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 387Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2008 Peterbilt 387, most often about the engine. It is covered by 14 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-199 the manufacturer reports only 27% 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 387 has problems
4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Engine
1Electrical system
1Engine and engine cooling
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Power train
1Service brakes
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
14 recalls
2008 Peterbilt 387 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 · 2016 Q3
Other: labels
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…
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
no report yet
Engine: diesel
Risk. A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR IF ANOTHER VEHICLE STRIKES THE DPF ON THE ROADWAY.
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
Power train: axle assembly
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.
no report yet
Suspension
Risk. FAILURE COULD CAUSE ERRATIC VEHICLE HANDLING WHICH CAN CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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 387 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 387 median. How we score
'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Peterbilt 387, and the recalls they led to.
- Horton Fan Hub FailuresNo recall
- HORTON FAN HUB FAILURESNo recall
- Driveshaft separates from tractorLed to recall 10V-634
In owners' words
What 387 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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
Own a 2008 387?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.