Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 1 of 1 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
1 reports
435,000 miles · Nov 25, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PETERBILT 386. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE FELT AS IF HE HAD BEEN DRUGGED WHENEVER HE AWOKE FROM SLEEPING IN THE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, HE BECAME SLEEPY FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HE PURCHASED A TESTER TO TEST THE VEHICLE FOR NITRIC OXIDE AND THE LEVELS READ OVER…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PETERBILT 386. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE FELT AS IF HE HAD BEEN DRUGGED WHENEVER HE AWOKE FROM SLEEPING IN THE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, HE BECAME SLEEPY FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HE PURCHASED A TESTER TO TEST THE VEHICLE FOR NITRIC OXIDE AND THE LEVELS READ OVER 5,000 PPM. THE COMPANY THAT THE CONTACT WORKS FOR STATED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF A SEMI-TRUCK LEAKING NITRIC OXIDE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED PROPERLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 485,037 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 435,000.
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."
Consequence & remedy
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE REMOVABLE TOW HITCH ,WHEN USED TO TOW OR LIFT A VEHICLE, CAN FAIL DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL IN THE TOW HITCH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE TOW HITCH ASSEMBLY FAILS WHILE A VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED OR LIFTED, IT MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TOW PIN ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, IF THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TURNED ON PRIOR TO INITIAL START UP IN THE MANUFACTURING PLANT OR DURING THE FILTER REPLACEMENT IN THE FIELD, A SMALL FLAME WILL IGNITE WHEN THE FUEL IS ADDED TO PRIME THE SYSTEM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS FOR THE FLAME TO SPREAD RESULTING IN POSSIBLE EQUIPMENT DAMAGE OR PHYSICAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FILTER FOR THE DATE CODES OF THE SUSPECT FILTERS AND REPLACE THOSE HEATING ELEMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE AXLE HOUSINGS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH STEEL THAT WAS OUT OF SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FATIGUE FAILURE OVER TIME.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF A FATIGUE FAILURE OCCURS AND IS LEFT UNATTENDED, THE AXLE MAY LOCK UP OR THE END OF THE AXLE COULD COME OFF, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE AXLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 9, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2005 Peterbilt 386 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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