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Peterbilt 388 recalls

NHTSA has issued 8 recalls covering the Peterbilt 388. A recall repair is always free, however old the car is.

Check your own car by VIN

Recalls apply to specific build ranges, so a recall listed here may or may not cover your particular vehicle. NHTSA's free VIN lookup is the authority: nhtsa.gov/recalls.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Campaign 20V199000 6 Apr 2020

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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: 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.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Campaign 15V740000 9 Nov 2015

TIRES

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: 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.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Campaign 15V456000 22 Jul 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

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 may chafe against a formed metal freon discharge line.

Risk: 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 number for this recall is 715-K.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Campaign 15V132000 6 Mar 2015

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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: 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.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Campaign 15V108000 24 Feb 2015

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

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: 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.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Campaign 14V283000 29 May 2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 to notify the operator of the malfunction.

Risk: 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.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Campaign 14V013000 24 Jan 2014

SEAT BELTS

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kenworth T660, T680, T700,T800, T880, W900, T440, T470, T370, T270, T170, C500, and C550 chassis manufactured between August 7, 2013, and October 31, 2013, and Peterbilt 320, 325, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, and 587 chassis manufactured between August 7, 2013, and November 3, 2013, and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Risk: If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

Remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2014. Owners may contact PACCAR at 1-425-468-7400. Kenworth's number for this campaign is 14KWC. Peterbilt's number for this campaign is 114-B.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Campaign 13V222000 28 May 2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2014 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T470, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks manufactured May 6, 2013, through May 17, 2013; and model year 2014 Peterbilt 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, 389K, 567, 579 and 587 trucks manufactured May 1, 2013 through May 17, 2013. An internal defect in the ignition switch causes the starter to engage when a key is partially inserted, before the key is turned.

Risk: Unintended engine startup could cause injury to a person working in the engine compartment. Vehicles with standard transmissions may experience unexpected movement, which may result in personal injury or a crash.

Remedy: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace affected ignition switches, free of charge. The recall began on June 14, 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000. Kenworth's recall campaign number is 13KWF. Peterbilt's recall campaign number is 0513-E.

Peterbilt 388 recalls in Canada

Transport Canada runs its own recall programme. Its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones, so a Canadian owner reading a US-only list is reading about a different car than the one on their driveway.

2015 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2020148 7 Apr 2020 65,284 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

Issue: On certain trucks, the warning light for the tractor anti-lock brake system (ABS) may not turn on if the system loses power. If this happens, the driver will not get warning that the ABS is not working properly. Note: This problem would also cause the traction control (TC) and electronic stability control (ESC) lights not to turn on. Safety Risk: If a driver is not warned that the ABS is not working properly, there could be an increased risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: PACCAR will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your truck to a dealer to update the software for the cab control module (CECU).

2012 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2020148 7 Apr 2020 65,284 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

Issue: On certain trucks, the warning light for the tractor anti-lock brake system (ABS) may not turn on if the system loses power. If this happens, the driver will not get warning that the ABS is not working properly. Note: This problem would also cause the traction control (TC) and electronic stability control (ESC) lights not to turn on. Safety Risk: If a driver is not warned that the ABS is not working properly, there could be an increased risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: PACCAR will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your truck to a dealer to update the software for the cab control module (CECU).

2014 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2020148 7 Apr 2020 65,284 units in Canada

Lights And Instruments

Issue: On certain trucks, the warning light for the tractor anti-lock brake system (ABS) may not turn on if the system loses power. If this happens, the driver will not get warning that the ABS is not working properly. Note: This problem would also cause the traction control (TC) and electronic stability control (ESC) lights not to turn on. Safety Risk: If a driver is not warned that the ABS is not working properly, there could be an increased risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: PACCAR will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your truck to a dealer to update the software for the cab control module (CECU).

2015 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015532 9 Nov 2015 1 units in Canada

Tires

Certain vehicles manufactured with Michelin MN295/60 R22.5 XZA front tires and 8.25” wheels were certified to a front gross axle weight rating (GAWR) that are greater than the maximum 12,350lbs allowed. This could lead to premature tire failure and vehicle overloading, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will change the front wheels to 9.00" wheels and program the maximum vehicle speed to the appropriate settings based on the front GAWR.

2015 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015531 9 Nov 2015 520 units in Canada

Tires

On certain vehicles equipped with Michelin MN 295/60R22.5 XZA-2 front tires, the programmed maximum vehicle speed may exceed the speed rating of the tire. This could result in premature tire failure to occur under certain operating conditions (higher speeds, load and road temperature). A tire failure could cause the driver to lose vehicle control, which may result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the engine’s vehicle speed parameters to limit the maximum vehicle speed to the tire speed rating.

2012 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015532 9 Nov 2015 1 units in Canada

Tires

Certain vehicles manufactured with Michelin MN295/60 R22.5 XZA front tires and 8.25” wheels were certified to a front gross axle weight rating (GAWR) that are greater than the maximum 12,350lbs allowed. This could lead to premature tire failure and vehicle overloading, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will change the front wheels to 9.00" wheels and program the maximum vehicle speed to the appropriate settings based on the front GAWR.

2012 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015531 9 Nov 2015 520 units in Canada

Tires

On certain vehicles equipped with Michelin MN 295/60R22.5 XZA-2 front tires, the programmed maximum vehicle speed may exceed the speed rating of the tire. This could result in premature tire failure to occur under certain operating conditions (higher speeds, load and road temperature). A tire failure could cause the driver to lose vehicle control, which may result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the engine’s vehicle speed parameters to limit the maximum vehicle speed to the tire speed rating.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015532 9 Nov 2015 1 units in Canada

Tires

Certain vehicles manufactured with Michelin MN295/60 R22.5 XZA front tires and 8.25” wheels were certified to a front gross axle weight rating (GAWR) that are greater than the maximum 12,350lbs allowed. This could lead to premature tire failure and vehicle overloading, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will change the front wheels to 9.00" wheels and program the maximum vehicle speed to the appropriate settings based on the front GAWR.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015531 9 Nov 2015 520 units in Canada

Tires

On certain vehicles equipped with Michelin MN 295/60R22.5 XZA-2 front tires, the programmed maximum vehicle speed may exceed the speed rating of the tire. This could result in premature tire failure to occur under certain operating conditions (higher speeds, load and road temperature). A tire failure could cause the driver to lose vehicle control, which may result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the engine’s vehicle speed parameters to limit the maximum vehicle speed to the tire speed rating.

2015 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015317 20 Jul 2015 86 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Leece Neville alternators, the alternator charge cable may chafe against an air conditioning discharge line. This chafing could lead to damage of the alternator cable's insulation and could lead to an electrical short, increasing the risk of fire, which could result in injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will rotate the alternator cable end 180 degrees to provide necessary clearance and reattach the cable to the alternator.

2012 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015317 20 Jul 2015 86 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Leece Neville alternators, the alternator charge cable may chafe against an air conditioning discharge line. This chafing could lead to damage of the alternator cable's insulation and could lead to an electrical short, increasing the risk of fire, which could result in injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will rotate the alternator cable end 180 degrees to provide necessary clearance and reattach the cable to the alternator.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015317 20 Jul 2015 86 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Leece Neville alternators, the alternator charge cable may chafe against an air conditioning discharge line. This chafing could lead to damage of the alternator cable's insulation and could lead to an electrical short, increasing the risk of fire, which could result in injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will rotate the alternator cable end 180 degrees to provide necessary clearance and reattach the cable to the alternator.

2015 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015095 5 Mar 2015 30,064 units in Canada

Label

Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 120 - Tire Selection and Rims. The tire information label may indicate incorrect tire pressure, understated by 5 PSI, or a tire/rim/inflation pressure combination for which the maximum GAWR is slightly below the GAWR of the vehicle. Underinflated tires may not be capable of supporting the maximum load as reflected by the GAWR and GVWR specified on the certification label, which could cause tire failure resulting in injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Manufacturer will mail new tire and rims certification label.

2012 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015095 5 Mar 2015 30,064 units in Canada

Label

Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 120 - Tire Selection and Rims. The tire information label may indicate incorrect tire pressure, understated by 5 PSI, or a tire/rim/inflation pressure combination for which the maximum GAWR is slightly below the GAWR of the vehicle. Underinflated tires may not be capable of supporting the maximum load as reflected by the GAWR and GVWR specified on the certification label, which could cause tire failure resulting in injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Manufacturer will mail new tire and rims certification label.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015095 5 Mar 2015 30,064 units in Canada

Label

Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 120 - Tire Selection and Rims. The tire information label may indicate incorrect tire pressure, understated by 5 PSI, or a tire/rim/inflation pressure combination for which the maximum GAWR is slightly below the GAWR of the vehicle. Underinflated tires may not be capable of supporting the maximum load as reflected by the GAWR and GVWR specified on the certification label, which could cause tire failure resulting in injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Manufacturer will mail new tire and rims certification label.

2015 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015078 20 Feb 2015 574 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, the tie rod end clamp bolts may not have been tightened to the correct specification. As a result, the tie rod ends could loosen, corrode, and eventually separate from the tie rod, resulting in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace tie rod assembly where the factory installed assembly has not been replaced.

2012 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015078 20 Feb 2015 574 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, the tie rod end clamp bolts may not have been tightened to the correct specification. As a result, the tie rod ends could loosen, corrode, and eventually separate from the tie rod, resulting in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace tie rod assembly where the factory installed assembly has not been replaced.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2015078 20 Feb 2015 574 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, the tie rod end clamp bolts may not have been tightened to the correct specification. As a result, the tie rod ends could loosen, corrode, and eventually separate from the tie rod, resulting in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace tie rod assembly where the factory installed assembly has not been replaced.

2015 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2014198 29 May 2014 4 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, a wiring defect could cause the airbag warning lamp to fail to illuminate in the event of a fault with the side curtain airbag system. As a result, a fault could go undetected by the driver, and cause the side airbag to fail to deploy in a crash. This could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.

2012 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2014198 29 May 2014 4 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, a wiring defect could cause the airbag warning lamp to fail to illuminate in the event of a fault with the side curtain airbag system. As a result, a fault could go undetected by the driver, and cause the side airbag to fail to deploy in a crash. This could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2014198 29 May 2014 4 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, a wiring defect could cause the airbag warning lamp to fail to illuminate in the event of a fault with the side curtain airbag system. As a result, a fault could go undetected by the driver, and cause the side airbag to fail to deploy in a crash. This could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.

2012 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2014094 25 Mar 2014 27 units in Canada

Brakes

Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121 - Air Brake Systems. Incorrect brake linings were used on front drum brake assemblies fitted with large diameter tires (Static Load Radius of 20.5" - 21.5"), rendering the vehicles noncompliant to the standard. This could result in inadequate braking, increasing stopping distances and increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install new brake shoes with the correct linings.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2014020 24 Jan 2014 1,646 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the seat belts may not comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209 - Seat Belt Assemblies. Due to a defect in manufacturing, the seat belt buckle may not release as required by the standard. This could hinder egress from the vehicle in an emergency, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace affected seatbelt buckles.

2014 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2013178 24 May 2013 255 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain trucks, an internal defect in the ignition switch can cause the starter to engage when the key is partially inserted. This would allow the engine to start unexpectedly, which could injure someone working in the engine compartment. Also, manual transmission vehicles without the neutral start option may move unexpectedly if the transmission is in gear at the time the key is inserted. This could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch assembly.

2012 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2012027 27 Jan 2012 1,434 units in Canada

Brakes

On certain trucks equipped with Bendix ATR-6 Antilock Traction Relay valves, in extremely cold conditions (at or below -18 degrees Celsius), internal ATR valve leakage can occur. This could cause unintended brake application, which could overheat the affected brakes and cause a fire. Also, in certain low traction conditions, unexpected brake application can cause a loss of vehicle control and a crash. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will update the cover assembly on the ATR valves.

2012 Peterbilt 388 Recall 2011087 25 Feb 2011 589 units in Canada

Engine

On certain vehicles equipped with a PACCAR MX engine, the oil module centrifugal spinner filter cap may become loose, possibly allowing the cap to come off and engine oil to partially discharge from the oil module onto nearby exhaust components. The discharge of engine oil onto hot exhaust components could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will re-torque the oil module filter cap and install a secondary retention device on the secondary centrifugal spinner filter cap.

Source: Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database.