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Peterbilt 386Years to avoid, problems & recalls

NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 30 safety recalls on record for the Peterbilt 386.

Years to avoidNoneBased on weighted complaintsBest years—Fewest complaints for their ageOwner complaints12Top: Engine and engine coolingSafety recalls302004–2019 model years

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports. Updated daily. How we score years.

Best & worst years

Peterbilt 386 years to avoid

Complaints by model year, colored by the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 386 median. Tap a year for its full report.

'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2019Not rated–/1000 complaints · 2 recalls2018Not rated–/1000 complaints · 2 recalls2017Not rated–/1000 complaints · 3 recalls2016Not rated–/1000 complaints · 5 recalls2015Not rated–/1000 complaints · 3 recalls2014Not rated–/1000 complaints · 5 recalls2013Not rated–/1001 complaint · 6 recalls2012Not rated–/1002 complaints · 7 recalls2011Not rated–/1001 complaint · 6 recalls2010Not rated–/1001 complaint · 5 recalls2009Not rated–/1001 complaint · 10 recalls2008Not rated–/1004 complaints · 14 recalls2007Not rated–/1001 complaint · 8 recalls2006Not rated–/1000 complaints · 2 recalls2005Not rated–/1001 complaint · 4 recalls2004Not rated–/1000 complaints · 1 recall
Complaints by system

Most common Peterbilt 386 problems

All model years combined: 12 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling50
Electrical system21
Visibility10
Service brakes, air11
Engine10
Tires10
30 recalls

Peterbilt 386 recalls

Newest first. The ring shows the share of affected vehicles repaired, from the manufacturer's latest report to NHTSA.

27%Electronic stability control (ESC)20V-199 · 2008–2019 · Apr 6, 2020 · 460,515 vehicles–Engine: diesel18V-657 · 2017–2019 · Sep 21, 2018 · 48,896 vehicles63%Steering17V-593 · 2016 · Sep 22, 2017 · 17,737 vehicles56%Brake lights: switch16V-872 · 2017 · Dec 5, 2016 · 2,046 vehicles30%Tires15V-740 · 2009–2013 · Nov 9, 2015 · 1,876 vehicles–Ignition: module15V-597 · 2016 · Sep 24, 2015 · 354 vehicles65%Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator15V-456 · 2012–2016 · Jul 22, 2015 · 288 vehicles76%Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator15V-270 · 2011–2016 · May 8, 2015 · 1,494 vehicles59%Seat belts14V-013 · 2014 · Jan 24, 2014 · 10,414 vehicles18%Other: labels13V-593 · 2004–2013 · Nov 25, 2013 · 561 vehicles–Ignition: switch13V-222 · 2014 · May 28, 2013 · 1,773 vehicles–Supply: check valve12V-026 · 2012–2013 · Jan 30, 2012 · 15,932 vehicles

Showing the 12 newest of 30 recalls. Each model-year page lists all recalls for that year.

4 investigations

NHTSA investigations of the 386

  1. Quarter Fender FailuresPE20015 · 2017–2019 · closed Oct 14, 2021
    No recall
  2. Intermittent Loss of Power Steering AssistPE20006 · 2009–2012 · closed Mar 27, 2024
    No recall
  3. Driveshaft separates from tractorPE10029 · 2007–2009 · closed Dec 23, 2010
    Led to recall 10V-634
  4. Horton Fan Hub FailuresEA09008 · 2007–2008 · closed Aug 27, 2010
    No recall