Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2019 Peterbilt 389 peaked in 2018, 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
2019 Peterbilt 389
Heavy truck, diesel, 6x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Oct 11, 2018 to Mar 9, 2022.
Recall campaigns covering this model year6589k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints3Close to the median 2019 heavy truck
Severity index0.02019 heavy trucks average 19.6
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Components
33% of complaints about the 2019 Peterbilt 389 name steering
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
6 recall campaigns cover the 2019 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22V-277 | Apr 25, 2022 | Dana D-Series axle steer arm fasteners that attach the steering arm to the steering knuckle may fail | Steering | 17,641 | Part replacement |
| 21V-906 | Nov 19, 2021 | Work brake (winch brake) may unintentionally disengage the service brakes during winching operations, causing the vehicle to roll | Electrical system | 908 | Software update |
| 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 |
| 20V-130 | Mar 4, 2020 | Positive battery jumper terminal cable may be too long, allowing it to chafe against the left front suspension spring and result in an electrical… | Electrical system | 35,671 | Part replacement |
| 18V-931 | Dec 21, 2018 | Internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement | Powertrain | 25,556 | Not stated |
| 18V-657 | Sep 21, 2018 | 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 | Engine and cooling | 48,896 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2019 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 Mar 9, 2022Failure Feb 26, 2021Chandler, OKSteering, Linkages, Arm
- 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.
NHTSA complaint 11455852 - Filed Feb 15, 2020Failure Dec 4, 2019160,000 milesRinggold, LABody, Unknown or other
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
NHTSA complaint 11309417 - Filed Oct 11, 2018Failure Oct 11, 201854,653 milesLAS Cruces, NMTires
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
NHTSA complaint 11139855
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
2 NHTSA investigations on file
- PE20015 Preliminary evaluation, Structure
Quarter Fender Failures
Opened Sep 21, 2020, closed Oct 14, 2021 - PE20006 Preliminary evaluation, Steering
Intermittent Loss of Power Steering Assist
Opened May 1, 2020, closed Mar 27, 2024
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
54 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." - E343 Sep 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
An exhaust manifold slip joint seal kit is now available for EPA 2017-2024 PACCAR MX-13 engines. - E311 Jul 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
105 chassis have been removed from the chassis list and unflagged in PRWS due to expiration of applicable warranty coverage. Total chassis population is 732. - E311 Jul 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Condition, Chassis Affected, Service Action, Warranty, and Procedure sections have been updated to include the latest prognostics bulletin verbiage. - 45-070 Apr 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The attached procedures document has been updated with more detail and explanations. This is not a stand-alone procedure. Cummins Quickserve troubleshooting will specify the use of these procedures while troubleshooting specific fault codes. - CE036 Apr 17, 2026 · Warranty Program/Extension
KW & PB DEF Quality Sensor part number Q21-6127-001 for PACCAR PX-7 and Cummins X15 engines has been added to this warranty policy. - E326 Apr 1, 2026 · Emissions
EPA17-24 MX Fuel Injector Connector - This bulletin has been revised to include all EPA17-24 and CARB24 PACCAR MX engines. - 45-070 Jan 31, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Procedure pictures updated for clarity. When troubleshooting Cummins X15 fault codes 555 or 556, follow this additional testing, inspection, and documentation procedure to help identify the root cause of dusted engines. This is not a stand-alone process bu… - E311 Aug 20, 2025 · Other
Condition, Chassis Affected, and Warranty sections updated with the following verbiage “E311 must be flagged and open in Service Information Record (SIR) at the time of RO open date to qualify.” Also, “Through Standard Warranty or any applicable active Exte… - T016 / 26-040 May 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
T016: Warranty section updated to include 0.5 hours for test drive. Recommended Repair T016C has been updated from 6.4 hours to 6.9 hours. SRT codes updated in PRWS Claim Coding Table: B25-17A for 6.9 hours created to replace all other codes. 26-040: Warra… - 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. - 7-700 Oct 22, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
7/700 Service Agreement - Letter Only. - 16-044 Jul 30, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix As Fail The height control valve (HCV) rod on vehicles with low air leaf suspensions is prone to toggling over center during rough road conditions. With full suspension articulation, HCV bracket flexes and toggles over center the HCV linkage, which res… - E273 Nov 2, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix As Fail Updated: Two part numbers added: 1818119 DPF Delta Pressure Sensors for MX-13-2 EMY18 2200138 DPF Delta Pressure Sensors for MX-13 -2, EMY19 Per Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) regulations and guidance (Canadian Environmental … - 32-019 Feb 10, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix As Fail – Chassis that were manufactured with certain battery cable routing brackets may experience rubbing or chafing of the battery cables. - 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 - 23-005 Oct 6, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Clutch pedal linkage lubrication service interval information is missing from the Service manual for Model 365, 367, and 389 chassis. - 45-064 Oct 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Info Only - PACCAR is introducing Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for engine MY17 and newer chassis equipped with Cummins X15, X12, ISX12, ISX12N, L9N, PX-7, and PX-9 engines The technology will leverage the existing Remote Diagnostic cs hardware to del… - 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. - 51-013 Feb 4, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to major data carriers phasing out 3G networks, chassis currently utilizing first generation Peoplenet Mobile Gateway (PMG001) will experience severe 3G service degradation as early as January of 2022. Chassis currently utilizing 3G antennas as a primar… - 34-090 Feb 4, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A frame mounted left-hand marker light bracket interferes with the rear fuel tank fill location. A redesigned bracket can be purchased that relocates the marker bracket to the front fuel tank bracket to eliminate interference. - 21PBM Dec 2, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
âSafety Recall â“ Work Brake May Unintentionally Disengage â“ NHTSA ID: 21V906, TC: 2021-713. The work brake (also known as winch brake) may unintentionally disengage during winching operations, releasing the service brakes, increasing the risk of crash or … - 43-071 Sep 21, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix-As-Fail – Due to undersupply issues, only a limited supply of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors are available. As a temporary solution, after PACCAR confirms a DEF sensor is not available, a temporary software update will allow a vehicle to continue op… - 21-PBF Jun 14, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Safety Recall – Interim Notification - The Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may turn off while the vehicle is in motion and the headlamps, fog lamps or turn signals are not on. This is non-compliant with Canadian Regulation CMVSS 108, which states that the DRLs… - E265 May 25, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Selected engines have been identified to receive a camshaft inspection and an update for improved camshaft lubrication. - 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. - 13-055 Oct 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix as Fail: Peterbilt has introduced an improved mounting bracket for low mount air tanks for vehicles built between January 01, 2017 and July 06, 2020. Torsional vibration may stress the currently-installed brackets and cause them to fail near the bottom… - 20PBE Sep 16, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Safety Recall: Peterbilt has decided that a condition could exist in certain model 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, and 567 vehicles built between 11/19/2019 and 4/09/2020. Vehicles equipped with Watson & Chalin SL2065 lift axles may have lower rear pivot bolts th… - 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. - 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… - 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. - 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. - 23-003 Jul 22, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Fix as Fail: Vehicles with Eaton Ultrashift Plus or Fuller Advantage Automated transmissions may display fault codes and/or have clutch release problems due to broken clutch levers. Resolution is to replace the clutch. - 34-066 Jun 10, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Information Only - Quick Reference Guide for Electric harness damage repairs. - 59-002 Jun 10, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Non Safety Campaign: Holland Series FW17 fifth wheel handles may remain in an unlocked position when coupling to a parked trailer. - 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
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.