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Vehicle safety record

2005 Peterbilt 387 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2005 Peterbilt 387 with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (1) and the brakes (1). It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in July 2006 for the equipment. For comparison, the 2004 has 1 and the 2006 has 0.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical 387 year, for its age

#362 most complained-about 2005 vehicle

Complaints
2
Recalls
4
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2005 Peterbilt 387 problems

Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2005 Peterbilt 387 recalls 4

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

Equipment

06V25100040 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain trucks, when using a cummins electronic icon service tool 2.2, An unintended engine start will occur.
The risk
Given the purpose and functionality of this service tool, this series of events would only occur in a service facility and could pose a hazard if the truck were to unexpectedly move or the engine to start without any warning, possibly causing personal injury.
The fix
Cummins is conducting this recall (please see 06e063000) and will replace the icon service tool 2.2 With a new icon service tool 2.3 Free of charge. Owners may contact cummins at 1-800-343-7357 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4201.

Engine and engine cooling

05V57000030,995 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain tractors equipped with caterpillar diesel engines, the variable valve actuation oil line may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not positioned correctly.
The risk
The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.
The fix
Caterpillar, in conjunction with paccar, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309-675-6496, kenworth at 425-828-5440, or peterbilt at 940-591-4201.

Steering

05V543000241 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain trucks equipped with the bendix electronic stability control (esp) system, the system uses multiple sensors and an electronic control unit (ecu) to control vehicle under steer, over-steer, and rollover situations. The system relies on vehicle sensors to be functioning and aligned properly. The steering angle sensor has the potential to be misaligned with the steering column shaft, thereby providing incorrect information to the bendix ecu.
The risk
This condition could affect vehicle throttle control and braking, thereby leading to loss of vehicle steering control which could cause a crash without warning.
The fix
Because of the immediate and substantial risk, kenworth and peterbilt dealers will first deactivate the yaw control feature of the bendix esp system preventing inadvertent esp activation. When parts are available, the steering column will be replaced to insure proper alignment of the steering shaft sensor and the full esp system will be reactivated. The recall began on december 7, 2005. Parts to complete the remedy are estimated to be available in early 2006. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4201.

Seats

04V548000251 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain heavy duty trucks, the pivot bolts which hold the seat back frame to the seat cushion frame can loosen and possibly fracture or dislodge, causing the seat back to fail to provide full support to the driver.
The risk
A possible vehicle crash could occur should the seat fall backwards during use.
The fix
Gra-mag will provide customers with repair kits which include instructions and parts to repair the seat. Owners should contact gra-mag at 614-875-8435 or peterbilt at 940-591-4201.

What owners say

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2 complaints about the 2005 Peterbilt 387

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Engine & cooling

2005 Peterbilt 387. Consumer requests reimbursement for repairs *tgw the consumer stated prior to the recall, he had to fix several oil leaks on the truck and incurred costly expenses. The truck had to be towed due to a hole in the vva oil line. *Jb

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10354295
Brakes

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds on rough road conditions, the air tank bracket of the air brake supply fractured without warning. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop and a dealer who replaced the air brackets, but the problem continued to occur. The manufacturer was contacted.

Filed Incident Service brakes, airNHTSA 10164188

Peterbilt 387: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20092900Engine & coolingF
200841400Engine & coolingF
20070600-D
20060400-C
20052400BrakesD
20041300Body, doors & structureC
20030200-B
20020200-B
20012201BrakesC
All 387 years

2005 Peterbilt 387 vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2005 Peterbilt 387240D
2005 Peterbilt 379760FCompare
2005 Peterbilt 335110BCompare
2005 Peterbilt 386140CCompare

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.

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Questions about the 2005 Peterbilt 387

Does the 2005 Peterbilt 387 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2005 Peterbilt 387: equipment (July 2006); engine and engine cooling (December 2005); steering (November 2005); seats (November 2004). 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 2005 Peterbilt 387?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (1), brakes (1).

How many complaints has the 2005 Peterbilt 387 had?

2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 2, 2006 and the latest on September 8, 2010. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2005 Peterbilt 387 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 38 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Peterbilt 387 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 387 years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2005 Peterbilt 387 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

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