1996 Peterbilt 385 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Feb 28, 2001 · 0 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 385 years
Not enough data 1st of 21 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

NHTSA has received no owner complaints about the 1996 Peterbilt 385 so far. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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1996 Peterbilt 385 recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Seat belts:front:anchorageFeb 22, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V054000 · 6,623 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: class 7 and class 8 vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 207, "seating system," and no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some fasteners used to attach the shoulder belt anchor bracket to the cab structure were omitted during production.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the shoulder belt anchorage may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: Dealers will add the necessary fasteners. Owner notification began march 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000.

Suspension:front:hubNov 24, 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V196003 · 470 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with design level 1, rockwell ff980 series front axle. The front axle hub flange can develop cracks due to high stress levels.

Risk: Cracks in a hub flange can result in a wheel separation.

Fix: Dealers will remove and replace the front hubs with an improved design level 2 hub.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Other Peterbilt 385 years

1997 385 →

See all Peterbilt 385 problems by year, every Peterbilt model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Peterbilt 385?

NHTSA has no owner complaints on file yet.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Peterbilt 385?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1996 Peterbilt 385 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 385 model years, the 1996 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.