2015 PETERBILT 388

7 recalls, 7 complaints - 36 TSBs

20V199000 Apr 6, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Defect Description
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-lo... Read more
Consequence
If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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 se... Read more
460,515 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
15V889000 Dec 31, 2015
TIRES
Defect Description
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2015 Peterbilt model 388 vehicles manufactured from January 28, 2014, through February 3, 2014. The affected vehicles were built with Michelin MN295/60 R22.5 XZA front tires and 8.25" wheels and were certified to a GAWR greater than the m... Read more
Consequence
If the truck exceeds the load rating on the tire, the tire may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 8.25" front wheels with 9.00" wheels and re-program the maximum vehicle speed to the appropriate settings, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's rec... Read more
15 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
15V740000 Nov 9, 2015
TIRES
Defect Description
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 P... Read more
Consequence
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.
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 thi... Read more
1,876 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
15V456000 Jul 22, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Defect Description
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 ma... Read more
Consequence
If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 n... Read more
288 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
15V132000 Mar 6, 2015
TIRES
Defect Description
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 ... Read more
Consequence
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.
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.
213,230 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
15V108000 Feb 24, 2015
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
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.
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 Peterb... Read more
5,141 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated
14V283000 May 29, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Defect Description
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 t... Read more
Consequence
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.
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.
1,705 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated

Complaint Statistics

7 total complaints

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
WHEELS3
STRUCTURE:BODY2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
TIRES1
WHEELS Nov 18, 2014
Incident date: Oct 22, 2014
6 PETERBILT MY COMPANY OPERATES ARE 2014 AND 2015 CAR HAULERS. ALL ARE CONSISTENTLY DESTROYING REAR AXEL TIRES BOTH SIDES DRIVER AND PASSENGER (THREAD IS COMING OUT). DAMAGED SEEMS TO HAPPEN DUE TO OVERHEAT OF TIRES. WE TRIED USING DIFFERENT BRAND OF TIRES, BUT BLOW OUT DID NOT STOP. WE TOOK TRUCK... Read more
WHEELS Nov 10, 2014
Incident date: Oct 26, 2014
TRACTOR BLEW A MICHELIN XZA (295/60/22.5) PASSENGER SIDE STEER TIRE. DRIVER FELT A VIBRATION AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING OVER WHEN IT BLEW. *TR
STRUCTURE:BODY Nov 10, 2014
Incident date: Oct 26, 2014
TRACTOR BLEW A MICHELIN XZA (295/60/22.5) PASSENGER SIDE STEER TIRE. DRIVER FELT A VIBRATION AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING OVER WHEN IT BLEW. *TR
WHEELS Nov 4, 2014
Incident date: Oct 31, 2014
2015 BRAND NEW PETE 388 CAR HAULER. FRONT ORIGINAL TIRE MICHELIN XZA 2 SIZE 295/60/22.5 BLEW UP. DAMAGED FRONT OF THE TRUCK AND 2 TIRES WERE DAMAGED ON DRIVE SAME SIDE. PAID $1500 FOR ROAD SERVICE. HOOD, BUMPER LIGHT ARE DAMAGED. TRUCK ONLY 3 MONTH OLD. 4TH BLOW OUT IN 2 MONTH ON 4 SEPARATE TRUCK... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 4, 2014
Incident date: Oct 31, 2014
2015 BRAND NEW PETE 388 CAR HAULER. FRONT ORIGINAL TIRE MICHELIN XZA 2 SIZE 295/60/22.5 BLEW UP. DAMAGED FRONT OF THE TRUCK AND 2 TIRES WERE DAMAGED ON DRIVE SAME SIDE. PAID $1500 FOR ROAD SERVICE. HOOD, BUMPER LIGHT ARE DAMAGED. TRUCK ONLY 3 MONTH OLD. 4TH BLOW OUT IN 2 MONTH ON 4 SEPARATE TRUCK... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY Nov 4, 2014
Incident date: Oct 31, 2014
2015 BRAND NEW PETE 388 CAR HAULER. FRONT ORIGINAL TIRE MICHELIN XZA 2 SIZE 295/60/22.5 BLEW UP. DAMAGED FRONT OF THE TRUCK AND 2 TIRES WERE DAMAGED ON DRIVE SAME SIDE. PAID $1500 FOR ROAD SERVICE. HOOD, BUMPER LIGHT ARE DAMAGED. TRUCK ONLY 3 MONTH OLD. 4TH BLOW OUT IN 2 MONTH ON 4 SEPARATE TRUCK... Read more
TIRES Nov 4, 2014
Incident date: Oct 31, 2014
2015 BRAND NEW PETE 388 CAR HAULER. FRONT ORIGINAL TIRE MICHELIN XZA 2 SIZE 295/60/22.5 BLEW UP. DAMAGED FRONT OF THE TRUCK AND 2 TIRES WERE DAMAGED ON DRIVE SAME SIDE. PAID $1500 FOR ROAD SERVICE. HOOD, BUMPER LIGHT ARE DAMAGED. TRUCK ONLY 3 MONTH OLD. 4TH BLOW OUT IN 2 MONTH ON 4 SEPARATE TRUCK... Read more

Technical Service Bulletins, 2015 PETERBILT 388

36 manufacturer communications from 23 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
350000 EQUIPMENT4
160000 STRUCTURE3
030000 BRAKES (PWS)2
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE2
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM2
13-060 Aug 3, 2022
030000 BRAKES (PWS)
The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures.
02-160 Feb 10, 2021
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Information Only a?? Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
02-160 Feb 10, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
Information Only a?? Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
02-160 Feb 10, 2021
136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Information Only a?? Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
02-160 Feb 10, 2021
130000 VISIBILITY
Information Only a?? Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
02-158 Aug 25, 2020
160000 STRUCTURE
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined that certain model 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks, built between 4/13/2010 and 3/16/2020 and equipped with a flush mounted battery box, utilized rubber washers that co
02-158 Aug 25, 2020
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined that certain model 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks, built between 4/13/2010 and 3/16/2020 and equipped with a flush mounted battery box, utilized rubber washers that co
02-158 Aug 25, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined that certain model 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks, built between 4/13/2010 and 3/16/2020 and equipped with a flush mounted battery box, utilized rubber washers that co
02-158 Aug 25, 2020
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined that certain model 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks, built between 4/13/2010 and 3/16/2020 and equipped with a flush mounted battery box, utilized rubber washers that co
13-054 Jul 29, 2020
030000 BRAKES (PWS)
Fix-As-Fail - Bendix New-Gen Lightweight Steer Axle Drum Brake Spider Cracking
43-067 Jun 10, 2020
160000 STRUCTURE
Fix as Fail: For all conventional models, except 387/587, equipped with Side-of-Cab (a??SOCa??) exhaust and built from 03/6/2006 to 1/20/2020, the clamps that secure the SOC exhaust stacks may not be tightened properly. This may allow the
43-067 Jun 10, 2020
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Fix as Fail: For all conventional models, except 387/587, equipped with Side-of-Cab (a??SOCa??) exhaust and built from 03/6/2006 to 1/20/2020, the clamps that secure the SOC exhaust stacks may not be tightened properly. This may allow the
32-015 Jun 8, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Information Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure the appropriate tests for battery warranty are performed in order to prevent battery warranty claims filed with incorrect or incomplet
11-001 May 29, 2020
100000 POWER TRAIN
Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.
43-066 Mar 27, 2020
160000 STRUCTURE
DEF tank covers may become loose and potentially crack on vehicles built before October 2019 with DEF tank part number M86-6221-003**(TANK-DEF MEDIUM ASSY) and M86-6222-003**(TANK-DEF LARGE, ASSY). Resolution is to resolve the vibration on
32-016 Mar 17, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage.
34-085 Mar 3, 2020
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Information Only a?? Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to water intrusion and corrosion in some vehicles.
34-085 Mar 3, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Information Only a?? Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to water intrusion and corrosion in some vehicles.
34-085 Feb 28, 2020
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Information Only: Vehicles may have the connector seal on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to sensor corrosion.
34-085 Feb 28, 2020
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Information Only: Vehicles may have the connector seal on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to sensor corrosion.
03-071 Dec 18, 2019
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Information Only - Vehicles built with NAMUX software from 2013 to present may experience accuracy issues with the tachometer. The issue can be temporarily resolved using any one of the included procedures.
01-075 Nov 6, 2019
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal failure of the A/C compressor.
16-041 Sep 27, 2019
020000 SUSPENSION
Non Safety Campaign: Peterbilt has determined that certain Model 365, 384, 386, 388, 389, 3895, 587 and 579 vehicles built between March 27, 2012 and January 20, 2019 with Flex Air suspension in a 6x2 configuration have U-bolts that may fa
TIB43-062 Sep 27, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
Information Only ??A?A? This bulletin provides information about the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) and Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP).
TIB43-062 Sep 27, 2019
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Information Only ??A?A? This bulletin provides information about the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) and Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP).
42-056 Aug 28, 2019
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Fix-As-Fail -??A? Composite fittings used in the cooling system may crack, resulting in coolant leaks. Brass fittings are available to replace the composite fittings.
42-058 Aug 23, 2019
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Fix-As-Fail: Two separate causes have been identified as root cause of intermittent low coolant indicator illumination.
34-066 Jun 10, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Information Only - Quick Reference Guide for Electric harness damage repairs.
34-077 Apr 8, 2019
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion.
34-077 Apr 8, 2019
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion.
13-049 Jan 4, 2019
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Information: Bendix ACOM Software version 6.16.5.0 for diagnostics may introduce an unrecoverable error. Notice to dealers to replace this version with older software version until Bendix introduces new version.
03-064 Jul 23, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Information - Recommended Practices for Updating ESA Software
7-17 Jan 22, 2018
204000 WHEELS:HUB
Fix-As-Fail ? There is an updated plug to fix leaking steer axle hubcaps.
7-17 Jan 22, 2018
200000 WHEELS
Fix-As-Fail ? There is an updated plug to fix leaking steer axle hubcaps.
FRN715-1 Nov 18, 2015
280100 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Instrumentation - SmartNav 2.0 Software Update - Peterbilt vehicles manufactured between July 01, 2015 through November 12, 2015 with the SmartNav 2.0 system have some SmartNav features, including truck navigation and Bluetooth phone servic
FRN215-3 Nov 13, 2015
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
HVAC - Sleeper Heater O-ring Coolant Leak Phase 2 - Peterbilt has determined that vehicles built between 08/01/2013 and 08/01/2014 and were manufactured fwith a sleeper heater may have sleeper heater o-rings that are incompatible with the e

PETERBILT 388 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the PETERBILT 388 across all model years (2004, 2019).

105 Total Recalls
36 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
10 Reported Crashes
0 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

PETERBILT 388 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2019 1 0 View
2018 1 0 View
2017 1 0 View
2016 3 0 View
2015 (current) 7 7
2014 8 28 View
2013 9 0 View
2012 10 1 View
2011 11 0 View
2010 11 0 View
2009 15 0 View
2008 17 0 View
2007 7 0 View
2006 2 0 View
2005 1 0 View
2004 1 0 View

Other PETERBILT Models

Model Recalls Complaints
567 326 11 View
579 308 53 View
389 271 34 View
367 260 0 View
365 259 1 View
520 234 4 View
548 202 0 View
348 158 0 View