AI DamagePeterbilt 386: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Peterbilt 386 across 6 model years: 0 owner complaints and 30 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 33 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 27 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Vehicle speed control | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 3 |
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- "Kenworth
- Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting…
- An engine software defect exists in certain vehicles equipped with EMY17 MX-13 and MX-11 engines that…
- Info Only - PACCAR is introducing Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for engine MY17 and newer chassis…
- The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures
- Due to major data carriers phasing out 3G networks, chassis currently utilizing first generation Peoplenet…
- Information Only
- Fix-As-Fail â Due to undersupply issues, only a limited supply of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors are…
- Sample Customer Letter - Field Repair 11151
- Sample Customer Letter - 216-1 Dana Intermediate Steering Shaft Unseated or Missing C-clip
- Sample Customer Letter - 215-3 Sleeper Heater Core O-Ring Leaking
- Information Only - Power steering reservoir cap may separate during removal when it is pulled upward…
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.