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#BS-2008-PET387-5AA22008 Peterbilt 387Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 7 owners and 14 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Green Light
Based on 7 complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 14 recalls.
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
2 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 695K miles.
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (2 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2008 Peterbilt 387: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 29% of all reports filed for the 2008 Peterbilt 387, with 2 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 695,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 695K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 14% of all reports filed for the 2008 Peterbilt 387, with 1 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine Issues
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine complaints account for 14% of all reports filed for the 2008 Peterbilt 387, with 1 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine and engine cooling:engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Fuel System Issues
Fuel System complaints account for 14% of all reports filed for the 2008 Peterbilt 387, with 1 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to fuel system-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2008 Peterbilt 387. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (14 recalls)
SUSPENSION
ON SOME PETERBILT TRUCKS, CERTAIN PARTS USED IN THE AIR SUSPENSIONS HAVE A HIGH COPPER CONTENT CAUSING PREMATURE FAILURE.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE AXLE HOUSINGS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH STEEL THAT WAS OUT OF SPECIFICATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FATIGUE FAILURE OVER TIME.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN PETERBILT TRUCKS, THE LONGITUDINAL SEAMS ON THE FUEL TANKS WERE FABRICATED USING AN INCORRECT WELD SPEED FOR THE GIVEN MATERIAL THICKNESS. THIS ERROR RESULTED IN A WELD WHICH DID NOT COMPLETELY PENETRATE THE ENTIRE MATERIAL THICKNESS.
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
ON CERTAIN KENWORTH AND PETERBILT HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TAS-85 TRW STEERING GEARS, THE INNER SURFACE OF THE OUTER SECTOR SHAFT TEETH OF THE STEERING GEARS MAY HAVE AN INCORRECT INVOLUTE PROFILE, WHICH MAY LEAD TO CHIPPING AND DAMAGE OF THE GEARING SYSTEM.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EATON SYNFLEX ECLIPSE BRAND EXTRUDED NYLON AIR BRAKE HOSE TUBING FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THE TUBING WAS MANUFACTURED WITH ONLY FOUR LAYERS OF NYLON MATERIAL, INSTEAD OF THE SPECIFIED FIVE LAYERS.
+ 9 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (3)
All closed. Investigations are how NHTSA decides whether a defect needs a recall.
Horton Fan Hub Failures
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
HORTON FAN HUB FAILURES
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Driveshaft separates from tractor
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 7 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 14 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 21, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026.
Other Peterbilt 387 Model Years
View all Peterbilt 387 years →2008 Peterbilt 387: Frequently Asked Questions
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10 sections of AI analysis based on 7 owner reports. Know before you buy.