2009 Peterbilt 388 recalls and problems

The 2009 Peterbilt 388 has 15 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.

How the 2009 compares

Too few model years with complaints to compare.

15recalls

0complaints

0crashes

0fires

0injuries

—median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

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15 recalls

Electronic Stability Control

Apr 6, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V199000 · 460,515 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Risk: If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Tires

Nov 9, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V740000 · 1,876 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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.

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Equipment

Mar 6, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V132000 · 213,230 vehicles

Problem: 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)."

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.

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Steering

Feb 24, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V108000 · 5,141 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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.

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Service Brakes

Mar 25, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V145000 · 474 vehicles

Problem: PACCAR, Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Peterbilt 365, 367, 388, 389 trucks manufactured October 6, 2007, through September 23, 2013. The affected vehicles were built with 16.5" x 7" front drum brakes and Bendix ES-420 brake linings installed on front axles rated to carry between 20,001 and 22,000 lbs GAWR and larger SLR (20.5" to 21.5") tires, however these brake linings are not rated for this configuration. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Risk: The improper brake configuration could lengthen the braking distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

PACCAR will notify owners and dealers will install new 16.5" x 7" brake shoes with ES-600 linings, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2014. Owners may contact at Peterbilt at 1-800-473-8372. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 314-D.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Equipment

Nov 25, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V593000 · 561 vehicles

Problem: Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) is recalling certain 2004-2013 Peterbilt 379, 357, 378, 367, 388, 365, 389, 385 and 386 trucks manufactured from April 3, 2003, through October 25, 2013 and equipped with tri-drive rear axles and a tag or pusher axle. The affected vehicles may be missing required information from the certification label, specifically the tag or pusher axle the gross axle weight rating, suitable tire and rim information, and recommended tire pressure information. Without this information, the vehicles do not comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."

Risk: As a result, the axles may be overloaded or the wrong tires could be installed or the tires could be improperly inflated. All of these issues increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

Peterbilt will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the certification labels missing the necessary information. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Customers can contact Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000. Peterbilt's number for this campaign is 1113-F.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Engine

Mar 24, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V203000 · 5,831 vehicles

Problem: Paccar is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Kenworth C500, T2000, T600, and T660, as well as model year 2009-2011 Peterbilt 387 and 388 trucks equipped with caterpillar C15 engine and manufactured from May 11, 2006, through September 17, 2010. Degradation of a combustion tube weld can cause radial heat impingement on the body which May burn through certain bodies used on C15 engines.

Original NHTSA wording

PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 KENWORTH C500, T2000, T600, AND T660, AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 PETERBILT 387 AND 388 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C15 ENGINE AND MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 11, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 17, 2010. DEGRADATION OF A COMBUSTION TUBE WELD CAN CAUSE RADIAL HEAT IMPINGEMENT ON THE BODY WHICH MAY BURN THROUGH CERTAIN BODIES USED ON C15 ENGINES.

Risk: This could result in a fire.

Original NHTSA wording

THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy & notes

Caterpillar is handling the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Please see caterpillar's defect report 11E-006. Caterpillar will replace the single piece combustion tube with a thick wall combustion tube which will not allow the heat to break through. This service will be performed free of charge. Due to a parts supply issue, owners will be notified by the end of April 2011 about the safety defect, and will then be notified again once the free remedy is available, currently estimated to be around late July 2011. Owners May contact caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986.

Kenworth safety recall no. 11KWB & Peterbilt safety recall no. 0311-A.owners May also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .

Fuel System

Feb 23, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V127000 · 4,664 vehicles

Problem: Paccar is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Kenworth T2000, T660, T700, T800, and W900, as well as model year 2009-2012 Peterbilt 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, and 587 trucks equipped with paccar mx engines. The oil module centrifugal spinner filter cap in the paccar mx engine May become loose, possibly allowing the cap to come off and engine oil to partially discharge from the oil module onto exhaust components.

Original NHTSA wording

PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 KENWORTH T2000, T660, T700, T800, AND W900, AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 PETERBILT 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, AND 587 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH PACCAR MX ENGINES. THE OIL MODULE CENTRIFUGAL SPINNER FILTER CAP IN THE PACCAR MX ENGINE MAY BECOME LOOSE, POSSIBLY ALLOWING THE CAP TO COME OFF AND ENGINE OIL TO PARTIALLY DISCHARGE FROM THE OIL MODULE ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS.

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.

Original NHTSA wording

THE DISCHARGE OF ENGINE OIL ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS WHICH ARE HOT, SUCH AS WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER SIGNIFICANT LOAD, MAY CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will re-torque the oil module filter cap and install a secondary retention device on the secondary centrifugal spinner filter cap. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during March 2011. Owners May contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

Owners May also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .

Steering

Jul 2, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V308000 · 9,697 vehicles

Problem: Paccar is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 trucks equipped with trw steering shafts. The circumferential weld around the steering shaft tube that welds the splined tube to the non-splined tube May be mislocated. Mislocation of the circumferential weld May allow the splined tube and non-splined tube to rotate relative to one another during a low speed, high torque turn, possibly resulting in a separation of the two tubes.

Original NHTSA wording

PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRW STEERING SHAFTS. THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD AROUND THE STEERING SHAFT TUBE THAT WELDS THE SPLINED TUBE TO THE NON-SPLINED TUBE MAY BE MISLOCATED. MISLOCATION OF THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD MAY ALLOW THE SPLINED TUBE AND NON-SPLINED TUBE TO ROTATE RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER DURING A LOW SPEED, HIGH TORQUE TURN, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A SEPARATION OF THE TWO TUBES.

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.

Original NHTSA wording

A SEPARATION OF THE SPLINED AND NON-SPLINED TUBES WOULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will inspect the steering shaft using a weld placement gauge provided by trw. Any steering shaft found to have been welded improperly will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall began on July 30, 2010. Owners May contact Kenworth at 425-828-5440 and Peterbilt at 940-591-4196.

Kenworth's recall campaign number is 10KW-F & Peterbilt recall no. 0610-D. Owners May also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .

Steering

Jul 8, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V258000 · 2,096 vehicles

Problem: Paccar is recalling 2,096 my 2009 Kenworth and Peterbilt vehicles equipped with trw steering shafts. Mislocation of a circumferential weld May allow the splined tube and non-splined tube to rotate relative to one another during a low speed, high torque turn, possibly resulting in a separation of the two tubes.

Original NHTSA wording

PACCAR IS RECALLING 2,096 MY 2009 KENWORTH AND PETERBILT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TRW STEERING SHAFTS. MISLOCATION OF A CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD MAY ALLOW THE SPLINED TUBE AND NON-SPLINED TUBE TO ROTATE RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER DURING A LOW SPEED, HIGH TORQUE TURN, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A SEPARATION OF THE TWO TUBES.

Risk: A separation of the splined and non-splined tubes could cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.

Original NHTSA wording

A SEPARATION OF THE SPLINED AND NON-SPLINED TUBES COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will inspect the steering shaft using a weld placement gauge and miswelded steering shaft will be replaced free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2009. Owners May contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

Kenworth recall no. 09KW8 & Peterbilt recall no. 609-C.owners May also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .

Engine

Sep 23, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V487000 · 4,883 vehicles

Problem: Paccar is recalling 4,883 my 2006-2009 Kenworth T600, T660, T800, W900, T2000 and my 2008-2009 Peterbilt 365, 367, 379, 384, 386, 387, 388 and 389 trucks. Inadequate stiffness of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) bracket could result in separation of the DPF from the chassis.

Original NHTSA wording

PACCAR IS RECALLING 4,883 MY 2006-2009 KENWORTH T600, T660, T800, W900, T2000 AND MY 2008-2009 PETERBILT 365, 367, 379, 384, 386, 387, 388 AND 389 TRUCKS. INADEQUATE STIFFNESS OF THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) BRACKET COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE DPF FROM THE CHASSIS.

Risk: A vehicle crash could occur if another vehicle strikes the DPF on the roadway.

Original NHTSA wording

A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR IF ANOTHER VEHICLE STRIKES THE DPF ON THE ROADWAY.

Remedy & notes

Paccar is working with caterpillar to repair these vehicles (please see 08E041). Owners May contact caterpillar at 1-800-447-4986 or Kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

Kenworth recall no. 08KWD and Peterbilt recall no. 908G.customers May contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Service Brakes

Aug 25, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V431000 · 86 vehicles

Problem: Paccar is recalling 86 my 2009 Kenworth T660, T800, W900, and Peterbilt 386, 365, and 388 trucks equipped with bendix front air disc brakes. The size 14 service chamber of certain front air disc brakes May have been contaminated with grease between the piston head/plate and the diaphragm. When braking pressure is applied, the grease May allow the piston head/plate to slip off center and catch on the reducing ring of the size 14 service chamber.

Original NHTSA wording

PACCAR IS RECALLING 86 MY 2009 KENWORTH T660, T800, W900, AND PETERBILT 386, 365, AND 388 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX FRONT AIR DISC BRAKES. THE SIZE 14 SERVICE CHAMBER OF CERTAIN FRONT AIR DISC BRAKES MAY HAVE BEEN CONTAMINATED WITH GREASE BETWEEN THE PISTON HEAD/PLATE AND THE DIAPHRAGM. WHEN BRAKING PRESSURE IS APPLIED, THE GREASE MAY ALLOW THE PISTON HEAD/PLATE TO SLIP OFF CENTER AND CATCH ON THE REDUCING RING OF THE SIZE 14 SERVICE CHAMBER.

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 or control the vehicle.

Original NHTSA wording

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 OR CONTROL THE VEHICLE.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will replace both front air disc brakes size 14 service chambers free of charge. The recall began on August 27, 2008. Owners May contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

Kenworth recall no. 08KWA and Peterbilt recall no. 708F.customers May also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Parking Brake

Mar 21, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V128000 · 1,043 vehicles

Problem: Paccar is recalling 1,043 my 2008-2009 Kenworth C500, T2000,T660, T800 and W900 trucks equipped with bendix mv-3 dash control valves. The molded valve body has an incorrect core pin in the injection mold causing the valve body to be oversized in the double check valve area. This condition can allow the rubber double check valve to become lodged in the body opening under certain circumstances.

Original NHTSA wording

PACCAR IS RECALLING 1,043 MY 2008-2009 KENWORTH C500, T2000,T660, T800 AND W900 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX MV-3 DASH CONTROL VALVES. THE MOLDED VALVE BODY HAS AN INCORRECT CORE PIN IN THE INJECTION MOLD CAUSING THE VALVE BODY TO BE OVERSIZED IN THE DOUBLE CHECK VALVE AREA. THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE RUBBER DOUBLE CHECK VALVE TO BECOME LODGED IN THE BODY OPENING UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

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 depleting the secondary reservoir, causing reduced ability for modulating the service emergency brakes. In such an event, the operator should observe an air leak, indications of low air pressure via the primary and secondary air gauges, and audible and visual low air pressure warning alarms. A vehicle crash is possible if these warnings are not heeded.

Original NHTSA wording

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 DEPLETING THE SECONDARY RESERVOIR, CAUSING REDUCED ABILITY FOR MODULATING THE SERVICE EMERGENCY BRAKES. IN SUCH AN EVENT, THE OPERATOR SHOULD OBSERVE AN AIR LEAK, INDICATIONS OF LOW AIR PRESSURE VIA THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AIR GAUGES, AND AUDIBLE AND VISUAL LOW AIR PRESSURE WARNING ALARMS. A VEHICLE CRASH IS POSSIBLE IF THESE WARNINGS ARE NOT HEEDED.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will replace the bendix mv-3 dash control valves free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2008. Owners May contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-4196.

Kenworth recall no. 08KW3 and Peterbilt recall no. 308E.customers May also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Trailer Hitches

Mar 10, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V104000 · 318 vehicles

Problem: Paccar is recalling 318 my 2007-2009 Kenworth T800, W900, and Peterbilt 357, 365, 367, 378, 379, 384, 385, 386,388, and 389 trucks equipped with premier trailer hitch assemblies. The pintle hitch assemblies May have been manufactured in a manner resulting in a reduction of fatigue strength of the pivot pins.

Original NHTSA wording

PACCAR IS RECALLING 318 MY 2007-2009 KENWORTH T800, W900, AND PETERBILT 357, 365, 367, 378, 379, 384, 385, 386,388, AND 389 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH PREMIER TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLIES. THE PINTLE HITCH ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED IN A MANNER RESULTING IN A REDUCTION OF FATIGUE STRENGTH OF THE PIVOT PINS.

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 could cause a crash that could result in personal injury or death.

Original NHTSA wording

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 COULD CAUSE A CRASH THAT COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will replace the potentially defective pivot pin free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2008. Owners May contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

Kenworth recall no. 08KW4 and Peterbilt recall no.208D.customers May also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Latches/locks/linkages

Feb 7, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V065000 · 6,169 vehicles

Problem: Paccar is recalling 6,169 my 2008 Kenworth T300, T660, T800, T2000, W900 and C500 vehicles and my 2008-2009 Peterbilt models 365, 367, 384, 387, 388, 389 and 389 kits. Certain door latch assemblies on these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 206, 'door locks and door retention components." the rotor in some of these door latch assemblies did not receive the proper heat treatment and May be soft.

Original NHTSA wording

PACCAR IS RECALLING 6,169 MY 2008 KENWORTH T300, T660, T800, T2000, W900 AND C500 VEHICLES AND MY 2008-2009 PETERBILT MODELS 365, 367, 384, 387, 388, 389 AND 389 KITS. CERTAIN DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLIES ON THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS." THE ROTOR IN SOME OF THESE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLIES DID NOT RECEIVE THE PROPER HEAT TREATMENT AND MAY BE SOFT.

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 injury of the vehicle occupant.

Original NHTSA wording

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 INJURY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy & notes

Paccar is working with trimark and will inspect and replace the door latch if it is found to be defective. The recall began on March 14, 2008. Owners May contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

Kenworth recall no. 08KW1 and Peterbilt recall no. 108A.customers May also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

NHTSA investigations

Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist

PE20006 · opened May 1, 2020 · closed Mar 27, 2024

Summary

On May 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE20006 to investigate complaints of intermittent loss of power steering assist in Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), Volvo Trucks of North America (Volvo) and PACCAR vehicles equipped with a ZF/TRW (TRW) THP60 steering gear.Â The investigation focused on 2010-2020 DTNA Freightliner Cascadia, M2 and WST; Volvo VN, VAH and VHD and PACCAR 337, 365, 389, 567, 579 model vehicles.Field reports and interviews with fleet drivers allege that high power steering fluid temperatures could result in internal seal and bearing failures causing pressure fluctuation, affecting left and right-hand turns.Â The inability of the driver to steer the vehicle as intended can increase the risk of a crash and injury. ODI analyzed data provided by TRW, DTNA, Volvo, and PACCAR in response to individual information request letters.ODI found that most failures occurred within the first two years and/or 50,000 miles of service. Â The claim rate decreased with time and miles in service and remained less than 0.5%. ODI normalized data from each of the manufacturers and determined that there was not a substantial difference in the failures.Additionally, TRW improved a seal in the steering gear in December 2015.Trucks built on or after 2016 (as 2017 and newer model years) show a decreasing trend of failures. In view of the overall low failure rate, the nature of early-life failure, and failure rate trending downward for model years 2017 and n…

Driveshaft separates from tractor

PE10029 · opened Aug 2, 2010 · closed Dec 23, 2010 · led to recall 10V634000

Summary

SummaryOn July 13, 2010, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened an investigation on model year (MY) 2007-2009 Peterbilt tractors equipped with the (SPL170XL extended lube inter-axle driveline).ODI opened this investigation based on one Vehicle Owners Questionnaire (VOQ) and certain Peterbilt field reports.During the course of the investigation, ODI reviewed PACCAR's IR (October 22, 2010) response with associated data related to Warranty and complaint information, mined field data, interviewed customers and visited local dealers within the Washington Metropolitan area.PACCARconducted testing regarding torsional loading and identified various causative factors contributed to this safety defect finding.The Defect is a consequence of the bearing surfaces of the SPL170XL extended lube universal joint that attaches the inter-axle driveline to the drive axle becoming prematurely worn due to a breakdown of lubrication and/or excessive heat.Prematurely worn bearing surfaces may result in the u-joint becoming loose and/or binding.This condition may result in universal joint failure, allowing the inter-axle driveline to detach from the axle, which may cause the drive shaft to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage hazard.ODI learned that the affected population of the alleged defect extended to peer models within PACCAR.In summary, the following vehicles are being recalled: MY 2007 and 2008 Kenworth trucks, models T600, T660, T200…

2009 vs. other Peterbilt 388 years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2009. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2009 Peterbilt 388 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns covering the 2009 Peterbilt 388, the latest from Apr 6, 2020 (electronic stability control). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Peterbilt 388?

Few complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Peterbilt 388.