The worst 2005 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 4
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- As a result, the axles may be overloaded or the wrong tires could be installed or the tires could be improperly inflated. All of these issues increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Peterbilt will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the certification labels missing the necessary information. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Customers can contact Peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4000. Peterbilt's number for this campaign is 1113-F.
Recall number 13V593000 · Recall details
Trailer hitches
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks, the removable tow hitch ,when used to tow or lift a vehicle, can fail due to defective material in the tow hitch.
- Risk
- If the tow hitch assembly fails while a vehicle is being towed or lifted, it may cause an accident that could result in personal injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the tow pin assembly free of charge. The recall began on september 4, 2007. Owners may contact kenworth at 425‑828‑5440 or peterbilt at 940‑591‑4201.
Recall number 07V269000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain tractors equipped with caterpillar diesel engines, the variable valve actuation oil line may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not positioned correctly.
- Risk
- The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.
- Remedy
- Caterpillar, in conjunction with paccar, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309‑675‑6496, kenworth at 425‑828‑5440, or peterbilt at 940‑591‑4201.
Recall number 05V570000 · Recall details
Steering
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks equipped with the bendix electronic stability control (esp) system, the system uses multiple sensors and an electronic control unit (ecu) to control vehicle under steer, over-steer, and rollover situations. The system relies on vehicle sensors to be functioning and aligned properly. The steering angle sensor has the potential to be misaligned with the steering column shaft, thereby providing incorrect information to the bendix ecu.
- Risk
- This condition could affect vehicle throttle control and braking, thereby leading to loss of vehicle steering control which could cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Because of the immediate and substantial risk, kenworth and peterbilt dealers will first deactivate the yaw control feature of the bendix esp system preventing inadvertent esp activation. When parts are available, the steering column will be replaced to insure proper alignment of the steering shaft sensor and the full esp system will be reactivated. The recall began on december 7, 2005. Parts to complete the remedy are estimated to be available in early 2006. Owners may contact kenworth at 1‑425‑828‑5440 or peterbilt at 1‑940‑591‑4201.
Recall number 05V543000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Peterbilt 385 14
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
- 1210F - spl 170XL
- Information Only – Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate
- 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.
- Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment...
- Information Only – Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed,...
- Information Only: Vehicles may have the connector seal on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed,...
- Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal...
- Information Only
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Questions about the 2005 Peterbilt 385
Is the 2005 Peterbilt 385 reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2005 Peterbilt 385.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Peterbilt 385?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2005 Peterbilt 385 have?
4 recalls, covering equipment, trailer hitches and engine and engine cooling.
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