- 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 387 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2008 Peterbilt 387 with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (3) and the fuel system (1). It is covered by 14 recalls, the latest in April 2020 for the electronic stability control (ESC). For comparison, the 2007 has 0 and the 2009 has 2.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 387 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 387 problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2008 Peterbilt 387 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 model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)."
- The risk
- If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D.
- 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 1098 kenworth my 2008 t800, w900, my 2008-2009 t2000 and peterbilt my 2007-2009 379 and 387 trucks equipped with c15 caterpillar diesel engines. The aftertreatment regeneration device (ard) may develop a hole and heat and flame may escape during a regeneration of the diesel particulate filter.
- The risk
- THIS MAY RESULT IN A FIRE HAZARD.
- The fix
- Paccar is working with caterpillar and will inspect and remedy the engines free of charge. Owners may contact caterpillar at 1-800-447-4986, kenworth at 425-828-5440 or 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 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, the axle housings may have been manufactured with steel that was out of specification which could result in a fatigue failure over time.
- The risk
- If a fatigue failure occurs and is left unattended, the axle may lock up or the end of the axle could come off, which may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the axles free of charge. The recall began on may 9, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.
- The problem
- On some peterbilt trucks, certain parts used in the air suspensions have a high copper content causing premature failure.
- The risk
- Failure could cause erratic vehicle handling which can cause a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and, when necessary, replace the defective parts. The recall began on january 17, 2007. Owners may contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.
What owners say
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4 complaints about the 2008 Peterbilt 387
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Before the above truck was purchased, of note is that the check engine light was on, as well as after the purchase of same truck. Fussell truck sales reset the engine light on wednesday, september 23, 2015. I placed vehicle on a diagnostic computer on today, september 29th, 2015, and was notified that the check engine light that was on due to a need to underlying need for a faulty transmission and regent system , which does not resolve the root cause of the problem. The truck was purchased on september 2, 2015,...
Read the full complaint
and has a 30-day warranty, and I am exercising my rights to surrender the aboved mentioned vehicle as unsafe and a danger to public health. This truck does not comply with national highway traffic safety regulations.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 peterbilt 387. While driving various speeds, the dpf malfunctioned and caused the engine to overheat and the vehicle to stall. No further information was available. The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the failure on multiple occasions and had been serviced multiple times. The entire dpf system was replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 300,000.
First, my turbo went out june24th 2014. Second the d.P.F filter and sensors. I only had the truck for 90days and already spent over 9000 dollars on it. *Js
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 peterbilt 387. The contact stated that the dps injectors would not regenerate on the vehicle. As a consequence, the vehicle would sporadically decelerate. The check engine indicator would illuminate when the failure occurred. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer on numerous occasions and they stated that the diesel engine was the cause of the failure. She received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 09v019000(engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel) and is currently waiting on a response from the dealer. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 116,000.
Peterbilt 387: every year compared
All 387 years2008 Peterbilt 387 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Peterbilt 387 | 4 | 14 | F | |
| 2008 Peterbilt 386 | 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 387
Does the 2008 Peterbilt 387 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2008 Peterbilt 387: electronic stability control (ESC) (April 2020); labels (March 2015); 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 387?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (3), fuel system (1), transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many complaints has the 2008 Peterbilt 387 had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 5, 2009 and the latest on October 15, 2015. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2008 Peterbilt 387 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 9 out of 100 (grade F: far 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?
2008 (4), 2001 (2), 2005 (2). See every Peterbilt 387 year compared.
What should I do if my 2008 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