2014 PETERBILT 388 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
28
Owner Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2014 PETERBILT 388
The 2014 PETERBILT 388 has received a total of 28 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 11 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT, STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY. The most commonly reported problems involve the Tires (12 complaints), Wheels (8 complaints), and Electrical System (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2014 PETERBILT 388
NHTSA has recorded 11 recalls for the 2014 PETERBILT 388, potentially affecting up to 1,370,392 vehicles.
Recall 20V199000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
| 460,515 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 20V199000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
| 460,515 vehicles affected
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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 15V108000 — STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
| 5,141 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 15V740000 — TIRES
| 1,876 vehicles affected
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 front tires that have a...
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.
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...
View full details →Recall 15V456000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
| 288 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 15V132000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 213,230 vehicles affected
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...
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.
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.
View full details →Recall 15V132000 — TIRES
| 213,230 vehicles affected
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...
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.
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.
View full details →Recall 14V283000 — AIR BAGS
| 1,705 vehicles affected
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...
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.
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.
View full details →Recall 14V283000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 1,705 vehicles affected
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...
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.
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.
View full details →Recall 14V013000 — SEAT BELTS
| 10,414 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 13V222000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
| 1,773 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2014 PETERBILT 388
28 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2014 PETERBILT 388. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tires | 12 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structureframe And Members | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
PROBLEMS WITH (AFTER TREATMENT)CODES FLASHING, CHECK ENGINE, IMMEDIATELY WENT TO STOP ENGINE IMMEDIATELY AND TRUCK SHUT OFF AT 70MPH. FORTUNATELY NOT ON INCLINE OR DECLINE AND WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SAFETY. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. PETERBILT NOR CUMMINS HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE FUEL PUMP COMPLETELY FAILED AND TOOK OUT THE ENGINE. MANUFACTURER KNOWS THIS IS A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING FLAW AND REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE OLDER TRUCKS THAT STILL HAVE LOW MILES BUT ARE OUT OF WARRANTY. WE ARE PERSONALLY AWARE OF 5 ENGINE FAILURES IN THE SAME TIME FRAME OF OURS..ALL CUMMINS ISX15 MOTORS. THESE ENGINES ARE LEMONS. THE AFTER TREATMENT ENGINEERING IS A SHAM AND THE MOTORS ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO HANDLE THE STRAIN. THESE ARE PUTTING OWNER OPERATORS OUT OF BUSINESS AND ARE AN ENORMOUS SAFETY HAZARD. WHAT IS THE NHTSA PREPARED TO DO ABOUT THIS AS THE RECALL DUE TO THESE FUEL PUMPS SHOULD HAVE SPANNED MANY MORE YEARS AND THOUSANDS MORE VEHICLES. OUR ISSUE STARTED IN 2016 NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASE THROUGH PETERBILT AND CULMINATED WITH FUEL PUMP FAILURE/CARBON PACKING THIS PAST WEEK. WE WERE TOLD IT WAS WIRING HARNESS AND CUMMINS WAS TO COVER THE COST AS NO ONE SEEMED TO BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. WE HAVE GONE FROM BEING TOLD IT WOULD BE A 3800.00 HARNESS TO BEING TOLD THAT THE TRUCK NEEDS A NEW MOTOR AND FUEL/OIL PUMP USING THE SAME FLAWED AFTER TREATMENT (THIS WERE THE CODES THAT HAD BEEN APPEARING THAT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED, NEVER WARNING FOR FUEL PUMP, PRESSURE ISSUES, ETC.) FOR AN ADTL COST OF $39,000 IN ADDITION TO THE SERVICE WORK ALREADY PERFORMED TO NO AVAIL. OWNER OPERATORS CANNOT STAY IN BUSINESS AS MANUFACTURERS BASK IN THE GLORY OF SALES AND MAINTENANCE PROFITS. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. WE HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 12 YEARS AND NOW WILL GO OUT OF BUSINESS AND JUST HOPE WE CAN SELL THIS LEMON. ACT NOW.
PROBLEMS WITH (AFTER TREATMENT)CODES FLASHING, CHECK ENGINE, IMMEDIATELY WENT TO STOP ENGINE IMMEDIATELY AND TRUCK SHUT OFF AT 70MPH. FORTUNATELY NOT ON INCLINE OR DECLINE AND WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SAFETY. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. PETERBILT NOR CUMMINS HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE FUEL PUMP COMPLETELY FAILED AND TOOK OUT THE ENGINE. MANUFACTURER KNOWS THIS IS A DESIGN AND ENGINEERING FLAW AND REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE OLDER TRUCKS THAT STILL HAVE LOW MILES BUT ARE OUT OF WARRANTY. WE ARE PERSONALLY AWARE OF 5 ENGINE FAILURES IN THE SAME TIME FRAME OF OURS..ALL CUMMINS ISX15 MOTORS. THESE ENGINES ARE LEMONS. THE AFTER TREATMENT ENGINEERING IS A SHAM AND THE MOTORS ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO HANDLE THE STRAIN. THESE ARE PUTTING OWNER OPERATORS OUT OF BUSINESS AND ARE AN ENORMOUS SAFETY HAZARD. WHAT IS THE NHTSA PREPARED TO DO ABOUT THIS AS THE RECALL DUE TO THESE FUEL PUMPS SHOULD HAVE SPANNED MANY MORE YEARS AND THOUSANDS MORE VEHICLES. OUR ISSUE STARTED IN 2016 NOT LONG AFTER PURCHASE THROUGH PETERBILT AND CULMINATED WITH FUEL PUMP FAILURE/CARBON PACKING THIS PAST WEEK. WE WERE TOLD IT WAS WIRING HARNESS AND CUMMINS WAS TO COVER THE COST AS NO ONE SEEMED TO BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. WE HAVE GONE FROM BEING TOLD IT WOULD BE A 3800.00 HARNESS TO BEING TOLD THAT THE TRUCK NEEDS A NEW MOTOR AND FUEL/OIL PUMP USING THE SAME FLAWED AFTER TREATMENT (THIS WERE THE CODES THAT HAD BEEN APPEARING THAT COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED, NEVER WARNING FOR FUEL PUMP, PRESSURE ISSUES, ETC.) FOR AN ADTL COST OF $39,000 IN ADDITION TO THE SERVICE WORK ALREADY PERFORMED TO NO AVAIL. OWNER OPERATORS CANNOT STAY IN BUSINESS AS MANUFACTURERS BASK IN THE GLORY OF SALES AND MAINTENANCE PROFITS. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. WE HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 12 YEARS AND NOW WILL GO OUT OF BUSINESS AND JUST HOPE WE CAN SELL THIS LEMON. ACT NOW.
2014 PETERBILT 388 CAR HAULER. PASSENGER SIDE 2014 MICHELIN XZA 275/70/R22.5 BLEW UP. TRUCK LOST POWER HOOD WAS RIPPED APART. WHEEL, DOOR, HOOD, ELECTRICAL, AIR INTAKE DESTROYED. WAITING FOR INSURANCE TO COVER ANY DAMAGE. SO FAR HAVE SPEND OVER 20,000$ PLUS ROAD SERVICE. TRUCK WAS TRAVELING 73 MPH FRONT WEIGHT 11200. TIRE HAD AROUND 18000 MILES. *TR
2014 PETERBILT 388 CAR HAULER. PASSENGER SIDE 2014 MICHELIN XZA 275/70/R22.5 BLEW UP. TRUCK LOST POWER HOOD WAS RIPPED APART. WHEEL, DOOR, HOOD, ELECTRICAL, AIR INTAKE DESTROYED. WAITING FOR INSURANCE TO COVER ANY DAMAGE. SO FAR HAVE SPEND OVER 20,000$ PLUS ROAD SERVICE. TRUCK WAS TRAVELING 73 MPH FRONT WEIGHT 11200. TIRE HAD AROUND 18000 MILES. *TR
2014 PETERBILT 388 CAR HAULER. PASSENGER SIDE 2014 MICHELIN XZA 275/70/R22.5 BLEW UP. TRUCK LOST POWER HOOD WAS RIPPED APART. WHEEL, DOOR, HOOD, ELECTRICAL, AIR INTAKE DESTROYED. WAITING FOR INSURANCE TO COVER ANY DAMAGE. SO FAR HAVE SPEND OVER 20,000$ PLUS ROAD SERVICE. TRUCK WAS TRAVELING 73 MPH FRONT WEIGHT 11200. TIRE HAD AROUND 18000 MILES. *TR
Safety Rating for the 2014 PETERBILT 388
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2014 PETERBILT 388 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2014 PETERBILT 388
No technical service bulletins have been reported for this vehicle.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2014 PETERBILT 388
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the PETERBILT 388
- 2009 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2010 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2011 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2012 PETERBILT 388 — 1 complaint
- 2013 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2014 PETERBILT 388 (current)
- 2015 PETERBILT 388 — 7 complaints
- 2016 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2017 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2018 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2019 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
Other PETERBILT Models
- PETERBILT 379 — 76 total complaints
- PETERBILT 579 — 52 total complaints
- PETERBILT PETERBILT — 40 total complaints
- PETERBILT 389 — 34 total complaints
- PETERBILT 357 — 19 total complaints
- PETERBILT 386 — 14 total complaints
- PETERBILT 387 — 14 total complaints
- PETERBILT 567 — 11 total complaints