VehicleVerdict

2008 Peterbilt 389k problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2008 Peterbilt 389k — 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

Does the 2008 Peterbilt 389k have recalls?

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

08V065000Latches & LocksFebruary 7, 2008 · 6,169 units

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.

Consequence

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.

08V002000BrakesJanuary 8, 2008 · 2,794 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EATON SYNFLEX ECLIPSE BRAND EXTRUDED NYLON AIR BRAKE HOSE TUBING FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THE TUBING WAS MANUFACTURED WITH ONLY FOUR LAYERS OF NYLON MATERIAL, INSTEAD OF THE SPECIFIED FIVE LAYERS.

Consequence

THE DIAMETER OF THE HOSE AFFECTS THE FITTINGS WHICH MAY ALLOW AIR TO LEAK FROM THE BRAKES AND CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AIR BRAKE HOSES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2008. OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5440 OR PETERBILT AT 1-940-591-4196.

07V591000SteeringDecember 20, 2007 · 559 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN KENWORTH AND PETERBILT HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TAS-85 TRW STEERING GEARS, THE INNER SURFACE OF THE OUTER SECTOR SHAFT TEETH OF THE STEERING GEARS MAY HAVE AN INCORRECT INVOLUTE PROFILE, WHICH MAY LEAD TO CHIPPING AND DAMAGE OF THE GEARING SYSTEM.

Consequence

THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE MAY CAUSE A "BIND/STICK" CONDITION IN THE VEHICLE STEERING DURING A TURN INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE ANY SUSPECT TAS-85 STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 9, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KENWORTH AT 425-828-5440 AND PETERBILT AT 940-591-4201.

2008 Peterbilt 389k — common questions

Is the 2008 Peterbilt 389k reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Peterbilt 389k have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Peterbilt 389k. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Peterbilt 389k under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.