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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2015 Peterbilt 389 Recalls & Complaints

The 2015 Peterbilt 389 has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 7 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Peterbilt dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2015 Peterbilt 389. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2015 Peterbilt 389 owner complaints

Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Peterbilt 389, describing incidents dated July 7, 2014 to March 2, 2016.

Most-cited components

  • Wheels 4 complaints
  • Structure 2 complaints
  • Tires 2 complaints
  • Electrical System 1 complaint
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 1 complaint
  • Unknown or Other 1 complaint

Of the 7 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash; across all 7 complaints, owners report 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11014144 · Filed

    PETERBILT 389 SLEEPER CAB HAS NO REAR WINDOW, BACKUP ALARM OR BACKUP CAMERA. LED TO FATALITY IN MARCH 2016.

  • ODI #10658771 · Filed

    6 PETERBILT MY COMPANY OPERATES ARE 2014 AND 2015 CAR HAULERS. ALL ARE CONSISTENTLY DESTROYING REAR AXEL TIRES BOTH SIDES DRIVER AND PASSENGER (THREAD IS COMING OUT). DAMAGED SEEMS TO HAPPEN DUE TO OVERHEAT OF TIRES. WE TRIED USING DIFFERENT BRAND OF TIRES, BUT BLOW OUT DID NOT STOP. WE TOOK TRUCKS…

  • ODI #10658770 · Filed

    6 PETERBILT MY COMPANY OPERATES ARE 2014 AND 2015 CAR HAULERS. ALL ARE CONSISTENTLY DESTROYING REAR AXEL TIRES BOTH SIDES DRIVER AND PASSENGER (THREAD IS COMING OUT). DAMAGED SEEMS TO HAPPEN DUE TO OVERHEAT OF TIRES. WE TRIED USING DIFFERENT BRAND OF TIRES, BUT BLOW OUT DID NOT STOP. WE TOOK TRUCKS…

Read all 7 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2015 Peterbilt 389 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Driver not Warned when ABS Offline/FMVSS 121, 136

NHTSA #20V199000 · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · NHTSA notice

Reported April 6, 2020 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 460,515 vehicles

Repair completion: 33.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 20pbc AND 20KWB · Owners notified May 26, 2020

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Underhood Battery Jumper Cable May Short Circuit

NHTSA #20V130000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery — Cables · NHTSA notice

Reported March 4, 2020 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 35,671 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.64% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 20PBA · Owners notified April 30, 2020

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Peterbilt 365, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles equipped with a left-hand under hood jumper terminal (option code 2539410). The positive battery jumper terminal cable may be too long, allowing it to chafe against the left front suspension spring and result in an electrical short circuit.

Safety consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery jumper terminal cables, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 30, 2020. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 20PBA.

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.

Trucks can Exceed Speed Rating of Front Tires

NHTSA #15V740000 · Tires · NHTSA notice

Reported November 9, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 1,876 vehicles

Repair completion: 29.58% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 1115P · Owners notified January 4, 2016 · Vehicles built January 19, 2008 – October 12, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Alternator Cable May Chafe

NHTSA #15V456000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice

Reported July 22, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 288 vehicles

Repair completion: 64.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 715-K · Owners notified September 23, 2015 · Vehicles built January 31, 2011 – April 20, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Alternator Charge Cable may Chafe

NHTSA #15V270000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice

Reported May 8, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 1,494 vehicles

Repair completion: 76.17% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 15KWE and 515-F · Owners notified September 16, 2015 · Vehicles built December 13, 2010 – April 20, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Kenworth T660, T680, T880 trucks manufactured February 18, 2013, to April 10, 2015, and 2011-2016 Peterbilt 386, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured December 13, 2010, to April 20, 2015. The affected trucks, equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Delco-Remy 40SI alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon discharge line.

Safety consequence

If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the alternator charge cable away from the metal freon line, free of charge. PACCAR issued an interim notification to owners on July 10, 2015. The recall began on September 16, 2015. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 15KWE and 515-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.

Incorrect Tire Information on Label/FMVSS 110

NHTSA #15V132000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported March 6, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 213,230 vehicles

Repair completion: 91.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 215-D · Owners notified June 19, 2015 · Vehicles built July 25, 2005 – February 26, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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)."

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Improperly Torqued Tie Rod Clamp

NHTSA #15V108000 · Steering — Linkages — Tie Rod Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported February 24, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 5,141 vehicles

Repair completion: 80.22% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 215-C · Owners notified April 4, 2016 · Vehicles built July 21, 2008 – February 28, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Incorrect Horn Contact Plate may Disable ESC

NHTSA #15V036000 · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · NHTSA notice

Reported January 27, 2015 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 39 vehicles

Repair completion: 71.79% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 115A · Owners notified March 6, 2015 · Vehicles built October 1, 2014 – December 4, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2015 Peterbilt 389 Pride and Class edition vehicles manufactured October 1, 2014, to December 4, 2014, and equipped with electronic stability control (ESC). The affected vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect horn contact plate that may damage the ESC steering angle sensor.

Safety consequence

If the steering angle sensor is damaged, the ESC sensor may malfunction, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will replace the horn contact plate and the ESC steering angle sensor, free of charge. The recall began on March 6, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 115A.

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.

Improperly Seated Brake Chamber Diaphragm

NHTSA #14V810000 · Parking Brake — Conventional — Air · NHTSA notice

Reported December 29, 2014 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 1,623 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.43% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14KWP & 1214L (PB) · Owners notified May 14, 2015 · Vehicles built May 23, 2014 – February 13, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2015 Peterbilt 367, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks manufactured from May 23, 2014, to February 13, 2015, and 2015 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks manufactured from May 23, 2014, to February 13, 2015, equipped with certain air brake actuators. The affected vehicles may experience brake drag due to an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamber.

Safety consequence

Brake drag may result in a wheel end fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Kenworth and Peterbilt will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the brake chamber, as necessary, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners March 3, 2015. The recall began on May 14, 2015. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5000 (Kenworth), or 1-940-591-4000 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's number for this recall is 14KWP (Kenworth), and 1214L (Peterbilt).

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.

Incorrect or Loose Steering Wheel Attachment

NHTSA #14V731000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported November 13, 2014 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 35 vehicles

Repair completion: 85.71% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 1114K · Owners notified January 22, 2015 · Vehicles built September 30, 2014 – November 3, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2015 Peterbilt 389 "Pride and Class" edition trucks manufactured September 30, 2014, to November 3, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the steering wheel may have been installed with an incorrect attachment nut, or the nut may not be have been properly torqued.

Safety consequence

An incorrect or improperly torqued steering wheel attachment nut could allow the steering wheel to come loose, resulting in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering wheel attachment nut, and replace it and/or tighten it, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's number for this recall is 1114K.

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.

Other Peterbilt 389 model years

Check your 2015 Peterbilt 389 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Peterbilt 389 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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