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RECALLROADTHE CAMPAIGN RECORD

MODEL-YEAR RECALL REPORT

2016 Peterbilt 388 recalls

NHTSA's September 21, 2026 snapshot lists 3 safety recall campaigns for the 2016 Peterbilt 388, spanning 5 component groups. A model match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included.

Official source: NHTSA recall campaign file · Snapshot September 21, 2026

Distinct campaigns3not VIN-specific
Component groups5distinct top-level categories
Latest recordApril 6, 2020report received
VIN resultNot checkeduse official lookup

01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS

2016 Peterbilt 388 recall campaigns

The 2016 Peterbilt 388 report contains 3 distinct NHTSA campaigns; the most recently received record is campaign 20V199000 dated April 6, 2020.
Component
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Report received
April 6, 2020
Potential units
460,515campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

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.".

Why it matters: 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.

Owner notification: May 26, 2020 · Filing manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated

Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Report received
July 22, 2015
Potential units
288campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: 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.

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

Remedy

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.

Owner notification: September 23, 2015 · Filing manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated

Component
EQUIPMENT, TIRES
Report received
March 6, 2015
Potential units
213,230campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds).".

Why it matters: If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D.

Owner notification: June 19, 2015 · Filing manufacturer: PACCAR Incorporated

02 / COMPONENT BREADTH

What defects are listed for the 2016 Peterbilt 388?

The most frequent component groups in 2016 Peterbilt 388 campaign records are Equipment (1), Tires (1), Electrical System (1), Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (1), Service Brakes, Air (1); these counts describe filed campaigns rather than observed failure rates.
Equipment1
Tires1
Electrical System1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Service Brakes, Air1