No complaints are listed for the 2011 Peterbilt 388. NHTSA's API and bulk file list none in this build.
Data build 2026-10-07.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as PETERBILT 388.
Model-generated complaint tags: No complaints are listed for tagging.
Recalls
11 recalls. Showing the latest 10 of 11.
Date: 2020-04-06. Systems: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.
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 (excerpt)
Consequence: If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash. (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2015-11-09. Systems: TIRES.
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 (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
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.
Date: 2015-02-24. Systems: STEERING.
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.
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 Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-C.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2014-05-29. Systems: AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
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 (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2014-03-25. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.
Defect: 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 (excerpt)
Consequence: The improper brake configuration could lengthen the braking distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)
Remedy: 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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
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: 2011-07-21. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Defect: PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 KENWORTH T660, T700, AND T800 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19, 2010, THROUGH MAY 13, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2008, 2010, AND 2011 PETERBILT 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388 AND 587 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 11, 2011, AND EQUIPPED WITH PACCAR MX ENGINES AND EATON ULTRASHIFT DM OR ALLISON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS (WITHOUT AUT (excerpt)
Consequence: IF THE FAST IDLE CONTROL FUNCTION IS ENGAGED WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR, THE VEHICLE COULD UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATE AND OVERRIDE THE PARKING BRAKE AND , CREATING A RISK OF A CRASH AND DAMAGE TO OTHER VEHICLES OR PROPERTY AND THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY TO NEARBY PEDESTRIANS. (excerpt)
Remedy: KENWORTH AND PETERBILT DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE ENGINE SOFTWARE FOR THE AFFECTED CHASSIS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2011-03-24. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Defect: 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. (excerpt)
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. (excerpt)
Remedy: 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 TH (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2011-02-23. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER.
Defect: 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 MODU (excerpt)
Consequence: THE DISCHARGE OF ENGINE OIL ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS WHICH ARE HOT, SUCH AS WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER SIGNIFICANT LOAD, MAY CAUSE A FIRE. (excerpt)
Remedy: 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. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Manufacturer communications
23 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 12 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 5 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 2 |
|---|
| STRUCTURE | 2 |
|---|
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
|---|
| ENGINE | 1 |
|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | 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."
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.
10179370
Date: 2020-08-25. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, 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 could rub through and cause the aluminum box mounting tabs to
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.
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.
10169787
Date: 2019-12-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
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.