AutoStatsIQ
Data through Oct 2026
Model year

2015 Peterbilt 389

Heavy truck, diesel, 6x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Nov 3, 2014 to Aug 10, 2017.

Recalls (10)Complaints (7)Investigations (1)Bulletins (37)
Recall campaigns covering this model year10720k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints71.8 times the median 2015 heavy truck
Severity index28.62015 heavy trucks average 19.6
First 24 months6Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2015 Peterbilt 389 peaked in 2014, with 6 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

024620146201620182020202220242026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

57% of complaints about the 2015 Peterbilt 389 name wheels

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Wheels
4
Structure
2
Tires
2
Electrical system
1
Stability and traction control
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

10 recall campaigns cover the 2015 Peterbilt 389

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2015 Peterbilt 389
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
20V-199Apr 6, 2020In 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 control460,515Software update
20V-130Mar 4, 2020Positive battery jumper terminal cable may be too long, allowing it to chafe against the left front suspension spring and result in an electrical…Electrical system35,671Part replacement
15V-740Nov 9, 2015Affected trucks are equipped with Michelin 295/60R22.5 XZA-2 front tires that have a speed rating less than the vehicle is governed toTires1,876Software update
15V-456Jul 22, 2015Affected trucks, equipped with extended-body Leece Neville alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed metal freon…Electrical system288Repair or modification
15V-270May 8, 2015Affected trucks, equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and Delco-Remy 40SI alternators, have alternator charge cables that may chafe against a formed…Electrical system1,494Repair or modification
15V-132Mar 6, 2015Affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amountEquipment213,230Label or owner notice
15V-108Feb 24, 2015Front axle tie rod end clamp bolts may be improperly torquedSteering5,141Part replacement
15V-036Jan 27, 2015Affected vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect horn contact plate that may damage the ESC steering angle sensorStability and traction control39Part replacement
14V-810Dec 29, 2014Affected vehicles may experience brake drag due to an improperly seated diaphragm in the brake chamberBrakes1,623Part replacement
14V-731Nov 13, 2014In the affected vehicles, the steering wheel may have been installed with an incorrect attachment nut, or the nut may not be have been properly…Steering35Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Look up a VIN at NHTSA
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2015 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.

7 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Aug 10, 2017Failure Mar 2, 201620,000 milesIndianapolis, INBody, Visibility/wiper1 killed

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

    NHTSA complaint 11014144
  2. Filed Nov 18, 2014Failure Nov 3, 2014Feasterville Trevose, PAUnknown or other, Wheels

    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 TO [XXX] AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND ANY ISSUES. WITH EACH OCCURRENCE THREAD FROM DRIVE TIRE IS COMING OFF AND TIRE STILL HOLDS AIR. IT DAMAGES ALL LIGHTS ON TRUCK THEN IT DAMAGES MUD GUARDS AND BREAKS SAFETY WINGS ON THE TRAILER. EACH TIME COSTS ABOUT 2000$ PLUS ROAD SERVICE. ONLY SOLUTION WE FOUND AT THIS TIME TO RUN ALL POSITION TIRES ON DRIVE TIRES. SO FAR WE DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES FOR PAST 30 DAYS. LAST TRUCK WE PURCHASED FROM [XXX], THEY AGREED TO SWAP TIRES AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE TO ALL POSITION... NO SOLUTION IS OFFERED TO US. WE HAVE LOST OVER $40,000 SO FAR ON BRAND NEW TRUCKS... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10658771
  3. Filed Nov 18, 2014Failure Oct 21, 2014Trevose, PAWheels

    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 TO [XXX] AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND ANY ISSUES. WITH EACH OCCURRENCE THREAD FROM DRIVE TIRE IS COMING OFF AND TIRE STILL HOLDS AIR. IT DAMAGES ALL LIGHTS ON TRUCK THEN IT DAMAGES MUD GUARDS AND BREAKS SAFETY WINGS ON THE TRAILER. EACH TIME COSTS ABOUT 2000$ PLUS ROAD SERVICE. ONLY SOLUTION WE FOUND AT THIS TIME TO RUN ALL POSITION TIRES ON DRIVE TIRES. SO FAR WE DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES FOR PAST 30 DAYS. LAST TRUCK WE PURCHASED FROM [XXX], THEY AGREED TO SWAP TIRES AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE TO ALL POSITION... NO SOLUTION IS OFFERED TO US. WE HAVE LOST OVER $40,000 SO FAR ON BRAND NEW TRUCKS... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10658770
  4. Filed Nov 18, 2014Failure Aug 20, 2014Trevose, PAWheels

    WE OPERATE 6 BRAND NEW PETERBILT 388 CAR HAULERS. EVERY TRUCK RANDOMLY BLOWS DRIVE INSIDE TIRE. ONCE TIRE BLOWS IT CAN BLOW ADJACENT TIRE. SO FAR WE HAD ABOUT 20 BLOW OUT IN 2 MONTH TIME. ONLY SOLUTION SO FAR WE FOUND WAS TO REROUTE EXHAUST PIPE TO THE SIDE AND REPLACE TIRES TO ALL POSITION TIRES. NO REIMBURSEMENT FROM PETERBILT. CALLED EVERY POSSIBLE NUMBER, BUT NO RESPONSE. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND EXHAUST CAUSES INSIDE TIRE TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE BLOW OUT. TIRES BLOW EVERY 1000-3000 MILES. WE HAVE SPEND OVER 30,000$ ON ROAD CALLS AND TIRE REPLACEMENT SO FAR. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10658765
  5. Filed Nov 18, 2014Failure Jul 7, 20143,500 milesTrevose, PAElectronic stability control (esc), Tires, Wheels

    WE OPERATE 6 BRAND NEW PETERBILT 388 CAR HAULERS. EVERY TRUCK RANDOMLY BLOWS DRIVE INSIDE TIRE. ONCE TIRE BLOWS IT CAN BLOW ADJACENT TIRE. SO FAR WE HAD ABOUT 20 BLOW OUT IN 2 MONTH TIME. ONLY SOLUTION SO FAR WE FOUND WAS TO REROUTE EXHAUST PIPE TO THE SIDE AND REPLACE TIRES TO ALL POSITION TIRES. NO REIMBURSEMENT FROM PETERBILT. CALLED EVERY POSSIBLE NUMBER, BUT NO RESPONSE. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND EXHAUST CAUSES INSIDE TIRE TO OVERHEAT AND CAUSE BLOW OUT. TIRES BLOW EVERY 1000-3000 MILES. WE HAVE SPEND OVER 30,000$ ON ROAD CALLS AND TIRE REPLACEMENT SO FAR. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10658764
  6. Filed Nov 17, 2014Failure Sep 10, 201467,000 milesTrevose, PABody, TiresCrash

    4 BRAND NEW TRUCKS PETERBILT AND WESTERN STAR WITH MICHELIN TIRES 295/60/R22.5 AND 275/70/22.5. FRONT TIRES BLEW UP WITH SEVERE DAMAGE TO FRONT END. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10658758
  7. Filed Nov 3, 2014Failure Jul 31, 2014392 milesBertram, TXElectrical system

    PURCHASED NEW 2015 PETE ON 7/29/2014 FROM RUSH PETERBILT SEALY TEXAS WITH @ 3 MILES SHOWING ON ODOMETER. ON @ 7/31/2014 STOPPED IN WACO TEXAS WITH VEHICLE TO CHECK SECUREMENT OF LOAD AND WHEN RELEASED PARKING BRAKE THE PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR REMAINED ON, ENGINE DERATED, SPEEDO FAILED TO WORK AND VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN CURRENT CONDITION. I DROVE @ 2 MILES TO RUSH PETERBILT WACO AND WAITED FOR SERVICE TO OPEN. RESTARTED VEHICLE AFTER @ 1 HOUR AND ISSUE WASN'T OCCURRING. DEALER SAID NOTHING THEY COULD DO. DELIVERED IN IRVING TX AND WENT TO RUSH IRVING AND ADVISED THEY WERE TO BUSY TO LOOK AT IT FOR AT LEAST 4-5 DAYS. RETURNED TO BERTRAM TX. VEHICLE WAS SENT TO RUSH PETERBILT SEALY UNTIL 8/7/2014 AND FAILED TO REPAIR ISSUE. VEHICLE ANS SINCE BEEN IN PETERBILT SEALY AND PETERBILT BUDA TEXAS FOR 26 DAYS WITHOUT BEING REPAIRED. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10652027
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • PE20006 Preliminary evaluation, Steering
    Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist
    Opened May 1, 2020, closed Mar 27, 2024
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
All investigations
Service bulletins

37 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."
  • 32-025 Nov 22, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting issues. A new Starter Troubleshooting Guide has been created to provide a comprehensive list of starting system checks, which should reduce unnecessary…
  • 02-194 Nov 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fix-As-Fail The window switch fails prematurely due to excessive amperage flowing through the window switch circuit. A new door harness design has been developed to prevent failures. Fix-As-Fail start date is 11/11/2024.
  • 01-082 Nov 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Certain model 389 chassis are experiencing freezing of the A/C evaporator or frosting of the compressor and suction line. A field resolution is available to solve this issue.
  • 34-093 Nov 10, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    34-093 Model 389 78-inch Sleeper 12V Power Port Supplier Change
  • 14-043 Sep 9, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fix-As-Fail On certain chassis with Low Air Leaf Suspension or Low-Low Air Leaf Suspension, the Height Control Valve (HCV) arm may be rubbing on other components when the bend in the arm is facing outboard. Flipping the bend in the HCV arm inboard prevents …
  • 13-060 Aug 3, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures.
  • E271 Jun 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    An engine software update is required to resolve OBD system readiness, DEF doser diagnostics, and otherOBD system software related issues.
  • FRN715-1 Nov 18, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Instrumentation - SmartNav 2.0 Software Update - Peterbilt vehicles manufactured between July 01, 2015 through November 12, 2015 with the SmartNav 2.0 system have some SmartNav features, including truck navigation and Bluetooth phone service disabled at the…
  • FRN215-3 Nov 13, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    HVAC - Sleeper Heater O-ring Coolant Leak Phase 2 - Peterbilt has determined that vehicles built between 08/01/2013 and 08/01/2014 and were manufactured fwith a sleeper heater may have sleeper heater o-rings that are incompatible with the extended-life cool…
  • 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.
  • 02-158 Aug 25, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has determined that certain model 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, 567, 579, and 587 trucks, built between 4/13/2010 and 3/16/2020 and equipped with a flush mounted battery box, utilized rubber washers that could rub through a…
  • 13-054 Jul 29, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fix-As-Fail - Bendix New-Gen Lightweight Steer Axle Drum Brake Spider Cracking
  • 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…
  • 20PBA Apr 17, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    "Safety Recall: NHTSA recall number is 20V130. A defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, may exist in certain Model 365, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles manufactured between April 18, 2014 and March 09, 2020 with a left-hand under hood jumper start term…
  • 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.
  • 43-066 Mar 27, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    DEF tank covers may become loose and potentially crack on vehicles built before October 2019 with DEF tank part number M86-6221-003**(TANK-DEF MEDIUM ASSY) and M86-6222-003**(TANK-DEF LARGE, ASSY). Resolution is to resolve the vibration on the tank cover b…
  • 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.
  • 20PBA Mar 31, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Safety Recall Interim Bulletin: Peterbilt has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, may exist in certain Model 365, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles manufactured between April 18, 2014 and September 30, 2019 with a left-hand under hood jum…
  • 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.
  • 03-071 Dec 18, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Information Only - Vehicles built with NAMUX software from 2013 to present may experience accuracy issues with the tachometer. The issue can be temporarily resolved using any one of the included procedures.
  • 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.
  • 16-041 Sep 27, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Non Safety Campaign: Peterbilt has determined that certain Model 365, 384, 386, 388, 389, 3895, 587 and 579 vehicles built between March 27, 2012 and January 20, 2019 with Flex Air suspension in a 6x2 configuration have U-bolts that may fail prematurely.
  • TIB43-062 Sep 27, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Information Only â“ This bulletin provides information about the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) and Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP).
  • 42-056 Aug 28, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fix-As-Fail -“ Composite fittings used in the cooling system may crack, resulting in coolant leaks. Brass fittings are available to replace the composite fittings.
  • 42-058 Aug 23, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fix-As-Fail: Two separate causes have been identified as root cause of intermittent low coolant indicator illumination.
  • 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
  • 7-17 Jan 22, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fix-As-Fail ? There is an updated plug to fix leaking steer axle hubcaps.
  • 16-16 Oct 20, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FIX-AS-FAIL: UPDATED PROCEDURE FOR MODELS WITH ENGINE-OVERSPEED WARNING BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.
About service bulletins