The worst 2016 Peterbilt 330 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
Recalls 2
Electronic stability control (ESC)
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 20V199000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016 Peterbilt 220, 320, 325, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 389, 389G, 567, 579 and 587 trucks and Kenworth K170, T170, T270, T370, T440, T470,T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks equipped with certain Spicer D or E series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.
- Risk
- If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 13, 2017. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1‑940‑591‑4000 or Kenworth customer service at 1‑425‑828‑5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is P817-C.
Recall number 17V593000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2016 Peterbilt 330
Defect investigations
Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist
On May 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE20006 to investigate complaints of intermittent loss of power steering assist in Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), Volvo Trucks of North America (Volvo) and PACCAR vehicles equipped with a ZF/TRW (TRW) THP60 steering gear. The investigation focused on 2010-2020 DTNA Freightliner Cascadia, M2 and WST; Volvo VN, VAH and VHD and PACCAR 337, 365, 389, 567, 579 model vehicles.Field reports and interviews with fleet drivers allege that high power steering fluid temperatures could result in internal seal and bearing failures causing pressure fluctuation, affecting left and right-hand turns. The inability of the driver to steer the vehicle as intended can increase the risk of a crash and injury. ODI analyzed data provided by TRW, DTNA, Volvo, and PACCAR in response to individual information request letters.ODI found that most failures occurred within the first two years and/or 50,000 miles of service.  The claim rate decreased with time and miles in service and remained less than 0.5%. ODI normalized data from each of the manufacturers and determined that there was not a substantial difference in the failures.Additionally, TRW improved a seal in the steering gear in December 2015.Trucks built on or after 2016 (as 2017 and newer model years) show a decreasing trend of failures. In view of the overall low failure rate, the nature of early-life failure, and failure rate trending downward for model years 2017 and newer, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE20006
Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Peterbilt 330 26
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- "Kenworth: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes
- Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting...
- The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures.
- Fix-As-Fail – Due to undersupply issues, only a limited supply of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors are...
- Information Only – Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate
- Fix-As-Fail
- Fix as Fail: For all conventional models, except 387/587, equipped with Side-of-Cab (“SOC”) exhaust and...
- Information Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure...
- Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.
- Safety Recall Bulletin: Updated with permanent repair path for phase 1 vehicles
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Questions about the 2016 Peterbilt 330
Is the 2016 Peterbilt 330 reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2016 Peterbilt 330.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Peterbilt 330?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2016 Peterbilt 330 have?
2 recalls, covering electronic stability control (esc) and steering.
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