drop to 0 and truck would shut off. Told this a clogged oil filter. Changed the filter....
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Continued to have the problem. In february we took the it in for this, and the electrical; they could found nothing. We picked it up, drove about 3 miles and the oil pressure began to fluctuate. Took it back, it was kept several days and they still found nothing. Then the fuel was not equalizing between tanks and the truck would run out of fuel. We brought it in on 4-23-08. We noted the oil pressure, the electrical and the fuel not equalizing. After 2 days, again nothing was found. Picked it up on 4-25-08, picked up a local load to deliver on the 28th. 5:30Pm the truck broke down. It was towed to the shop. The mechanic said it was an electrical issue with the oil pressure system. The next morning a mechanical gauge was put on the truck and showed no oil pressure. A gear had sheared off the oil pump. It was replaced. We pick up the truck on 5-2-08, would not start and had to be jump started. Drove approximately 30 miles the engine threw a rod through the side. It is still in the shop. Cummins opted to rebuild the engine rather than replace it. The truck is equipped with a sleeper which we are afraid to use because of the wiring. We have been told that our truck is not the only one with oil pump failures. Therefore we would like to request a full investigation into this matter. *Tr
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 contact with unsuspecting people, myself included. *Tr
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 with unsuspecting people, myself included. *Tr
Peterbilt 386: every year compared
All 386 years2008 Peterbilt 386 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Peterbilt 386 | 4 | 14 | F | |
| 2008 Peterbilt 387 | 4 | 14 | F | 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 2008 Peterbilt 386
Does the 2008 Peterbilt 386 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2008 Peterbilt 386: electronic stability control (ESC) (April 2020); labels (November 2013); software (July 2011); tank assembly (February 2011) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Peterbilt 386?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (4), electrical system (1).
How many complaints has the 2008 Peterbilt 386 had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 6, 2008 and the latest on June 18, 2009. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2008 Peterbilt 386 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 16 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Peterbilt 386 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.
Which Peterbilt 386 years have the most complaints?
2008 (4), 2012 (2), 2005 (1). See every Peterbilt 386 year compared.
What should I do if my 2008 Peterbilt 386 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