VehicleVerdict

2017 Peterbilt 386 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2017 Peterbilt 386 — 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other 386 years?

386 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 386 years to avoid →

Does the 2017 Peterbilt 386 have recalls?

3 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.

18V657000EngineSeptember 21, 2018 · 48,896 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Kenworth C500, T600, T660, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks, as well as Peterbilt 367, 386, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks, equipped with Cummins ISX15 or X15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.

Consequence

If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect fuel pump cooling circuit screen, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 18E081.

16V872000LightingDecember 5, 2016 · 2,046 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2017 Peterbilt 325, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 386, 389, and 587 vehicles manufactured April 20, 2016, to June 13, 2016. The brake lights may not illuminate when the brakes are applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If the brake lights do not illuminate when the brakes are applied, other drivers will be unaware the vehicle is stopping, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any brake light switches with date code 08-01760, free of charge. The recall began on January 26, 2017. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. Paccar's number for this recall is 816-F.

2017 Peterbilt 386 — common questions

Is the 2017 Peterbilt 386 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 2017 Peterbilt 386 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Peterbilt 386. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 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.