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.
2012 Peterbilt 388Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2012 Peterbilt 388, most often about the tires. It is covered by 10 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 21, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Peterbilt 388 has problems
1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.
1Tires
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
10 recalls
2012 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 Q4
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk. If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
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…
Show 6 more recalls
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…
repaired · 2015 Q4
Air bags
Risk. Without a warning of a problem existing in the side air bag system, the driver may continue to operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury from the side…
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
Supply: check valve
Risk. UNEXPECTED CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND LEAD TO A FIRE.
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.
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 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Peterbilt 388, and the recalls they led to.
- Intermittent Loss of Power Steering AssistNo recall
Own a 2012 388?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.