VehicleVerdict

2011 Peterbilt 386 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2011 Peterbilt 386 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other 386 years?

386 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted5 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 1 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 5 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 2 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints
386 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 386 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Peterbilt 386 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1100%

Does the 2011 Peterbilt 386 have recalls?

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

20V199000Electrical SystemApril 6, 2020 · 460,515 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

15V270000Electrical SystemMay 8, 2015 · 1,494 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

13V593000OtherNovember 25, 2013 · 561 units

Defect

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

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.

11V380000Electrical SystemJuly 21, 2011 · 211 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

11V127000Fuel SystemFebruary 23, 2011 · 4,664 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE DISCHARGE OF ENGINE OIL ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS WHICH ARE HOT, SUCH AS WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER SIGNIFICANT LOAD, MAY CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy

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.

10V453000EngineOctober 1, 2010 · 384 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 20, 2013 · fire

2011 Peterbilt 386 — common questions

Is the 2011 Peterbilt 386 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Peterbilt 386 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Peterbilt 386. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 Peterbilt 386 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.