Check a VIN

2006 Peterbilt 385 problems

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
14

The worst 2006 Peterbilt 385 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 5

Equipment: other: labelsReported March 6, 2015 · 213,230 vehicles affected
What is wrong
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)."
Risk
If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1‑940‑591‑4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D.

Recall number 15V132000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported November 25, 2013 · 561 vehicles affected
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 hitchesReported June 26, 2007 · 9,571 vehicles affected
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 coolingReported December 22, 2005 · 30,995 vehicles affected
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

SteeringReported November 29, 2005 · 241 vehicles affected
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

See all 5 recalls for the 2006 Peterbilt 385

Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Peterbilt 385 14

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 14 bulletins for the 2006 Peterbilt 385

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2006 Peterbilt 385 before you buy

Compare the 2006 Peterbilt 385

Other model years

Questions about the 2006 Peterbilt 385

Is the 2006 Peterbilt 385 reliable?

Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2006 Peterbilt 385.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Peterbilt 385?

There are not enough complaints to tell.

How many recalls does the 2006 Peterbilt 385 have?

5 recalls, covering equipment, trailer hitches and engine and engine cooling.

Share your experience with the 2006 Peterbilt 385

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2006 Peterbilt 385?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN