Peterbilt 389 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 48 safety recalls on file for the Peterbilt 389, across 22 model years (2004–2025). The 2015 model year has the most complaints (7). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Peterbilt 389 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
No 389 model year stands out with more than twice the complaints of a typical year.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2015 389: 7 complaints, 10 recalls
- 2022 389: 4 complaints, 7 recalls
- 2019 389: 3 complaints, 6 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Peterbilt 389 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Tires | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Wheels | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Peterbilt 389 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 389 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2024 389 | 2 | 5 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2023 389 | 0 | 6 | — | — | |
| 2022 389 | 4 | 7 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2021 389 | 1 | 6 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2020 389 | 0 | 5 | — | — | |
| 2019 389 | 3 | 6 | — | Steering | |
| 2018 389 | 0 | 6 | — | — | |
| 2017 389 | 1 | 7 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2016 389 | 0 | 8 | — | — | |
| 2015 389 | 7 | 10 | — | Wheels | |
| 2014 389 | 1 | 7 | — | Fuel/propulsion System | |
| 2013 389 | 0 | 8 | — | — | |
| 2012 389 | 1 | 9 | — | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2011 389 | 0 | 7 | — | — | |
| 2010 389 | 0 | 7 | — | — | |
| 2009 389 | 0 | 12 | — | — | |
| 2008 389 | 3 | 12 | — | Engine | |
| 2007 389 | 0 | 5 | — | — | |
| 2006 389 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2005 389 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2004 389 | 0 | 1 | — | — |
More from Peterbilt: all Peterbilt models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Peterbilt 389 years should you stay away from?
No year stands out at twice the typical count; the most complaints are for 2015 (7), 2022 (4), 2019 (3). Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Peterbilt 389?
Electrical System, with 5 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Peterbilt 389 have?
48 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.