Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2008 Peterbilt 389 peaked in 2012, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2008 Peterbilt 389
Heavy truck, diesel, 6x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jul 13, 2012 to Feb 18, 2021.
Recall campaigns covering this model year12717k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints31.5 times the median 2008 heavy truck
Severity index0.02008 heavy trucks average 12.5
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
67% of complaints about the 2008 Peterbilt 389 name engine and cooling
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
12 recall campaigns cover the 2008 Peterbilt 389
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20V-199 | Apr 6, 2020 | 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… | Stability and traction control | 460,515 | Software update |
| 15V-132 | Mar 6, 2015 | Affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount | Equipment | 213,230 | Label or owner notice |
| 14V-145 | Mar 25, 2014 | 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… | Brakes | 474 | Repair or modification |
| 13V-593 | Nov 25, 2013 | Affected vehicles may be missing required information from the certification label, specifically the tag or pusher axle the gross axle weight… | Equipment | 561 | Part replacement |
| 11V-127 | Feb 23, 2011 | 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… | Fuel system | 4,664 | Repair or modification |
| 10V-634 | Dec 13, 2010 | Bearing surfaces of the extended lube universal joint that attaches the inter-axle driveline to the drive axle may become prematurely worn due to… | Powertrain | 12,873 | Not stated |
| 10V-308 | Jul 2, 2010 | Circumferential weld around the steering shaft tube that welds the splined tube to the non-splined tube may be mislocated | Steering | 9,697 | Part replacement |
| 08V-487 | Sep 23, 2008 | Inadequate stiffness of the diesel particulate filter (dpf) bracket could result in separation of the dpf from the chassis | Engine and cooling | 4,883 | Repair or modification |
| 08V-104 | Mar 10, 2008 | Pintle hitch assemblies may have been manufactured in a manner resulting in a reduction of fatigue strength of the pivot pins | Trailer hitches | 318 | Part replacement |
| 08V-065 | Feb 7, 2008 | Certain door latch assemblies on these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 206, 'door locks… | Latches and locks | 6,169 | Part replacement |
| 08V-002 | Jan 8, 2008 | Certain trucks equipped with eaton synflex eclipse brand extruded nylon air brake hose tubing fail to comply with the requirements of federal… | Brakes | 2,794 | Part replacement |
| 07V-591 | Dec 20, 2007 | On certain kenworth and peterbilt heavy duty trucks equipped with tas-85 trw steering gears, the inner surface of the outer sector shaft teeth of… | Steering | 559 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2008 Peterbilt 389
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
3 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Feb 18, 2021Failure Dec 4, 2020Newark, NJEngine
MY TRUCK MARKS CHECK ENGINE IN RED AND YELLOW. THE ABS MARKS IN YELLOW IN THE PLANE.
NHTSA complaint 11396742 - Filed Sep 9, 2020Failure Jul 8, 2020Spring, TXElectronic stability control (esc), Service brakes, Air
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PETERBILT 389. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V368000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR) AND 20V199000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, AIR) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND A RECORDING INDICATED THAT THE SOFTWARE WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A WARNING FROM DOT DUE TO NOT KEEPING UP WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint 11353929 - Filed Jul 13, 2012Failure May 20, 2008578 milesKaty, TXEngine
THE DPF REGENERATION, TODO EL SISTEMA QUE HAN PUESTO EN ESTE TIPO DE CAMIONES ( C-15 ) CATTERPILLAR, HA SALIDO MUY MALO DE FACTORIA, ESTE TIPO DE CAMIONES CON TANTOS SENSORES, OCASIONAN QUE EL CAMION SE APAGUE, Y SE ESTA VOLVIENDO UN GRAN PROBLEMA PARA LA SEGURIDAD DEL CONDUCTOR, COMO PARA LAS CARRETERAS MISMAS, EJ; EL CAMION VA A CIERTA VELOCIDAD Y DE UN MOMENTO A OTRO SE FRENA Y SE APAGA, OCASIONANDO INCERTIDUMBRE EN EL CONDUCTOR, PUES ESTO PUEDE OCASIONAR UN GRAN ACCIDENTE, FUERA DE LOS ALTOS COSTOS QUE OCASIONA CADA VEZ QUE SE LLEVA A LOS DEALER DE LA PETTERBILT, ESOS DEALER NO SOLUCIONAN EL PROBLEMA SOLO TRATAN DE ADIVINAR QUE ES LO QUE TIENE, PERO NO DAN SOLUCION ALGUNA A ESTE DANO, LA CATTERPILLAR POR SU PARTE NO HA QUERIDO ATENDER LAS LLAMADAS, Y EN EL CASO DE NOSOTROS EL COSTOS ES MUY ALTO DE COMPRA PUES FUERON APROX $153MIL DOLARES, ES MAS LO QUE MANTIENE ESE CAMION FUERA DE SERVICIO QUE LO QUE NOS ESTA LUCRANDO. POR FAVOR ES URGENTE QUE REVISEN ESTOS TIPOS DE CAMIONES, SOMOS MUCHAS LAS FAMILIAS QUE NOS ESTAMOS PERJUDICANDO POR EL PROBLEMA DE FACTORIA DE ESTE CAMION. EL SISTEMA DE REGENERATION NO FUNCIONA COMO DEBERIA DE FUNCIONAR, DIJERON QUE ESTE TIPO DE CAMION NUNCA IBA VOTAR HUMO POR LAS PIPAS PERO ESTAN NEGRAS DEL HUMO, ES UN C-15 TRUCK (SDP07787) ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER ECM SERIAL NUMBER 21176320RA MAKE: PETTERBILT YEAR: 2008 MODEL:C-15 CATERPILLAR: PROBLEMA: ENGINE- THE DPF REGENERATION, ELECTRONIC, ALTO CONSUMO DE DIESSEL ( 3.5 MILLAS X GALONS). *TR
NHTSA complaint 10465561
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
2 NHTSA investigations on file
- PE10029 Preliminary evaluation, Powertrain
Driveshaft separates from tractor
Opened Aug 2, 2010, closed Dec 23, 2010 · led to a recall - EA09008 Engineering analysis, Engine and cooling
Horton Fan Hub Failures
Opened May 29, 2009, closed Aug 27, 2010
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
21 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- P001 Sep 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Kenworth: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes. 2 chassis added to the chassis list. Peterbilt: Dealers should check the chassis list and SIR weekly for VIN changes. 10 chassis added to the chassis list." - 1210F Oct 1, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
1210F - SPL 170XL Interaxle Driveline Warranty section has been updated with descriptions of Recommended Repairs and an updated PRWS Claim Coding table has been added. - 02-160 Feb 10, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only – Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate. Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter. - 116-1 Jul 13, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SmartNav 2.0 Hardware retrofit for quality validation and vehicle validation units. - 32-015 Jun 8, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only: This bulletin provides dealers with a battery warranty quick reference guide to ensure the appropriate tests for battery warranty are performed in order to prevent battery warranty claims filed with incorrect or incomplete information. - 43-067 Jun 10, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix as Fail: For all conventional models, except 387/587, equipped with Side-of-Cab (“SOC”) exhaust and built from 03/6/2006 to 1/20/2020, the clamps that secure the SOC exhaust stacks may not be tightened properly. This may allow the exhaust stack to rota… - 11-001 May 29, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information only: Hendrickson Softek front axle maintenance intervals and requirements. - 18PBB Apr 30, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Safety Recall Bulletin: Updated with permanent repair path for phase 1 vehicles. The Tractor ABS Lamp May Not Illuminate When ABS Controller Loses Battery and/or Ignition Power. NHTSA recall number is 18V368. Non compliance to FMVSS and CMVSS 121 and 136… - 20 PBC Apr 15, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Safety Recall Interim Bulletin: The Tractor ABS Lamp May Not Illuminate When ABS Controller Loses Battery and/or Ignition Power. NHTSA recall number is 20V199 Non compliance to FMVSS and CMVSS 121 and 136. Resolution is to Reflash software. - 34-085 Mar 3, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only – Vehicles may have the connector seals on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to water intrusion and corrosion in some vehicles. - 32-016 Mar 17, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only: Proper jump-starting voltage will eliminate high voltage related issues and equipment damage. - 34-085 Feb 28, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only: Vehicles may have the connector seal on the wheel speed sensor incorrectly installed, which may lead to sensor corrosion. - 01-075 Nov 6, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only: This bulletin provides guidance for repairing an air-conditioning system after internal failure of the A/C compressor. - 34-066 Jun 10, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only - Quick Reference Guide for Electric harness damage repairs. - 34-077 Apr 8, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only: Proper instructions for closure of power distribution box cover to prevent corrosion. - 13-049 Jan 4, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information: Bendix ACOM Software version 6.16.5.0 for diagnostics may introduce an unrecoverable error. Notice to dealers to replace this version with older software version until Bendix introduces new version. - 03-064 Jul 23, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information - Recommended Practices for Updating ESA Software - 8110 Aug 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CUMMINS ISX, OR CUMMINS ISM ENGINES EXPERIENCING A PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE FAN HUB BEARINGS. *KB - FRN-808-1 Oct 17, 2008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT TRUCKS: THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MAY SHUT DOWN DUE TO A POWER SURGE. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE GREEN LIGHT ON THE COMFORTCLASS CONTROL PANEL TURNS TO RED. *PE - 808-4 Sep 12, 2008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT TRUCKS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. CERTAIN PETERBILT TRUCKS MANUFACTURED WITH UNDER TORQUED BRAKE ASSEMBLY MOUNTING BOLTS ON HENDRICKSON 8,000 LB PUSHER AXLES. CSC LETTER WAS RECEIVED. *PE - 608-1 Aug 15, 2008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PETERBILT: TRUCKS BUILT WITH CUMMINS ISL ENGINES BETWEEN 1/16/08-6/10/08. DUE TO A MATERIAL ERROR, CERTAIN VEHICLES ORDERED WITH OPTIONAL C-BRAKE BY CUMMINS (OPTION CODE NUMBER 2812140) DID NOT RECEIVE A C-BRAKE ON THE ENGINE. *PE
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.