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.
2009 Peterbilt 388Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 0 owner complaints about the 2009 Peterbilt 388. It is covered by 15 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 2009 Peterbilt 388 has problems
0 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
15 recalls
2009 Peterbilt 388 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 · 2017 Q2
Tires
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.
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…
repaired · 2017 Q3
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. Undertorqued tie rod end clamp bolts are susceptible to corrosion, which may cause loose bolts to separate resulting in a loss of vehicle control and an…
Show 11 more recalls
repaired · 2015 Q3
Service brakes
Risk. The improper brake configuration could lengthen the braking distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
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.
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
Steering: column
Risk. A SEPARATION OF THE SPLINED AND NON-SPLINED TUBES COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Engine: diesel
Risk. A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR IF ANOTHER VEHICLE STRIKES THE DPF ON THE ROADWAY.
no report yet
Service brakes, air: disc
Risk. THE CATCHING OF THE PISTON HEAD/PLATE ON THE REDUCING RING MAY LOCK UP THE CORRESPONDING FRONT AIR DISC BRAKE WHICH MAY IMPACT THE OPERATOR'S ABILITY TO STEER…
no report yet
Conventional: air
Risk. IF THE DOUBLE CHECK VALVE BECOMES LODGED, IN THE EVENT OF A PRIMARY RESERVOIR FAILURE, AIR PRESSURE CAN LEAK PAST THE LODGED DOUBLE CHECK VALVE THEREBY…
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…
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
2009 vs. every other 388 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 388 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 2009 Peterbilt 388, and the recalls they led to.
- Driveshaft separates from tractorLed to recall 10V-634
- Intermittent Loss of Power Steering AssistNo recall
Own a 2009 388?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.