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#BS-2012-PET388-5A942012 Peterbilt 388
Based on reports from 1 owners and 10 recalls for this exact model.
Preliminary Verdict
Green Light
Based on 1 complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 10 recalls.
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
1 owners reported wheels & tires issues.
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Wheels & Tires (1 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
2012 Peterbilt 388: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Wheels & Tires Issues
Wheels & Tires complaints account for 100% of all reports filed for the 2012 Peterbilt 388, with 1 owners filing complaints with NHTSA.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.



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Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (10 recalls)
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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."
SERVICE BRAKES
PACCAR, Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Peterbilt 365, 367, 388, 389 trucks manufactured October 6, 2007, through September 23, 2013. The affected vehicles were built with 16.5" x 7" front drum brakes and Bendix ES-420 brake linings installed on front axles rated to carry between 20,001 and 22,000 lbs GAWR and larger SLR (20.5" to 21.5") tires, however these brake linings are not rated for this configuration. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
AIR BAGS
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Peterbilt 579, 388, 384, 367, 365, 348, and 337 trucks manufactured October 30, 2009, through May 21, 2014. In the affected vehicles, if power is interrupted to the seat electronic control unit (ECU), such as when the fuse for that circuit blows, the side air bag would be disabled but there will not be a warning lamp indicator to notify the operator of the malfunction.
+ 5 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.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 1 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 10 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Other Peterbilt 388 Model Years
View all Peterbilt 388 years →2012 Peterbilt 388: Frequently Asked Questions
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