NHTSA vehicle safety data

2019 Peterbilt 389 Recalls & Complaints

The 2019 Peterbilt 389 has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 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 2019 Peterbilt 389. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2019 Peterbilt 389 owner complaints

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Peterbilt 389, describing incidents dated October 11, 2018 to February 26, 2021.

Most-cited components

Steering 1 complaint
Structure 1 complaint
Tires 1 complaint
Unknown or Other 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11455852 · Filed March 9, 2022
- The steering arm on the driver side of the Dana D-Series axle that was installed from the Peterbilt factory on a new 2019 Peterbilt 389 that was purchased new by Acord Transportation, Inc. is what failed. The steering arm on the D-Series axle bolts to the steering knuckle with two bolts as opposed…
ODI #11309417 · Filed February 15, 2020
WE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK MARCH 4, 2018. SINCE THAT DATE A TOTAL OF THREE (3) PASSENGER QUARTER FENDERS HAVE "FALLEN OFF" THE TRUCK. THE LAST SET HAD LOCK TIGHT ON THE BOLT. IT IS ONLY INVOLVING THE PASSENGER SIDE. UNSURE IF THE BOLT BROKE OR JUST BACKED OUT. THE LAST ONE WHEN IT CAME OFF HIT OUR…
ODI #11139855 · Filed October 11, 2018
I PURCHASED A 2019 PETERBILT TRUCK IN MAY OF 2018. THE FRONT LEFT STEER TIRE FAILED ON JUNE 18,2018 AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS, AND HAVING TO TAKE EMERGENCY EVASIVE ACTION. THE TIRE HAD ONLY 10,580 MILES. I CHOCKED IT UP TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A ROAD HAZARD, AND LEFT IT AT THAT. FAST…

Read all 3 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2019 Peterbilt 389 in 2 investigations. 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.

Preliminary Evaluation PE20-006: Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist
Closed March 27, 2024
Preliminary Evaluation PE20-015: Quarter Fender Failures
Closed October 14, 2021

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Steering Fasteners May Fail

NHTSA #22V277000 · Steering — Critical Fasteners · NHTSA notice

Reported April 25, 2022 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 17,641 vehicles

Repair completion: 64.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 22 PBB and 22 KWB · Owners notified November 8, 2022

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, T660, T680, T880, T800, W900, W990; and 2018-2020 Peterbilt 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 567, and 579 vehicles. The Dana D-Series axle steer arm fasteners that attach the steering arm to the steering knuckle may fail.

Safety consequence

Fastener failure can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace and torque the steer arm fasteners, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2022. Owners may contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 22 PBB and 22 KWB.

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.nhtsa.gov.

Work Brake May Unintentionally Disengage

NHTSA #21V906000 · Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA notice

Reported November 19, 2021 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 908 vehicles

Repair completion: 55.73% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 21KWG and 21PBM · Owners notified January 3, 2022

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Kenworth T880, W990, Peterbilt 567, 579, 389, and 2022 Peterbilt 536, 537 wrecker and auto hauler vehicles. The work brake (winch brake) may unintentionally disengage the service brakes during winching operations, causing the vehicle to roll.

Safety consequence

Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 3, 2022. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-425-828-5888 (Kenworth); or 1-940-591-4220 (Peterbilt). PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 21KWG and 21PBM.

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.nhtsa.gov.

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.

Vehicle may Move after Clutch Component Fails

NHTSA #18V931000 · Power Train — Clutch Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported December 21, 2018 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 25,556 vehicles

Repair completion: 74.69% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 18PBE; 18KWH · Owners notified February 23, 2019 · Vehicles built through June 30, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Peterbilt 337, 348, 365, 367, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks and 2018-2019 Kenworth C500, T270, T370, T440, T660, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks equipped with automated manual transmissions. An internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.

Safety consequence

Unintended movement of a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission control module, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2019. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 18PBE and 18KWH.

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.

Fuel Line may Burst if Filter Screen Clogs

NHTSA #18V657000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported September 21, 2018 · PACCAR Incorporated

Potentially affected: 48,896 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 18E081 · Owners notified November 21, 2018 · Vehicles built January 26, 2016 – July 30, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Kenworth C500, T600, T660, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks, as well as Peterbilt 367, 386, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks, equipped with Cummins ISX15 or X15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.

Safety consequence

If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Cummins will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect fuel pump cooling circuit screen, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact PACCAR customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's number for this recall is 18E081.

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.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2019 Peterbilt 389. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

3 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Peterbilt 389.

Steering

ODI #11455852

Incident: February 26, 2021 · Filed: March 9, 2022

- The steering arm on the driver side of the Dana D-Series axle that was installed from the Peterbilt factory on a new 2019 Peterbilt 389 that was purchased new by Acord Transportation, Inc. is what failed. The steering arm on the D-Series axle bolts to the steering knuckle with two bolts as opposed to being one solid cast piece as in other families of Dana axles - such as the E-Series. When backing into a parking space the two bolts holding the steering arm to the steering knuckle broke, causing the steering arm to come free from the steering knuckle - ultimately causing a catastrophic failure and a complete loss of steering. Peterbilt took the steering arm for inspection following the failure, but did not return it to us. - Had this incident occurred while traveling on a public roadway, the driver would have lost all ability to steer the commercial vehicle (which could potentially be weighing 80,000 lbs and transporting hazardous materials) and would have no control over where the unit went. It could have resulted in an auto or property collision - potentially causing multiple injuries or fatalities. - We know of another company that has had two failures identical to this one. Allegedly, Dana Spicer admitted to our Peterbilt dealer that they knew of 12 other failures such as this. - The truck that experienced the failure was taken to the dealership where it was purchased. It was repaired by retrofitting the axle to the E-Series components. As mentioned, they kept the steering arm/bolts that failed. - There was no warning, nor is there potential to be any warning. If this happens, it will happen immediately and all control of the vehicle by the driver will be lost. The bolts that failed appeared to have been corroding for a period of time prior to the failure. However, there is no way to visually inspect the condition of the bolts without removing several components on the tire/wheel, hub and brake assembly and completely removing the bolts.

Structure; Unknown or Other

ODI #11309417

Incident: December 4, 2019 · Filed: February 15, 2020

WE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK MARCH 4, 2018. SINCE THAT DATE A TOTAL OF THREE (3) PASSENGER QUARTER FENDERS HAVE "FALLEN OFF" THE TRUCK. THE LAST SET HAD LOCK TIGHT ON THE BOLT. IT IS ONLY INVOLVING THE PASSENGER SIDE. UNSURE IF THE BOLT BROKE OR JUST BACKED OUT. THE LAST ONE WHEN IT CAME OFF HIT OUR PRIMARY AIR LINE AND KINKED IT. LUCKY IT DIDN'T SEVER IT. ALSO WE HAVE HAD THREE (3) "COUNTRY" HORNS VIBRATE INTO PIECES. ALSO THE LAST HORN WAS ATTACHED WITH LOCK TIGHT TO PREVENT THE BUGLES FROM COMING OFF AS DIRECTED BY THE SUPPLIER. ALL THE BUGLES HAVE FALLEN OFF DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE VIBRATIONS OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL YEAR. NEEDLESS TO SAY WE ARE TIRED OF REPLACING PARTS THAT VIBRATE OR BREAK OFF ON A NEW TRUCK!!!! THE FENDERS GO UNDER OUR DRIVES AND OUT THE BACK. FORTUNATELY NOBODY HAS BEEN INJURED DUE TO THE FLAW OF THIS PART. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION IN ALL INSTANCES ON A HIGHWAY. VARIOUS DATES WITH THE LATEST INDICATED. THE AIR COMPRESSOR STARTED MAKING A STRANGE SOUND BEFORE IT EVENTUALLY FAILED. WE COULD NOT MAINTAIN AIR PRESSURE IN THE TANKS AND THE LOW PRESSURE LIGHT WOULD COME ON FORCING US TO PULL THE TRUCK OVER SO THE SPRING BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. WE'VE ALSO HAD AIR DRYER ISSUES AND THE BRAIDED FUEL LINE TO THE FUEL PUMP HAD WORN CHAFED AND WORN THROUGH DUE TO A ROUTING PROBLEM. WE WERE TOLD THAT THIS ALLOWED AIR INTO THE FUEL WHICH INCREASED REGENERATIONS MORE THAN NORMAL

Tires

ODI #11139855

Incident: October 11, 2018 · Filed: October 11, 2018

I PURCHASED A 2019 PETERBILT TRUCK IN MAY OF 2018. THE FRONT LEFT STEER TIRE FAILED ON JUNE 18,2018 AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS, AND HAVING TO TAKE EMERGENCY EVASIVE ACTION. THE TIRE HAD ONLY 10,580 MILES. I CHOCKED IT UP TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A ROAD HAZARD, AND LEFT IT AT THAT. FAST FORWARD TO TODAY OCTOBER 11,2018. RIGHT SIDE STEER TIRE FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. TRUCK NOW HAS 54,653 MILES ON IT. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO KEEP THE TIRE TODAY AND IT STRUCK ME AS ODD THAT THE SIDEWALL ON ONE SIDE SEPARATED CLEANLY FROM THE TREAD. THE OTHER SIDE ALSO SEPARATED, BUT IT SHOWS SIGNS OF TEARING THE PLYS THAT I ASSUME ARE THERE TO STRENGTHEN THE JOINT BETWEEN THE FACE AND THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, COMMERCIAL VEHICLES LOSING STEER TIRES IS ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WE COULD ENCOUNTER. I AM WORKING ON REPAIRS AS I TYPE THIS COMPLAINT. I WILL BE REPLACING THE TIRE, WHEEL, AND A BRAKE LINE THAT BECAME KINKED DUE TO THE TIRE. *DT *TR

Other Peterbilt 389 model years

Check your 2019 Peterbilt 389 VIN

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