VehicleVerdict

2017 Peterbilt 389 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2017 Peterbilt 389 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 7 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other 389 years?

See all 389 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Peterbilt 389 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System150%
Transmission150%

Does the 2017 Peterbilt 389 have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V199000Electrical SystemApril 6, 2020 · 460,515 units

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."

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.

20V130000Electrical SystemMarch 4, 2020 · 35,671 units

Defect

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.

18V657000EngineSeptember 21, 2018 · 48,896 units

Defect

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.

17V443000Fuel SystemJuly 13, 2017 · 1,737 units

Defect

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.

16V872000LightingDecember 5, 2016 · 2,046 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2017 Peterbilt 325, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 386, 389, and 587 vehicles manufactured April 20, 2016, to June 13, 2016. The brake lights may not illuminate when the brakes are applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If the brake lights do not illuminate when the brakes are applied, other drivers will be unaware the vehicle is stopping, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any brake light switches with date code 08-01760, free of charge. The recall began on January 26, 2017. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. Paccar's number for this recall is 816-F.

16V803000Tires & WheelsNovember 4, 2016 · 202 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2017 Kenworth K370, T270, T370, T440, T660, T800 trucks manufactured February 2, 2016, to October 13, 2016, and Peterbilt 330, 337, 348, 367, 389, 567, and 579 trucks manufactured March 7, 2016, to October 5, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with certain Goodyear LHS Load Range G tires, size 295/75R22.5 G399A, that due to incomplete adhesion, have a tire tread that may partially separate.

Consequence

A partial tread separation may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Goodyear will notify the owners of the affected Peterbilt and Kenworth vehicles and Goodyear dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2016. To find a Goodyear dealer, owners should contact Goodyear Consumer Relations at 1-800-592-3267. Consumers may also contact Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 and Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 1016G (PB) (Peterbilt), and 16KWC (Kenworth).

16V426000Electrical SystemJune 10, 2016 · 3,227 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2017 Kenworth C500, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles manufactured March 9, 2016, to April 26, 2016 and 2017 Peterbilt 320, 365, 367, 389, 567, 579, and 587 vehicles manufactured March 10, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with Cummins ISX12 or ISX15 engines and have an engine control module (ECM) that may short circuit, causing the engine to stall without warning without the ability to restart it.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Cummins will notify owners, and Cummins dealers will replace the defective engine control modules, free of charge. The began on July 8, 2016. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-343-7357, Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 16KWB (Kenworth) and 616-C (Peterbilt).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

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.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 8, 2019

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.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 8, 2019

2017 Peterbilt 389 — common questions

Is the 2017 Peterbilt 389 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 7 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2017 Peterbilt 389 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Peterbilt 389. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Peterbilt 389 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.