No complaints are listed for the 2016 Peterbilt 385. NHTSA's API and bulk file list none in this build.
Data build 2026-10-08.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as PETERBILT 385.
Model-generated complaint tags: No complaints are listed for tagging.
Recalls
See new recalls and investigations this week.
1 recalls.
Date: 2015-03-06. Systems: EQUIPMENT, TIRES.
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 requireme (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Manufacturer communications
24 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 7 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 5 |
|---|
| ENGINE | 2 |
|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2 |
|---|
| STRUCTURE | 2 |
|---|
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 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."
11010926
Date: 2024-11-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.
Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting issues. A new Starter Troubleshooting Guide has been created to provide a comprehensive list of starting system checks, which should reduce unnecessary starter replacements and associated warran
10219235
Date: 2022-08-03. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.
The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures.
10201965
Date: 2021-09-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL.
Fix-As-Fail A?A A Due to undersupply issues, only a limited supply of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors are available. As a temporary solution, after PACCAR confirms a DEF sensor is not available, a temporary software update will allow a vehicle to continue operation with a failed DEF sensor by di
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.
10177935
Date: 2020-07-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.
Fix-As-Fail - Bendix New-Gen Lightweight Steer Axle Drum Brake Spider Cracking
10177019
Date: 2020-06-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, STRUCTURE.
Fix as Fail: For all conventional models, except 387/587, equipped with Side-of-Cab (A?A A SOCA?A A ) 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 exhaust stack to rotate and contact the cab or sleeper
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.
10173583
Date: 2020-03-27. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: 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 the tank cover by adding bottom tank washers.