No complaints are listed for the 2005 Peterbilt 385. NHTSA's API and bulk file list none in this build.
Data build 2026-10-07.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as PETERBILT 385.
Model-generated complaint tags: No complaints are listed for tagging.
Recalls
4 recalls.
Date: 2013-11-25. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
Defect: 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 ratin (excerpt)
Consequence: 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. (excerpt)
Remedy: 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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2007-06-26. Systems: TRAILER HITCHES.
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE REMOVABLE TOW HITCH ,WHEN USED TO TOW OR LIFT A VEHICLE, CAN FAIL DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL IN THE TOW HITCH.
Consequence: IF THE TOW HITCH ASSEMBLY FAILS WHILE A VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED OR LIFTED, IT MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TOW PIN ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2005-12-22. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR DIESEL ENGINES, THE VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION OIL LINE MAY WEAR AGAINST THE SHARP EDGE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD IF NOT POSITIONED CORRECTLY.
Consequence: THE OIL LINE MAY BE CUT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSING AN OIL LEAK AND A POSSIBLE FIRE.
Remedy: CATERPILLAR, IN CONJUNCTION WITH PACCAR, WILL BE CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CALL CATERPILLAR AT 309-675-6496, KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440, OR PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2005-11-29. Systems: STEERING.
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE BENDIX ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESP) SYSTEM, THE SYSTEM USES MULTIPLE SENSORS AND AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) TO CONTROL VEHICLE UNDER STEER, OVER-STEER, AND ROLLOVER SITUATIONS. THE SYSTEM RELIES ON VEHICLE SENSORS TO BE FUNCTIONING AND ALIGNED PROPERLY. THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE MISALIGNED WITH THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT, THE (excerpt)
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD AFFECT VEHICLE THROTTLE CONTROL AND BRAKING, THEREBY LEADING TO LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. (excerpt)
Remedy: BECAUSE OF THE IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL RISK, KENWORTH AND PETERBILT DEALERS WILL FIRST DEACTIVATE THE YAW CONTROL FEATURE OF THE BENDIX ESP SYSTEM PREVENTING INADVERTENT ESP ACTIVATION. WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE, THE STEERING COLUMN WILL BE REPLACED TO INSURE PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE STEERING SHAFT SENSOR AND THE FULL ESP SYSTEM WILL BE REACTIVATED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2005. PARTS T (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Manufacturer communications
14 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 6 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 3 |
|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 2 |
|---|
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
|---|
| ENGINE | 1 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 1 |
|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR | 1 |
|---|
11037541
Date: 2026-09-11. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.
"Kenworth: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes. 2 chassis added to the chassis list. Peterbilt: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes. 10 chassis added to the chassis list."
11009719
Date: 2024-10-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
1210F - SPL 170XL Interaxle Driveline Warranty section has been updated with descriptions of Recommended Repairs and an updated PRWS Claim Coding table has been added.
10188550
Date: 2021-02-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, VISIBILITY.
Information Only A?A A Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
10177021
Date: 2020-06-08. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: 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 incomplete information.
10176033
Date: 2020-05-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.
10173205
Date: 2020-03-17. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage.
10173212
Date: 2020-03-03. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Information Only A?A 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.
10172036
Date: 2020-02-28. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Information Only: Vehicles may have the connector seal on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to sensor corrosion.
10168703
Date: 2019-11-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal failure of the A/C compressor.
10162392
Date: 2019-06-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Information Only - Quick Reference Guide for Electric harness damage repairs.