2013 Peterbilt 386 recalls and problems

The 2013 Peterbilt 386 has 6 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Peterbilt dealer.

Recalls
6
Complaints
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Peterbilt 386 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Peterbilt 386 recalls

Recall 20V-199: Service Brakes, Air, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Reported Apr 6, 2020 · 460,515 vehicles affected · PACCAR Incorporated

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.

Recall 15V-740: Tires

Reported Nov 9, 2015 · 1,876 vehicles affected · PACCAR Incorporated

Problem: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Peterbilt 340, 2010, 2012, and 2015-2016 Peterbilt 337, 2010 Peterbilt 335, 2011-2016 Peterbilt 348, 2009 and 2011-2016 Peterbilt 365, 2009 and 2012-2013 Peterbilt 386, 2009-2015 Peterbilt 388, 2015-2016 Peterbilt 389, and 2015 Peterbilt 567 auto hauler vehicles. The affected trucks are equipped with Michelin 295/60R22.5 XZA-2 front tires that have a speed rating less than the vehicle is governed to.

Risk: Higher vehicle speeds and other factors such as tire load and road temperatures may result in premature tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine's vehicle speed parameters to limit the maximum vehicle speed to the tire speed rating, free of charge. The recall began on January 4, 2016. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 1115P.

Recall 15V-456: Electrical System

Reported Jul 22, 2015 · 288 vehicles affected · PACCAR Incorporated

Problem: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Peterbilt 365, 367, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured January 13, 2011, to April 20, 2015. The affected trucks, equipped with extended-body Leece Neville 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: Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line and install a plastic insulator on the cable end, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 715-K.

Recall 15V-270: Electrical System

Reported May 8, 2015 · 1,494 vehicles affected · PACCAR Incorporated

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.

Recall 13V-593: Equipment

Reported Nov 25, 2013 · 561 vehicles affected · PACCAR Incorporated

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.

Recall 12V-026: Service Brakes, Air

Reported Jan 30, 2012 · 15,932 vehicles affected · PACCAR INCORPORATED

Problem: Paccar is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 kenworth t170, t270, t370, t440, t470, t660, t700, t800, w900, and peterbilt 320, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, and 587 vehicles, manufactured from january 31, 2011, through january 19, 2012, and equipped with bendix atr-6 antilock traction relay valves. In extremely cold conditions, these bendix relay valves may potentially develop internal leakage. Internal leakage can lead to air pressure being delivered to affected primary or secondary brake causing continuous brake application.

Risk: Unexpected continuous brake application can cause the brakes to overheat and lead to a fire. Unexpected continuous brake application can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Also, the brakes may be applied without illuminating the brake lights, failing to give proper warning to other drivers.

Fix: Paccar will notify owners, and provide a temporary repair until bendix develops a permanent remedy. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on february 10, 2012. Owner may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

2013 Peterbilt 386 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine1
Unknown or Other1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 471,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Peterbilt 386 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 471,000 miles · reported Dec 13, 2018
A driver purchased this truck used in november of 2017, but we stearman transportation now holds title to VIN # , original cummins engine serial # and current cummins recon engine serial # .truck has spent more time in shop than on road since purchase. Taken to [xxx] complaining of a ticking noise coming from engine where repair shop verified complaint by removing valve cover and found that the cam was pitted as well as the rocker arm rollers. Found tappets pitted. Found oil contaminated with fine copper and metal particles.found bearings for the mains scratched and first layer gone and copper…

Other Peterbilt 386 years

Compare all Peterbilt 386 years · All Peterbilt models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Peterbilt 386 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2013 Peterbilt 386: 20V-199 (service brakes, air, electronic stability control (esc)), 15V-740 (tires), 15V-456 (electrical system), 15V-270 (electrical system), 13V-593 (equipment) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Peterbilt 386?

Owners report engine problems most often (1 reports), followed by unknown or other (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 471,000 miles.

Are Peterbilt recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Peterbilt dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.