The worst 1998 Peterbilt 385 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
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Recalls 3
Suspension: front: hub
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.
- Risk
- Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace all front axle hubs. Notification began july 16, 2003. The manufacturer has advised us that parts will not be available until september 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy with a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 940‑591‑4201 or kenworth 425‑828‑5440.
Recall number 03V125000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: class 7 and class 8 vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 207, "seating system," and no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." some fasteners used to attach the shoulder belt anchor bracket to the cab structure were omitted during production.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the shoulder belt anchorage may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will add the necessary fasteners. Owner notification began march 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4000.
Recall number 01V054000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: module
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar engines and eaton autoshift transmissions. The engines can stall because of software problems.
- Risk
- Increased steering effort can occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update these engines with software changes. Caterpillar is conducting the owner notification and remedy of this recall.
Recall number 99V181001 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Peterbilt 385 9
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Information Only – Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate
- Information Only:
- Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements.
- Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment...
- Information Only:
- Information Only
- Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion.
- Information: Bendix ACOM Software version 6.16.5.0 for diagnostics may introduce an unrecoverable error
- Information
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Questions about the 1998 Peterbilt 385
Is the 1998 Peterbilt 385 reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 1998 Peterbilt 385.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Peterbilt 385?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 1998 Peterbilt 385 have?
3 recalls, covering suspension, seat belts and electrical system.
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