2008 Peterbilt 389

Routine

Owners filed 3 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 12 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine2
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1
000

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electronic Stability Control (esc)20V199000
Filed Apr 6, 2020460,515 vehiclesPaccar Incorporated

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

Equipment › Other › Labels15V132000
Filed Mar 6, 2015213,230 vehiclesPaccar Incorporated

Defect. PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)."

Risk. If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D.

Service Brakes14V145000
Filed Mar 25, 2014474 vehiclesPaccar Incorporated

Defect. PACCAR, Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Peterbilt 365, 367, 388, 389 trucks manufactured October 6, 2007, through September 23, 2013. The 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 20,001 and 22,000 lbs GAWR and larger SLR (20.5" to 21.5") tires, however these brake linings are not rated for this configuration. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Risk. The improper brake configuration could lengthen the braking distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. PACCAR will notify owners and dealers will install new 16.5" x 7" brake shoes with ES-600 linings, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2014. Owners may contact at Peterbilt at 1-800-473-8372. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 314-D.

Equipment › Other › Labels13V593000
Filed Nov 25, 2013561 vehiclesPaccar Incorporated

Defect. Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) is recalling certain 2004-2013 Peterbilt 379, 357, 378, 367, 388, 365, 389, 385 and 386 trucks manufactured from April 3, 2003, through October 25, 2013 and equipped with tri-drive rear axles and a tag or pusher axle. The affected vehicles may be missing required information from the certification label, specifically the tag or pusher axle the gross axle weight rating, suitable tire and rim information, and recommended tire pressure information. Without this information, the vehicles do not comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."

Risk. As a result, the axles may be overloaded or the wrong tires could be installed or the tires could be improperly inflated. All of these issues increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Peterbilt will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the certification labels missing the necessary information. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Customers can contact Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000. Peterbilt's number for this campaign is 1113-F.

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly11V127000
Filed Feb 23, 20114,664 vehiclesPaccar Incorporated

Defect. PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 KENWORTH T2000, T660, T700, T800, AND W900, AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 PETERBILT 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, AND 587 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH PACCAR MX ENGINES. THE 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 PARTIALLY DISCHARGE FROM THE OIL MODULE ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS.

Risk. THE DISCHARGE OF ENGINE OIL ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS WHICH ARE HOT, SUCH AS WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER SIGNIFICANT LOAD, MAY CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL RE-TORQUE THE OIL MODULE FILTER CAP AND INSTALL A SECONDARY RETENTION DEVICE ON THE SECONDARY CENTRIFUGAL SPINNER FILTER CAP. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.

Power Train › Axle Assembly10V634000
Filed Dec 13, 201012,873 vehiclesPaccar Incorporated

Defect. PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 KENWORTH AND PETERBILT VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 2, 2006 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2007. THE BEARING SURFACES OF THE EXTENDED LUBE UNIVERSAL JOINT THAT ATTACHES THE INTER-AXLE DRIVELINE TO THE DRIVE AXLE MAY BECOME PREMATURELY WORN DUE TO BREAKDOWN OF LUBRICATION AND/OR EXCESSIVE HEAT. PREMATURELY WORN BEARING SURFACES MAY RESULT IN THE U-JOINT BECOMING LOOSE AND/OR BINDING. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN UNIVERSAL JOINT FAILURE, ALLOWING THE INTER-AXLE DRIVELINE TO DETACH FROM THE AXLE.

Risk. DETACHMENT OF THE DRIVELINE FROM THE AXLE MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER AND BECOME DISABLED IN THE ROADWAY. ALSO, THE DRIVELINE COULD DROP FROM THE VEHICLE INTO THE ROADWAY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. PACCAR IS WORKING WITH ITS SUPPLIER TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 940-591-4196.

Steering › Column10V308000
Filed Jul 2, 20109,697 vehiclesPaccar Incorporated

Defect. PACCAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRW STEERING SHAFTS. THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD AROUND THE STEERING SHAFT TUBE THAT WELDS THE SPLINED TUBE TO THE NON-SPLINED TUBE MAY BE MISLOCATED. MISLOCATION OF THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD MAY ALLOW THE SPLINED TUBE AND NON-SPLINED TUBE TO ROTATE RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER DURING A LOW SPEED, HIGH TORQUE TURN, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A SEPARATION OF THE TWO TUBES.

Risk. A SEPARATION OF THE SPLINED AND NON-SPLINED TUBES WOULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING SHAFT USING A WELD PLACEMENT GAUGE PROVIDED BY TRW. ANY STEERING SHAFT FOUND TO HAVE BEEN WELDED IMPROPERLY WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 940-591-4196.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel08V487000
Filed Sep 23, 20084,883 vehiclesPaccar Incorporated

Defect. PACCAR IS RECALLING 4,883 MY 2006-2009 KENWORTH T600, T660, T800, W900, T2000 AND MY 2008-2009 PETERBILT 365, 367, 379, 384, 386, 387, 388 AND 389 TRUCKS. INADEQUATE STIFFNESS OF THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) BRACKET COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE DPF FROM THE CHASSIS.

Risk. A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR IF ANOTHER VEHICLE STRIKES THE DPF ON THE ROADWAY.

Remedy. PACCAR IS WORKING WITH CATERPILLAR TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES (PLEASE SEE 08E041). OWNERS MAY CONTACT CATERPILLAR AT 1-800-447-4986 OR KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.

Trailer Hitches08V104000
Filed Mar 10, 2008318 vehiclesPaccar Incorporated

Defect. PACCAR IS RECALLING 318 MY 2007-2009 KENWORTH T800, W900, AND PETERBILT 357, 365, 367, 378, 379, 384, 385, 386,388, AND 389 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH PREMIER TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLIES. THE PINTLE HITCH ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED IN A MANNER RESULTING IN A REDUCTION OF FATIGUE STRENGTH OF THE PIVOT PINS.

Risk. THIS REDUCTION OF FATIGUE STRENGTH COULD CAUSE THE PIVOT PIN TO CRACK AND EVENTUALLY BREAK, CAUSING THE TRAILER TO DETACH FROM THE TRUCK WHILE IN MOTION, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH THAT COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE PIVOT PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch08V065000
Filed Feb 7, 20086,169 vehiclesPaccar Incorporated

Defect. PACCAR IS RECALLING 6,169 MY 2008 KENWORTH T300, T660, T800, T2000, W900 AND C500 VEHICLES AND MY 2008-2009 PETERBILT MODELS 365, 367, 384, 387, 388, 389 AND 389 KITS. CERTAIN DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLIES ON THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS." THE ROTOR IN SOME OF THESE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLIES DID NOT RECEIVE THE PROPER HEAT TREATMENT AND MAY BE SOFT.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, FORCE COULD CAUSE THE ROTOR TO CRACK AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT HAVE PRIMARY OR SECONDARY CLOSING SECURITY WHICH COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO INJURY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy. PACCAR IS WORKING WITH TRIMARK AND WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DOOR LATCH IF IT IS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 14, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.

Showing 10 of 12 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Feb 18, 2021NJ

MY TRUCK MARKS CHECK ENGINE IN RED AND YELLOW. THE ABS MARKS IN YELLOW IN THE PLANE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 9, 2020TX

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.

Engine
Filed Jul 13, 2012578 milesTX

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

3 of 3 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2015
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20250200Routine
20241500Routine
20230600Routine
20224700Routine
20211600Routine
20200500Routine
20193600Routine
20180600Routine
20171700Routine
20160800Routine
201571001Fatalities reported
20141700Routine
20130800Routine
20121900Routine
20110700Routine
20100700Routine
200901200Routine
2008 — this page31200Routine
20070500Routine
20060200Routine
20050100Routine
20040100Routine

Compare every 389 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 6, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.