1998 Peterbilt 385 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1998 Peterbilt 385 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other 385 years?

385 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 385 years to avoid →

Does the 1998 Peterbilt 385 have recalls?

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

03V125000SuspensionApril 1, 2003 · 154 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRUCK HUB UNITS MANUFACTURED BY SKF EXCLUSIVELY FOR USE ON ARVINMERITOR'S FF98X SERIES NON-DRIVE STEER AXLES, THE HUB UNIT BEARINGS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.

Consequence

SEIZURE OF THE BEARINGS CAN CAUSE WHEEL SEPARATION OR WHEEL END FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FRONT AXLE HUBS. NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 16, 2003. THE MANUFACTURER HAS ADVISED US THAT PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITH A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201 OR KENWORTH 425-828-5440.

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.

99V181001Electrical SystemJuly 9, 1999 · 272 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR ENGINES AND EATON AUTOSHIFT TRANSMISSIONS. THE ENGINES CAN STALL BECAUSE OF SOFTWARE PROBLEMS.

Consequence

INCREASED STEERING EFFORT CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL UPDATE THESE ENGINES WITH SOFTWARE CHANGES. CATERPILLAR IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THIS RECALL.

1998 Peterbilt 385 — common questions

Is the 1998 Peterbilt 385 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Peterbilt 385 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Peterbilt 385. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1998 compare to other 385 years?

Does the 1998 Peterbilt 385 have recalls?

1998 Peterbilt 385 — common questions

Is the 1998 Peterbilt 385 reliable?

Does the 1998 Peterbilt 385 have recalls?

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