U.S. public vehicle records

2018 Peterbilt 389: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

0 owner complaints analyzed

6 distinct recall campaigns

Not available median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2018 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

No owner complaints are recorded for this selection. A complaint can name multiple components.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

No usable records for this chart.

No records.

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

No usable failure mileage is recorded. 0 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

No usable records for this chart.

No records.

Pattern summary

There is not enough complaint evidence to summarize patterns.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Recall history

6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

17V443000 · Fuel System, Diesel

Reported: 2017-07-13 (July 13, 2017)

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Peterbilt 367, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks, and 2018 Kenworth C500, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks equipped with Cummins ISX 15L engines. These engines have a fuel pump whose drive gear could possibly slip on its drive shaft, causing a fuel pump function loss, resulting in an engine stall.

Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Cummins will notify the vehicle purchaser, and Cummins dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2017. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 or PACCAR customer service at 1-425-468-7400. PACCAR's number for this recall is C1909.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

18V657000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel

Reported: 2018-09-21 (September 21, 2018)

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.

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.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

18V931000 · Power Train:Clutch Assembly

Reported: 2018-12-21 (December 21, 2018)

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.

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

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

20V130000 · Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables

Reported: 2020-03-04 (March 4, 2020)

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.

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

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

20V199000 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | Service Brakes, Air:Antilock:Abs Warning Light

Reported: 2020-04-06 (April 6, 2020)

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."

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

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

22V277000 · Steering:Critical Fasteners

Reported: 2022-04-25 (April 25, 2022)

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.

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

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

0 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

UnavailableUsable mileage0 / 0 records

UnavailableValid incident date0 / 0 records

UnavailableValid filing date0 / 0 records

UnavailableOrdered incident and filing dates0 / 0 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025
Electrical System	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10652027 · 392 mi 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 R… Look up ODI 10652027 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11181438 · 20,000 mi HEAT FROM THE NEW DEF REQUIREMENTS ARE CAUSING PROBLEMS. THE HEAT OFF OF THE DEF SYSTEM STAYS TRAPPED UNDER THE VEHICLE. WHICH IS CAUSING EARLY WEAR ON ELECTRICAL HARNESSES ALONG WITH AXLE SEALS. I'VE REPLACED 3 WHEEL SEALS AND 2 FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS. THE DEF HARNESS HAS FAILED TWICE NOW. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. THE HEAT STAYS UNDER THESE VEHICLES. AND THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. DTJB Look up ODI 11181438 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 11515741 Digital dash/display and the whole cluster freezes while driving. The recall 22v-779 update was done on the truck 4 weeks ago and it still have the same issue. Look up ODI 11515741 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 11645076 · 180,000 mi The contact owns a 2024 Peterbilt 389. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced an inaccurate reading of the adaptive cruise control, causing the cruise control to disengage. Additionally, the contact stated after driving for an hour, the ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V915000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to th… Look up ODI 11645076 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Wheels	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	457.1% ODI 10658764 · 3,500 mi 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… Look up ODI 10658764 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Structure:Body	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	228.6% ODI 10658758 · 67,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10658758 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11309417 · 160,000 mi 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 BUGL… Look up ODI 11309417 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Tires	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	228.6% ODI 10658758 · 67,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10658758 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11139855 · 54,653 mi 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. T… Look up ODI 11139855 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10658764 · 3,500 mi 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… Look up ODI 10658764 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 11759348 OEM pressed-on cast iron/stamped rings fail prematurely due to regional rust jacking, disabling the vehicle's ABS. Explicitly mention that the current design creates a systemic safety risk in cold-weather states and that a recall mandating corrosion-resistant materials (like stainless steel) is required. This cost thousands of dollars to repair and only lasts 2-3 years. Almost everyone I know with these trucks have experienced this problem. Peterbilt is highly aware of the situation, but they refuse rectify it because it only affects cold weath… Look up ODI 11759348 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 11765751 ABS tone rings are prone to premature corrosion and rust jacking causing the ABS system to fail along with the traction control. This corrosion causes the rings to warp prematurely. Not only is this an expensive and time-consuming fix, but it is also an extreme safety hazard. This condition has been noted on several trucks in the Fleet along with other local companies in the area. Look up ODI 11765751 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11455852 - 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 … Look up ODI 11455852 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 11512083 Whenever the truck goes over mildly rough road the steering wheel shakes and the tires follow the ruts of the road . When this happens steering wheel jerks out of hand and have to be overcorrected to keep in lane . With the shaking of steering wheel the steering wheel itself came loose one time and was repaired by peterbilt by applying locktite to the bolt.truck have been to peterbilt dealership 4 time and the problem still persists. According to them its normal for a class 8 truck to do this. This is a big safety issue as the truck can loose … Look up ODI 11512083 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
No usable records for this analysis.

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2022: 2 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2022	1	2	2
2023	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2022	4	0	0
2023	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component
No usable records for this analysis.

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

0 patterns with matching reports.

No narratives match the published patterns.