Defect
THROTTLE RETURN SPRINGS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY INSTALLED.
Consequence
THIS WOULD CAUSE THROTTLE LEVER TO NOT BE UNDERSUFFICIENT TENSION TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 124.
Remedy
CORRECTLY LOCATE THROTTLE RETURN SPRINGS.
1989 Peterbilt 320 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1989 Peterbilt 320 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include one death, per the complaint records themselves.
1
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1989 compare to other 320 years?
What are the most common 1989 Peterbilt 320 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 1 | 100% | new |
Does the 1989 Peterbilt 320 have recalls?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THROTTLE RETURN SPRING MAY BE INCORRECTLY LOCATED.
Consequence
THIS WOULD CAUSE THROTTLE LEVER TO NOT BE UNDERSUFFICIENT TENSION TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 124.
Remedy
CORRECTLY LOCATE THROTTLE RETURN SPRINGS.
Defect
STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE VALUE AND COULD LOOSEN AND INTERFERE WITH THE PITMAN ARM ON STEERING GEAR.
Consequence
THIS INTERFERENCE COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
RETIGHTEN OR REPLACE MOUNTING BOLTS.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE PETERBILT 320 - WITH AN ALLISON 754 HT TRANSMISSION (AUTOMATIC MECHANICAL) HAS TWO (2) SEPARATE DEADLY DEFECTS: ILLUSORY NEUTRAL DEFECT - SHIFT INDICATOR IN CAB READS NEUTRAL AND VIBRATION OF VEHICLE CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO GO INTO GEAR. THIS VEHICLE IS USUALLY USED AS REFUSE VEHICLES.…”
1989 Peterbilt 320 — common questions
Is the 1989 Peterbilt 320 reliable?
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1989 Peterbilt 320 have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Peterbilt 320. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.