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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Peterbilt 386 Recalls & Complaints

The 2012 Peterbilt 386 has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Peterbilt dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Peterbilt 386. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 Peterbilt 386 owner complaints

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Peterbilt 386, describing incidents dated May 24, 2023 to August 19, 2024.

Most-cited components

  • Tires 1 complaint
  • Unknown or Other 1 complaint

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11610862 · Filed

    The contact owns a 2012 Peterbilt 386 equipped with Kelly Tires, Tire Line: Armor Steel RSA2, Tire Size: 295/75/R22.5, DOT Number: 04N37XETW. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tread separated from the front driver's side tire core. The contact stated that the tire was a…

  • ODI #11537499 · Filed

    I [XXX] , [XXX] I PURCHASE THREE (3) TRUCKS FROM RITCHIE BROTHER AUCTION IN GEORGIA ON 3/23/2023 (1) 2012 FREIGHTLINER TRUCK WAS LOCATE IN GEORGIA, AND TWO TRUCKS WAS LOCATE IN CHEHALIS WA (1) 2012 PETERBILT (1) 2016 FREIGHTLINER. THE 2012 PETERBILT WAS A PROBLEM FROM THE START (SEE ATTACH REPAIRS)…

Read all 2 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2012 Peterbilt 386 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Driver not Warned when ABS Offline/FMVSS 121, 136

NHTSA #20V199000 · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · NHTSA notice

Reported April 6, 2020 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 460,515 vehicles

Repair completion: 33.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 20pbc AND 20KWB · Owners notified May 26, 2020

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

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.

Trucks can Exceed Speed Rating of Front Tires

NHTSA #15V740000 · Tires · NHTSA notice

Reported November 9, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 1,876 vehicles

Repair completion: 29.58% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 1115P · Owners notified January 4, 2016 · Vehicles built January 19, 2008 – October 12, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

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.

Alternator Cable May Chafe

NHTSA #15V456000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice

Reported July 22, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 288 vehicles

Repair completion: 64.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 715-K · Owners notified September 23, 2015 · Vehicles built January 31, 2011 – April 20, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

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.

Alternator Charge Cable may Chafe

NHTSA #15V270000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice

Reported May 8, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 1,494 vehicles

Repair completion: 76.17% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 15KWE and 515-F · Owners notified September 16, 2015 · Vehicles built December 13, 2010 – April 20, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Kenworth T660, T680, T880 trucks manufactured February 18, 2013, to April 10, 2015, and 2011-2016 Peterbilt 386, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured December 13, 2010, to April 20, 2015. The affected trucks, equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Delco-Remy 40SI alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon discharge line.

Safety consequence

If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line, free of charge. PACCAR issued an interim notification to owners on July 10, 2015. The recall began on September 16, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 15KWE and 515-F.

Notes

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.

Certification Label Missing Information

NHTSA #13V593000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported November 25, 2013 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 561 vehicles

Repair completion: 18.18% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 1113-F · Owners notified February 10, 2014 · Vehicles built April 3, 2003 – October 25, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

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/ANTILOCK TRACTION RELAY VALVE

NHTSA #12V026000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Check Valve · NHTSA notice

Reported January 30, 2012 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 15,932 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 12KWA/0112-A · Owners notified February 10, 2012 · Vehicles built January 31, 2011 – January 19, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012-2013 KENWORTH T170, T270, T370, T440, T470, T660, T700, T800, W900, AND PETERBILT 320, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, AND 587 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 31, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 19, 2012, AND EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX ATR-6 ANTILOCK TRACTION RELAY VALVES. IN EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS, THESE BENDIX RELAY VALVES MAY POTENTIALLY DEVELOP INTERNAL LEAKAGE. INTERNAL LEAKAGE CAN LEAD TO AIR PRESSURE BEING DELIVERED TO AFFECTED PRIMARY OR SECONDARY BRAKE CAUSING CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION.

Safety consequence

UNEXPECTED CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE BRAKES TO OVERHEAT AND LEAD TO A FIRE. UNEXPECTED CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. ALSO, THE BRAKES MAY BE APPLIED WITHOUT ILLUMINATING THE BRAKE LIGHTS, FAILING TO GIVE PROPER WARNING TO OTHER DRIVERS.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND PROVIDE A TEMPORARY REPAIR UNTIL BENDIX DEVELOPS A PERMANENT REMEDY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 10, 2012. OWNER MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.

Notes

KENWORTH AND PETERBILT RECALL NUMBERS 12KWA/0112-A.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.

KENWORTH/PETERBILT/CENTRIFUGAL SPINNER CAP

NHTSA #11V127000 · Fuel System, Other — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported February 23, 2011 · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Potentially affected: 4,664 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign E026R · Owners notified March 4, 2011 · Vehicles built March 10, 2008 – February 23, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

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> .

Other Peterbilt 386 model years

Check your 2012 Peterbilt 386 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Peterbilt 386 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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