2011 Peterbilt 386Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2011 Peterbilt 386, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 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 2011 Peterbilt 386 has problems

1 complaint 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
Electrical system11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

6 recalls

2011 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.

27%repaired · 2022 Q1

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Recall 20V-199 · Apr 6, 2020 · 460,515 vehicles · 125,765 repaired

Risk. If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

76%repaired · 2016 Q4

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 15V-270 · May 8, 2015 · 1,494 vehicles · 1,138 repaired

Risk. If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

18%repaired · 2015 Q2

Other: labels

Recall 13V-593 · Nov 25, 2013 · 561 vehicles · 102 repaired

Risk. As a result, the axles may be overloaded or the wrong tires could be installed or the tires could be improperly inflated.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Electrical system: software

Recall 11V-380 · Jul 21, 2011 · 211 vehicles

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,…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
–no report yet

Storage: tank assembly

Recall 11V-127 · Feb 23, 2011 · 4,664 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Emission control: gas recirculation valve (egr valve)

Recall 10V-453 · Oct 1, 2010 · 384 vehicles

Risk. THE LEAKING OF ENGINE OIL ONTO HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS, SUCH AS WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER SIGNIFICANT LOAD, MAY CREATE THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2011 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
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2011 Peterbilt 386, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Intermittent Loss of Power Steering AssistPE20006 · closed Mar 27, 2024
    No recall
In owners' words

What 386 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

UPON AN FIRE INVESTIGATION ON THIS PETERBILT THE SECONDARY POWER WIRE COMING FROM THE STARTER SHORTED OUT AGAINST THE ENGINE BLOCK OR GROUND WIRE. AS THE INVESTIGATION IS STILL EARLY I WILL HAVE A BETTER IDEA IN A FEW DAYS. I'M A HEAVY EQUIPMENT APPRAISER AND THIS IS ONE OF MY FLEETS THAT I LOOK…
Complaint 10536932 · Aug 23, 2013

Own a 2011 386?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.