CSR

Peterbilt · NHTSA safety record

2014 Peterbilt 388

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

17

Complaints

7

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2014 Peterbilt 388 have filed 17 safety complaints with NHTSA between July 2013 and October 2019. The most complained-about system is the tires, named in 12 of them (71%). The typical failure was reported at 122,000 miles, the median across the 7 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 8 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (8)

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

20V199000 · April 6, 2020

The defect
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX Software. In the event that the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the dash warning light for the ABS may not illuminate to warn the driver of the loss of ABS. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems," and 136, "Electronic Stability Control System on Heavy Vehicles."
The risk
If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the NAMUX software within the cab control module, free of charge. PACCAR issued owners an interim notification on June 4, 2020. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20pbc AND 20KWB.

PACCAR Incorporated · up to 460,515 vehicles across all model years covered

TIRES

15V740000 · November 9, 2015

The defect
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Peterbilt 340, 2010, 2012, and 2015-2016 Peterbilt 337, 2010 Peterbilt 335, 2011-2016 Peterbilt 348, 2009 and 2011-2016 Peterbilt 365, 2009 and 2012-2013 Peterbilt 386, 2009-2015 Peterbilt 388, 2015-2016 Peterbilt 389, and 2015 Peterbilt 567 auto hauler vehicles. The affected trucks are equipped with Michelin 295/60R22.5 XZA-2 front tires that have a speed rating less than the vehicle is governed to.
The 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.
The remedy
Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine's vehicle speed parameters to limit the maximum vehicle speed to the tire speed rating, free of charge. The recall began on January 4, 2016. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 1115P.

PACCAR Incorporated · up to 1,876 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

15V456000 · July 22, 2015

The defect
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Peterbilt 365, 367, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured January 13, 2011, to April 20, 2015. The affected trucks, equipped with extended-body Leece Neville alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon discharge line.
The risk
If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line and install a plastic insulator on the cable end, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 715-K.

PACCAR Incorporated · up to 288 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

15V132000 · March 6, 2015

The defect
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)."
The 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 rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D.

PACCAR Incorporated · up to 213,230 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

15V108000 · February 24, 2015

The defect
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2009-2015 Peterbilt 320, 365, 367, 388, and 389 trucks manufactured July 21, 2008, to February 28, 2014. The front axle tie rod end clamp bolts may be improperly torqued.
The 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 increased risk of a crash.
The remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle tie rod assembly on any vehicle where the factory installed assembly has not been previously replaced, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on May 11, 2015. The recall began on April 4, 2016. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-C.

PACCAR Incorporated · up to 5,141 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14V283000 · May 29, 2014

The defect
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Peterbilt 579, 388, 384, 367, 365, 348, and 337 trucks manufactured October 30, 2009, through May 21, 2014. In the affected vehicles, if power is interrupted to the seat electronic control unit (ECU), such as when the fuse for that circuit blows, the side air bag would be disabled but there will not be a warning lamp indicator to notify the operator of the malfunction.
The 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 air bag not deploying in the event of a rollover.
The remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will install a new electrical harness to correct them problem, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. Paccar's number for this recall is 514-F.

PACCAR Incorporated · up to 1,705 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS

14V013000 · January 24, 2014

The defect
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kenworth T660, T680, T700,T800, T880, W900, T440, T470, T370, T270, T170, C500, and C550 chassis manufactured between August 7, 2013, and October 31, 2013, and Peterbilt 320, 325, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, and 587 chassis manufactured between August 7, 2013, and November 3, 2013, and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
The risk
If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.
The remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Owners may contact PACCAR at 1-425-468-7400. Kenworth's number for this campaign is 14KWC. Peterbilt's number for this campaign is 114-B.

PACCAR Incorporated · up to 10,414 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

13V222000 · May 28, 2013

The defect
PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2014 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T470, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks manufactured May 6, 2013, through May 17, 2013; and model year 2014 Peterbilt 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, 389K, 567, 579 and 587 trucks manufactured May 1, 2013 through May 17, 2013. An internal defect in the ignition switch causes the starter to engage when a key is partially inserted, before the key is turned.
The risk
Unintended engine startup could cause injury to a person working in the engine compartment. Vehicles with standard transmissions may experience unexpected movement, which may result in personal injury or a crash.
The remedy
PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace affected ignition switches, free of charge. The recall began on June 14, 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000. Kenworth's recall campaign number is 13KWF. Peterbilt's recall campaign number is 0513-E.

PACCAR Incorporated · up to 1,773 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 17.

TIRES 12 71%
WHEELS 8 47%
STRUCTURE 2 12%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 1 6%
ENGINE 1 6%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 1 6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 1 6%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 1 6%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2014 at 15.

2013 2014 2019
2013 to 2019

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

TIRES

crash · 33,200 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 PETERBILT 388 TRUCK EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN XZA 2 ENERGY TIRES, SIZE 295-60-22.5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 66 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE MEDIAN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 33,200. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 8/26/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THIS INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES IN 1 YEAR, ON BOTH THE PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES ARE NOT LASTING DUE TO THE HEAT. THE

NHTSA complaint 10525399, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

TIRES

crash

WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL STEER TIRE FAILURES ON 2013 AND 2014 PETERBILT TRUCKS. WE RUN EITHER A 295 70 22.5 MICHELIN OR A 275 70 22.5 MICHELIN. THE TRUCKS ARE USUALLY AT CLOSE TO 80,000 LBS WHEN THESE FAILURES OCCUR. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10626593. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

TIRES

crash

STEER TIRE FAILURES ON MULTIPLE 2013 AND 2014 PETERBILT 388 TRUCKS WITH MICHELIN TIRES. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10626604. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

TIRES

crash

STEER TIRE FAILURES ON MULTIPLE 2013 AND 2014 PETERBILT 388 TRUCKS WITH MICHELIN TIRES. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10626610. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

390,000 miles

PROBLEMS WITH (AFTER TREATMENT)CODES FLASHING, CHECK ENGINE, IMMEDIATELY WENT TO STOP ENGINE IMMEDIATELY AND TRUCK SHUT OFF AT 70MPH. FORTUNATELY NOT ON INCLINE OR DECLINE AND WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SAFETY. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. PETERBILT NOR CUMMINS HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE FUEL PUMP COMPLETELY FAILED AND TOOK OUT THE ENGINE. MANUFACTURER KNOWS THIS IS A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING FLAW AND REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE OLDER TRUCKS THAT STILL HAVE LOW MILES BUT ARE OUT OF WARRANTY. WE ARE PERSONALLY AWARE OF 5 ENGINE FAILURES IN THE SAME TIME FRAME OF OURS..ALL CUMMINS ISX15 MOTORS. THESE ENGINES ARE LEMONS. THE AFTER TREATMENT ENGINEERING

NHTSA complaint 11265786, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

TIRES

crash · 115,000 miles

2014 PETERBILT 388 CAR HAULER. PASSENGER SIDE 2014 MICHELIN XZA 275/70/R22.5 BLEW UP. TRUCK LOST POWER HOOD WAS RIPPED APART. WHEEL, DOOR, HOOD, ELECTRICAL, AIR INTAKE DESTROYED. WAITING FOR INSURANCE TO COVER ANY DAMAGE. SO FAR HAVE SPEND OVER 20,000$ PLUS ROAD SERVICE. TRUCK WAS TRAVELING 73 MPH FRONT WEIGHT 11200. TIRE HAD AROUND 18000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10658761. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

TIRES
WE OPERATE 6 BRAND NEW PETERBILT 388 CAR HAULERS. EVERY TRUCK RANDOMLY BLOWS DRIVE INSIDE TIRE. ONCE TIRE BLOWS IT CAN BLOW ADJACENT TIRE. SO FAR WE HAD ABOUT 20 BLOW OUT IN 2 MONTH TIME. ONLY SOLUTION SO FAR WE FOUND WAS TO REROUTE EXHAUST PIPE TO THE SIDE AND REPLACE TIRES TO ALL POSITION TIRES. NO REIMBURSEMENT FROM PETERBILT. CALLED EVERY POSSIBLE NUMBER, BUT NO RESPONSE. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND EXHAUST CAUSES INSIDE TIRE TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE BLOW OUT. TIRES BLOW EVERY 1000-3000 MILES. WE HAVE SPEND OVER 30,000$ ON ROAD CALLS AND TIRE REPLACEMENT SO FAR. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10658766. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

WHEELS
WE OPERATE 6 BRAND NEW PETERBILT 388 CAR HAULERS. EVERY TRUCK RANDOMLY BLOWS DRIVE INSIDE TIRE. ONCE TIRE BLOWS IT CAN BLOW ADJACENT TIRE. SO FAR WE HAD ABOUT 20 BLOW OUT IN 2 MONTH TIME. ONLY SOLUTION SO FAR WE FOUND WAS TO REROUTE EXHAUST PIPE TO THE SIDE AND REPLACE TIRES TO ALL POSITION TIRES. NO REIMBURSEMENT FROM PETERBILT. CALLED EVERY POSSIBLE NUMBER, BUT NO RESPONSE. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND EXHAUST CAUSES INSIDE TIRE TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE BLOW OUT. TIRES BLOW EVERY 1000-3000 MILES. WE HAVE SPEND OVER 30,000$ ON ROAD CALLS AND TIRE REPLACEMENT SO FAR. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10658767. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

WHEELS

165,000 miles

2014 PETERBILT 388 CAR HAULER TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED 25 AT WORK ZONE. PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW. ONLY WHEEL TIRE AND COUPLE WIRES DESTROYED THIS TIME. COST MY COMPANY $1000 TOWING, NEW WHEEL $350, NEW TIRES $800... AND COUPLE THOUSAND MORE ON OTHER ITEMS. TRUCK WAS ABOUT 76000 POUNDS. FRONT AXEL WAS 11800. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10658763. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

TIRES
WE OPERATE 6 BRAND NEW PETERBILT 388 CAR HAULERS. EVERY TRUCK RANDOMLY BLOWS DRIVE INSIDE TIRE. ONCE TIRE BLOWS IT CAN BLOW ADJACENT TIRE. SO FAR WE HAD ABOUT 20 BLOW OUT IN 2 MONTH TIME. ONLY SOLUTION SO FAR WE FOUND WAS TO REROUTE EXHAUST PIPE TO THE SIDE AND REPLACE TIRES TO ALL POSITION TIRES. NO REIMBURSEMENT FROM PETERBILT. CALLED EVERY POSSIBLE NUMBER, BUT NO RESPONSE. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND EXHAUST CAUSES INSIDE TIRE TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE BLOW OUT. TIRES BLOW EVERY 1000-3000 MILES. WE HAVE SPEND OVER 30,000$ ON ROAD CALLS AND TIRE REPLACEMENT SO FAR. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10658768. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Every Peterbilt on this site — 1 vehicles, 191 recall campaigns and 0 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

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