VehicleVerdict

1996 Peterbilt 385 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1996 Peterbilt 385 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other 385 years?

385 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted1 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints
385 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 385 years to avoid →

Does the 1996 Peterbilt 385 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V054000Seat BeltsFebruary 22, 2001 · 6,623 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE SEAT OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

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.

97V196003SuspensionNovember 24, 1997 · 470 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

CRACKS IN A HUB FLANGE CAN RESULT IN A WHEEL SEPARATION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE FRONT HUBS WITH AN IMPROVED DESIGN LEVEL 2 HUB.

1996 Peterbilt 385 — common questions

Is the 1996 Peterbilt 385 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 Peterbilt 385 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Peterbilt 385. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.