2015 PETERBILT 388 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
7
Owner Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2015 PETERBILT 388
The 2015 PETERBILT 388 has received a total of 7 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 10 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 Wheels (3 complaints), Structurebody (2 complaints), and Electrical System (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2015 PETERBILT 388
NHTSA has recorded 10 recalls for the 2015 PETERBILT 388, potentially affecting up to 1,358,220 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 15V889000 — TIRES
| 15 vehicles affected
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2015 Peterbilt model 388 vehicles manufactured from January 28, 2014, through February 3, 2014. The affected vehicles were built with Michelin MN295/60 R22.5 XZA front tires and 8.25" wheels and were certified to a GAWR greater than the maximum 12,350 lbs allowed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements...
Consequence: If the truck exceeds the load rating on the tire, the tire may suddenly fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 8.25" front wheels with 9.00" wheels and re-program the maximum vehicle speed to the appropriate settings, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer...
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 →Owner Complaints for the 2015 PETERBILT 388
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2015 PETERBILT 388. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
6 PETERBILT MY COMPANY OPERATES ARE 2014 AND 2015 CAR HAULERS. ALL ARE CONSISTENTLY DESTROYING REAR AXEL TIRES BOTH SIDES DRIVER AND PASSENGER (THREAD IS COMING OUT). DAMAGED SEEMS TO HAPPEN DUE TO OVERHEAT OF TIRES. WE TRIED USING DIFFERENT BRAND OF TIRES, BUT BLOW OUT DID NOT STOP. WE TOOK TRUCKS TO [XXX] AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND ANY ISSUES. WITH EACH OCCURRENCE THREAD FROM DRIVE TIRE IS COMING OFF AND TIRE STILL HOLDS AIR. IT DAMAGES ALL LIGHTS ON TRUCK THEN IT DAMAGES MUD GUARDS AND BREAKS SAFETY WINGS ON THE TRAILER. EACH TIME COSTS ABOUT 2000$ PLUS ROAD SERVICE. ONLY SOLUTION WE FOUND AT THIS TIME TO RUN ALL POSITION TIRES ON DRIVE TIRES. SO FAR WE DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES FOR PAST 30 DAYS. LAST TRUCK WE PURCHASED FROM [XXX] , THEY AGREED TO SWAP TIRES AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE TO ALL POSITION... NO SOLUTION IS OFFERED TO US. WE HAVE LOST OVER $40,000 SO FAR ON BRAND NEW TRUCKS... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TRACTOR BLEW A MICHELIN XZA (295/60/22.5) PASSENGER SIDE STEER TIRE. DRIVER FELT A VIBRATION AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING OVER WHEN IT BLEW. *TR
TRACTOR BLEW A MICHELIN XZA (295/60/22.5) PASSENGER SIDE STEER TIRE. DRIVER FELT A VIBRATION AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING OVER WHEN IT BLEW. *TR
2015 BRAND NEW PETE 388 CAR HAULER. FRONT ORIGINAL TIRE MICHELIN XZA 2 SIZE 295/60/22.5 BLEW UP. DAMAGED FRONT OF THE TRUCK AND 2 TIRES WERE DAMAGED ON DRIVE SAME SIDE. PAID $1500 FOR ROAD SERVICE. HOOD, BUMPER LIGHT ARE DAMAGED. TRUCK ONLY 3 MONTH OLD. 4TH BLOW OUT IN 2 MONTH ON 4 SEPARATE TRUCKS. *TR
2015 BRAND NEW PETE 388 CAR HAULER. FRONT ORIGINAL TIRE MICHELIN XZA 2 SIZE 295/60/22.5 BLEW UP. DAMAGED FRONT OF THE TRUCK AND 2 TIRES WERE DAMAGED ON DRIVE SAME SIDE. PAID $1500 FOR ROAD SERVICE. HOOD, BUMPER LIGHT ARE DAMAGED. TRUCK ONLY 3 MONTH OLD. 4TH BLOW OUT IN 2 MONTH ON 4 SEPARATE TRUCKS. *TR
Safety Rating for the 2015 PETERBILT 388
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2015 PETERBILT 388 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2015 PETERBILT 388
No technical service bulletins have been reported for this vehicle.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2015 PETERBILT 388
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the PETERBILT 388
- 2010 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2011 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2012 PETERBILT 388 — 1 complaint
- 2013 PETERBILT 388 — 0 complaints
- 2014 PETERBILT 388 — 28 complaints
- 2015 PETERBILT 388 (current)
- 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