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The Good
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The Bad
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2012 Peterbilt 388: Quick Overview
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2012 Peterbilt 388 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2012 |
| Make | Peterbilt |
| Model | 388 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Truck |
| Category | Medium Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | DENTON |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 80000 pounds |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 14.9L I6 |
| Engine Size | 14.9L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | 6x4 |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Vehicle
Specifications
Specifications
Ownership
History
History
All History
Events
Events
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History Check
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Past Sale
Listings
Listings
Safety
Recalls
Recalls
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Market Price
Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2012 Peterbilt 388 Have?
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How long will the 2012 Peterbilt 388 last?
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What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
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What Colors Options are Available?
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2012 Peterbilt 388 Prices and Market Value
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2012 Peterbilt 388 Cost of Ownership
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2012 Peterbilt 388 Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Diesel
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
2012 Peterbilt 388 Recalls & Defects
Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly
Recall date
2011-02-23
Recall no.
11v127000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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.
Consequence
THE Discharge OF Engine OIL Onto Exhaust Components Which ARE Hot, Such AS When THE Engine IS Under Significant Load, MAY Cause A Fire.
Remedy
Dealers Will Re-Torque THE OIL Module Filter CAP and Install A Secondary Retention Device ON THE Secondary Centrifugal Spinner Filter Cap. This Service Will BE Performed Free OF Charge. THE Safety Recall IS Expected TO Begin During March 2011. Owners MAY Contact Kenworth AT 1-425-828-5440 and Peterbilt AT 1-940-591-4196.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO <A Href=http://Www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Service Brakes, Air:supply:check Valve
Recall date
2012-01-30
Recall no.
12v026000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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.
Consequence
Unexpected Continuous Brake Application CAN Cause THE Brakes TO Overheat and Lead TO A Fire. Unexpected Continuous Brake Application CAN Cause THE Driver TO Lose Control OF THE Vehicle, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash. Also, THE Brakes MAY BE Applied Without Illuminating THE Brake Lights, Failing TO Give Proper Warning TO Other Drivers.
Remedy
Paccar Will Notify Owners, and Provide A Temporary Repair Until Bendix Develops A Permanent Remedy. This Service Will BE Performed Free OF Charge. THE Safety Recall Began ON February 10, 2012. Owner MAY Contact Kenworth AT 1-425-828-5440 and Peterbilt AT 1-940-591-4196.
Notes
Kenworth and Peterbilt Recall Numbers 12kwa/0112-A.customers MAY Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty: 1-800-424-9153); or GO TO Http://www.safercar.gov.
Equipment:other:labels
Recall date
2013-11-25
Recall no.
13v593000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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."
Consequence
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.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Service Brakes
Recall date
2014-03-25
Recall no.
14v145000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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."
Consequence
THE Improper Brake Configuration Could Lengthen THE Braking Distance Needed TO Stop THE Vehicle, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy
Paccar Will Notify Owners and Dealers Will Install NEW 16.5" X 7" Brake Shoes With Es-600 Linings, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began ON June 20, 2014. Owners MAY Contact AT Peterbilt AT 1-800-473-8372. Peterbilt's Number FOR This Recall IS 314-d.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags
Recall date
2014-05-29
Recall no.
14v283000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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.
Consequence
Without A Warning OF A Problem Existing IN THE Side AIR BAG System, THE Driver MAY Continue TO Operate THE Vehicle, Increasing THE Risk OF Injury From THE Side AIR BAG NOT Deploying IN THE Event OF A Rollover.
Remedy
Paccar Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Install A NEW Electrical Harness TO Correct Them Problem, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began IN July 2014. Owners MAY Contact Peterbilt Customer Service AT 1-940-591-4220. Paccar's Number FOR This Recall IS 514-f.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Electrical System
Recall date
2014-05-29
Recall no.
14v283000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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.
Consequence
Without A Warning OF A Problem Existing IN THE Side AIR BAG System, THE Driver MAY Continue TO Operate THE Vehicle, Increasing THE Risk OF Injury From THE Side AIR BAG NOT Deploying IN THE Event OF A Rollover.
Remedy
Paccar Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Install A NEW Electrical Harness TO Correct Them Problem, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began IN July 2014. Owners MAY Contact Peterbilt Customer Service AT 1-940-591-4220. Paccar's Number FOR This Recall IS 514-f.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Electrical System:alternator/Generator/Regulator
Recall date
2015-07-22
Recall no.
15v456000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2012-2016 Peterbilt 365, 367, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 Trucks Manufactured January 13, 2011, TO April 20, 2015. THE Affected Trucks, Equipped With Extended-Body Leece Neville Alternators, Have Alternator Charge Cables That MAY Chafe Against A Formed Metal Freon Discharge Line.
Consequence
IF THE Alternator Cable Rubs Through ITS Insulation, AN Electrical Short MAY Occur, Increasing THE Risk OF A Fire.
Remedy
Peterbilt Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Reroute THE Alternator Charge Cable Away From THE Metal Freon Line and Install A Plastic Insulator ON THE Cable End, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began ON September 23, 2015. Owners MAY Contact Peterbilt Customer Service AT 1-940-591-4000. Peterbilt's Number FOR This Recall IS 715-k.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Equipment:other:labels
Recall date
2015-03-06
Recall no.
15v132000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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)."
Consequence
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.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Tires
Recall date
2015-03-06
Recall no.
15v132000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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)."
Consequence
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.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Steering:linkages:tie ROD Assembly
Recall date
2015-02-24
Recall no.
15v108000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2009-2015 Peterbilt 320, 365, 367, 388, and 389 Trucks Manufactured July 21, 2008, TO February 28, 2014. THE Front Axle TIE ROD END Clamp Bolts MAY BE Improperly Torqued.
Consequence
Undertorqued TIE ROD END Clamp Bolts ARE Susceptible TO Corrosion, Which MAY Cause Loose Bolts TO Separate Resulting IN A Loss OF Vehicle Control and AN Increased Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy
Paccar Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Front Axle TIE ROD Assembly ON ANY Vehicle Where THE Factory Installed Assembly HAS NOT Been Previously Replaced, Free OF Charge. Owners Were Mailed Interim Notices ON MAY 11, 2015. THE Recall Began ON April 4, 2016. Owners MAY Contact Peterbilt Customer Service AT 1-940-591-4220. Paccar's Number FOR This Recall IS 215-c.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Tires
Recall date
2015-11-09
Recall no.
15v740000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2009-2010 Peterbilt 340, 2010, 2012, and 2015-2016 Peterbilt 337, 2010 Peterbilt 335, 2011-2016 Peterbilt 348, 2009 and 2011-2016 Peterbilt 365, 2009 and 2012-2013 Peterbilt 386, 2009-2015 Peterbilt 388, 2015-2016 Peterbilt 389, and 2015 Peterbilt 567 Auto Hauler Vehicles. THE Affected Trucks ARE Equipped With Michelin 295/60r22.5 Xza-2 Front Tires That Have A Speed Rating Less Than THE Vehicle IS Governed TO.
Consequence
Higher Vehicle Speeds and Other Factors Such AS Tire Load and Road Temperatures MAY Result IN Premature Tire Failure, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy
Peterbilt Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Reprogram THE Engine's Vehicle Speed Parameters TO Limit THE Maximum Vehicle Speed TO THE Tire Speed Rating, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began ON January 4, 2016. Owners MAY Contact Peterbilt Customer Service AT 1-940-591-4000. Paccar's Number FOR This Recall IS 1115p.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Recall date
2020-04-06
Recall no.
20v199000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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."
Consequence
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.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Service Brakes, Air:antilock:abs Warning Light
Recall date
2020-04-06
Recall no.
20v199000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
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."
Consequence
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.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
2012 Peterbilt 388 Warranty
Basic
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Rust
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
2012 Peterbilt 388 Insurance
Insurance for a 2012 Peterbilt 388 is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Truck with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2012 Peterbilt 388 Compare to Other Truck?
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Final Verdict: Is the 2012 Peterbilt 388 a Good Truck?
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Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.