AI Damage2020 Peterbilt 386: common problems
The maker issued 16 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 16
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Comparison
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.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- "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…
- Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting…
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…
- Info Only - PACCAR is introducing Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for engine MY17 and newer chassis…
Info Only - PACCAR is introducing Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for engine MY17 and newer chassis equipped with Cummins X15, X12, ISX12, ISX12N, L9N, PX-7, and PX-9 engines The technology will leverage the…
- 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…
Due to major data carriers phasing out 3G networks, chassis currently utilizing first generation Peoplenet Mobile Gateway (PMG001) will experience severe 3G service degradation as early as January of 2022. Chassis…
- Fix-As-Fail â Due to undersupply issues, only a limited supply of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors are…
Fix-As-Fail â 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…
- Information Only â Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate
Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
- Fix as Fail
Peterbilt has introduced an improved mounting bracket for low mount air tanks for vehicles built between January 01, 2017 and July 06, 2020. Torsional vibration may stress the currently-installed brackets and cause…
- Information only
In 2020, Peterbilt and Kenworth began using the same M10, M12, M16, and M20 frame fasteners on all vehicles. Torque specifications for these fasteners are different from previous fasteners.
- 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…
- Fix-As-Fail - Bendix New-Gen Lightweight Steer Axle Drum Brake Spider Cracking
- 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…
NHTSA lists 16 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Peterbilt 386?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 16 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2020 Peterbilt 386?
NHTSA lists 16 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2020 Peterbilt 386 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2020 models
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.