VehicleVerdict

2025 Peterbilt 389 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2025 Peterbilt 389 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2025 compare to other 389 years?

389 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted12 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 4 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 12 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 2 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 6 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 0 complaints
389 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 389 years to avoid →

Does the 2025 Peterbilt 389 have recalls?

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

24V915000Electrical SystemDecember 9, 2024 · 220,764 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Peterbilt and Kenworth vehicles, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop functioning.

Consequence

Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System) may not function properly or at all, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Kenworth's customer service at 1-425-828-5888 and Peterbilt's customer service at 1-940-591-4220. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24KWL and 24PBL.

24V044000SteeringJanuary 25, 2024 · 45,887 units

Defect

PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Kenworth T280, T380, T480, T680, T880, L770, W990, and 2024-2025 Peterbilt 389, 520, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, 589 trucks. The steering gear assemblies may have been assembled incorrectly with fewer recirculating balls than are required, which may result in a loss of steering control.

Consequence

A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gears as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 20, 2024. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 and/or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888. PACCAR's numbers for this recall are 24PBC and 24KWC.

2025 Peterbilt 389 — common questions

Is the 2025 Peterbilt 389 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2025 Peterbilt 389 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2025 Peterbilt 389. 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.