2012 Peterbilt 386Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2012 Peterbilt 386, most often about the tires. It is covered by 7 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 August 26, 2024. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Peterbilt 386 has problems

2 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
Tires10

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

7 recalls

2012 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 →

30%repaired · 2017 Q2

Tires

Recall 15V-740 · Nov 9, 2015 · 1,876 vehicles · 555 repaired

Risk. Higher vehicle speeds and other factors such as tire load and road temperatures may result in premature tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

65%repaired · 2016 Q4

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 15V-456 · Jul 22, 2015 · 288 vehicles · 187 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 →

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 →

Show 3 more recalls
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

Supply: check valve

Recall 12V-026 · Jan 30, 2012 · 15,932 vehicles

Risk. UNEXPECTED CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND LEAD TO A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–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 →

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

2012 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 2012 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 tires complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2012 Peterbilt 386 equipped with Kelly Tires, Tire Line: Armor Steel RSA2, Tire Size: 295/75/R22.5, DOT Number: 04N37XETW. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tread separated from the front driver's side tire core. The contact stated that the tire was a…
Complaint 11610862 · Aug 26, 2024 · 800 miles

Own a 2012 386?

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