2011 Peterbilt 386 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 27, 2024 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 386 years
Not enough data 3rd of 16 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2011 Peterbilt 386. That ranks 3rd out of 16 386 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (1 complaints, 100%). Complaints mention 1 fire. There are 6 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

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

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Most common 2011 Peterbilt 386 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System1100%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

2011 Peterbilt 386 recalls (6)

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

Service brakes, air:antilock:abs warning light; electronic stability control (esc)Apr 6, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V199000 · 460,515 vehicles

Problem: 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 dash warning light for the ABS may not illuminate to warn the driver of the loss of ABS. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems," and 136, "Electronic Stability Control System on Heavy Vehicles."

Risk: If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 service at 1-425-828-5888 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20pbc AND 20KWB.

Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulatorMay 8, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V270000 · 1,494 vehicles

Problem: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Kenworth T660, T680, T880 trucks manufactured February 18, 2013, to April 10, 2015, and 2011-2016 Peterbilt 386, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured December 13, 2010, to April 20, 2015. The affected trucks, equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Delco-Remy 40SI alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon discharge line.

Risk: If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line, free of charge. PACCAR issued an interim notification to owners on July 10, 2015. The recall began on September 16, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 15KWE and 515-F.

Equipment:other:labelsNov 25, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V593000 · 561 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:softwareJul 21, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V380000 · 211 vehicles

Problem: Paccar is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 kenworth t660, t700, and t800 vehicles manufactured from april 19, 2010, through may 13, 2011, and model year 2008, 2010, and 2011 peterbilt 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388 and 587 vehicles manufactured from april 20, 2010, through june 11, 2011, and equipped with paccar mx engines and eaton ultrashift dm or allison automatic transmissions (without auto-neutral). The fast idle control may be activated by the operator while the transmission is in gear.

Risk: If the fast idle control function is engaged with the transmission in gear, the vehicle could unexpectedly accelerate and override the parking brake and , creating a risk of a crash and damage to other vehicles or property and the potential for injury to nearby pedestrians.

Fix: Kenworth and peterbilt dealers will update the engine software for the affected chassis. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on august 22, 2011. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

Fuel system, other:storage:tank assemblyFeb 23, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V127000 · 4,664 vehicles

Problem: Paccar is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 kenworth t2000, t660, t700, t800, and w900, as well as model year 2009-2012 peterbilt 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, and 587 trucks equipped with paccar mx engines. The oil module centrifugal spinner filter cap in the paccar mx engine may become loose, possibly allowing the cap to come off and engine oil to partially discharge from the oil module onto exhaust components.

Risk: The discharge of engine oil onto exhaust components which are hot, such as when the engine is under significant load, may cause a fire.

Fix: Dealers will re-torque the oil module filter cap and install a secondary retention device on the secondary centrifugal spinner filter cap. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)Oct 1, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V453000 · 384 vehicles

Problem: Paccar is recalling certain model year kenworth and peterbilt vehicles. A manufacturing defect in the seal supplied by a component manufacturer installed on the output shaft of the exhaust gas recirculation (egr) valve actuator may cause eventual delamination of the seal. Delamination of the seal may allow engine oil to leak from the egr valve onto exhaust components.

Risk: The leaking of engine oil onto hot exhaust components, such as when the engine is under significant load, may create the possibility of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the egr valve assembly on the subject vehicles equipped with the paccar mx engine. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 29, 2010. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 940-591-4196.

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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist (PE20006) — opened May 1, 2020, closed Mar 27, 2024.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Upon an fire investigation on this peterbilt the secondary power wire coming from the starter shorted out against the engine block or ground wire. As the investigation is still early i will have a better idea in a few days. I'm a heavy equipment appraiser and this is one of my fleets that i look…

Electrical System · received Aug 23, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10536932

Other Peterbilt 386 years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Peterbilt 386?

Owners most often report electrical system problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Peterbilt 386?

Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2011 Peterbilt 386 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 386 model years, the 2011 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.