repaired · 2022 Q1
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
2008 Peterbilt 386Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2008 Peterbilt 386, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 14 safety recalls, and for recall 13V-593 the manufacturer reports only 18% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 6, 2020. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Peterbilt 386 has problems
4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Engine and engine cooling
1Electrical system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
14 recalls
2008 Peterbilt 386 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2015 Q2
Other: labels
Risk. As a result, the axles may be overloaded or the wrong tires could be installed or the tires could be improperly inflated.
no report yet
Electrical system: software
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,…
no report yet
Storage: tank assembly
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.
Show 10 more recalls
no report yet
Power train: axle assembly
Risk. DETACHMENT OF THE DRIVELINE FROM THE AXLE MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER AND BECOME DISABLED IN THE ROADWAY.
no report yet
Steering: column
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.
no report yet
Engine: diesel
Risk. A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR IF ANOTHER VEHICLE STRIKES THE DPF ON THE ROADWAY.
no report yet
Trailer hitches
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…
no report yet
Doors: latch
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…
no report yet
Supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
no report yet
Gear box: shaft sector
Risk. THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE MAY CAUSE A "BIND/STICK" CONDITION IN THE VEHICLE STEERING DURING A TURN INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. FUEL TANKS POSSESSING THIS DEFECT COULD LEAK DIESEL FUEL IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
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…
no report yet
Trailer hitches
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Peterbilt.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other 386 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 386 median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Peterbilt 386, and the recalls they led to.
- Horton Fan Hub FailuresNo recall
- Driveshaft separates from tractorLed to recall 10V-634
In owners' words
What 386 owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2008 386?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.