Recall Register

2008 Peterbilt 389: recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2008 Peterbilt 389. The newest campaign is 20V199000. NHTSA received the report on 6 Apr 2020. The NHTSA record gives the component Electronic Stability Control (ESC). NHTSA has 1 complaint on file for this model year. 2 NHTSA investigations name this model year.

The NHTSA recall file shows no do-not-drive advisory and no park-outside advisory on these campaigns.

This page cannot show if a recall applies to one vehicle. The NHTSA VIN lookup shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle.

Remedy of the newest campaign, 20V199000, in the NHTSA record

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.

Complaint information entered into NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation vehicle owner's complaint database is used with other data sources to identify safety issues that warrant investigation and to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.

NHTSA publishes these words. Source: NHTSA Datasets and APIs, section Complaints, read on . Complaint file through . Recall file through .

Since the last update

No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks

All updates to the register

Recall campaigns

12 campaigns, newest first. 716,737 units in total.

  • 20V199000Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • 15V132000Equipment / Other / Labels
  • 14V145000Service Brakes
  • 13V593000Equipment / Other / Labels
  • 11V127000Fuel System, Other / Storage / Tank Assembly
  • 10V634000Power Train / Axle Assembly
  • 10V308000Steering / Column
  • 08V487000Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine / Diesel
  • 08V104000Trailer Hitches
  • 08V065000Latches/Locks/Linkages / Doors / Latch
  • 08V002000Service Brakes, Air / Supply / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
  • 07V591000Steering / Gear Box / Shaft Sector
  1. 20V199000Received . 460,515 units.

    Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    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, in the NHTSA record
    If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    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.

    Report filed by PACCAR Incorporated. Manufacturer campaign number 20pbc AND 20KWB. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  2. 15V132000Received . 213,230 units.

    Equipment / Other / Labels

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Peterbilt 587, 579, 567, 389, 388, 387, 385, 382, 379, 378, 367, 365 and 357 trucks manufactured July 25, 2005, to February 26, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with Tire and Rim Certification Labels that list a tire pressure below the actual correct amount. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire selection and rims and motor home/recreation vehicle trailer load carrying capacity information for motor vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds)."
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    If the tires are underinflated due to the incorrect inflation pressure listed on the label, the truck may not be able to carry the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) load listed without experiencing tire failure which would increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Peterbilt will notify owners and mail them a corrected Tire and Rim certification label, free of charge. The recall began on June 19, 2015. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000. PACCAR's number for this recall is 215-D.

    Report filed by PACCAR Incorporated. Manufacturer campaign number 215-D. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  3. 14V145000Received . 474 units.

    Service Brakes

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    PACCAR, Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Peterbilt 365, 367, 388, 389 trucks manufactured October 6, 2007, through September 23, 2013. The affected vehicles were built with 16.5" x 7" front drum brakes and Bendix ES-420 brake linings installed on front axles rated to carry between 20,001 and 22,000 lbs GAWR and larger SLR (20.5" to 21.5") tires, however these brake linings are not rated for this configuration. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    The improper brake configuration could lengthen the braking distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    PACCAR will notify owners and dealers will install new 16.5" x 7" brake shoes with ES-600 linings, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2014. Owners may contact at Peterbilt at 1-800-473-8372. Peterbilt's number for this recall is 314-D.

    Report filed by PACCAR Incorporated. Manufacturer campaign number 314-D. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  4. 13V593000Received . 561 units.

    Equipment / Other / Labels

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Paccar Incorporated (Paccar) is recalling certain 2004-2013 Peterbilt 379, 357, 378, 367, 388, 365, 389, 385 and 386 trucks manufactured from April 3, 2003, through October 25, 2013 and equipped with tri-drive rear axles and a tag or pusher axle. The affected vehicles may be missing required information from the certification label, specifically the tag or pusher axle the gross axle weight rating, suitable tire and rim information, and recommended tire pressure information. Without this information, the vehicles do not comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    As a result, the axles may be overloaded or the wrong tires could be installed or the tires could be improperly inflated. All of these issues increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Peterbilt will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the certification labels missing the necessary information. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Customers can contact Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000. Peterbilt's number for this campaign is 1113-F.

    Report filed by PACCAR Incorporated. Manufacturer campaign number 1113-F. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  5. 11V127000Received . 4,664 units.

    Fuel System, Other / Storage / Tank Assembly

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Paccar is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 kenworth t2000, t660, t700, t800, and w900, as well as model year 2009-2012 peterbilt 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, and 587 trucks equipped with paccar mx engines. The oil module centrifugal spinner filter cap in the paccar mx engine may become loose, possibly allowing the cap to come off and engine oil to partially discharge from the oil module onto exhaust components.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    The discharge of engine oil onto exhaust components which are hot, such as when the engine is under significant load, may cause a fire.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will re-torque the oil module filter cap and install a secondary retention device on the secondary centrifugal spinner filter cap. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

    Report filed by PACCAR INCORPORATED. Manufacturer campaign number E026R. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  6. 10V634000Received . 12,873 units.

    Power Train / Axle Assembly

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Paccar is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 kenworth and peterbilt vehicles manufactured from february 2, 2006 through april 30, 2007. The bearing surfaces of the extended lube universal joint that attaches the inter-axle driveline to the drive axle may become prematurely worn due to breakdown of lubrication and/or excessive heat. Prematurely worn bearing surfaces may result in the u-joint becoming loose and/or binding. This condition may result in universal joint failure, allowing the inter-axle driveline to detach from the axle.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    Detachment of the driveline from the axle may cause the vehicle to lose power and become disabled in the roadway. Also, the driveline could drop from the vehicle into the roadway increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Paccar is working with its supplier to remedy the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2011. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 940-591-4196.

    Report filed by PACCAR INCORPORATED. Manufacturer campaign number K-10KWL P-1201F. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  7. 10V308000Received . 9,697 units.

    Steering / Column

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Paccar is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 trucks equipped with trw steering shafts. The circumferential weld around the steering shaft tube that welds the splined tube to the non-splined tube may be mislocated. Mislocation of the circumferential weld may allow the splined tube and non-splined tube to rotate relative to one another during a low speed, high torque turn, possibly resulting in a separation of the two tubes.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    A separation of the splined and non-splined tubes would cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will inspect the steering shaft using a weld placement gauge provided by trw. Any steering shaft found to have been welded improperly will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall began on july 30, 2010. Owners may contact kenworth at 425-828-5440 and peterbilt at 940-591-4196.

    Report filed by PACCAR INCORPORATED. Manufacturer campaign number 10KW-F & 0610-D. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  8. 08V487000Received . 4,883 units.

    Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine / Diesel

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Paccar is recalling 4,883 my 2006-2009 kenworth t600, t660, t800, w900, t2000 and my 2008-2009 peterbilt 365, 367, 379, 384, 386, 387, 388 and 389 trucks. Inadequate stiffness of the diesel particulate filter (dpf) bracket could result in separation of the dpf from the chassis.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    A vehicle crash could occur if another vehicle strikes the dpf on the roadway.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Paccar is working with caterpillar to repair these vehicles (please see 08e041). Owners may contact caterpillar at 1-800-447-4986 or kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

    Report filed by PACCAR INCORPORATED. Manufacturer campaign number 08KWD 908G.

  9. 08V104000Received . 318 units.

    Trailer Hitches

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    Paccar is recalling 318 my 2007-2009 kenworth t800, w900, and peterbilt 357, 365, 367, 378, 379, 384, 385, 386,388, and 389 trucks equipped with premier trailer hitch assemblies. The pintle hitch assemblies may have been manufactured in a manner resulting in a reduction of fatigue strength of the pivot pins.
    Consequence, in the NHTSA record
    This reduction of fatigue strength could cause the pivot pin to crack and eventually break, causing the trailer to detach from the truck while in motion, which could cause a crash that could result in personal injury or death.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    Dealers will replace the potentially defective pivot pin free of charge. The recall began on april 18, 2008. Owners may contact kenworth at 1-425-828-5440 or peterbilt at 1-940-591-4196.

    Report filed by PACCAR INCORPORATED. Manufacturer campaign number 08KW4 & 208D. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  10. 08V065000Received . 6,169 units.

    Latches/Locks/Linkages / Doors / Latch

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    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 NHTSA record
    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, in the NHTSA record
    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.

    Report filed by PACCAR INCORPORATED. Manufacturer campaign number 08KW1/108A. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  11. 08V002000Received . 2,794 units.

    Service Brakes, Air / Supply / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    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, in the NHTSA record
    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, in the NHTSA record
    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.

    Report filed by PACCAR INCORPORATED. Manufacturer campaign number 07KWF 1207L. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

  12. 07V591000Received . 559 units.

    Steering / Gear Box / Shaft Sector

    Defect, in the NHTSA record
    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, in the NHTSA record
    This type of damage may cause a "bind/stick" condition in the vehicle steering during a turn increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy, in the NHTSA record
    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.

    Report filed by PACCAR INCORPORATED. Manufacturer campaign number 07KWE & 1107K. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: .

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

Complaints by component

1 complaint, 1 component mentions.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. This model year has fewer than 50 component mentions, so the table shows the number of mentions only.

2008 Peterbilt 389: component mentions in complaints
ComponentMentions
Engine1
Complaints that report a crash
0
Complaints that report a fire
0
Injuries in the complaints
0
Deaths in the complaints
0
Date of the newest complaint
13 Jul 2012

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

Complaints about the 2008 Peterbilt 389, by the year NHTSA received them. The largest year is 2012, with 1 complaint.

Investigations

NHTSA investigations that name the 2008 Peterbilt 389
NumberTypeSubjectComponentOpenedClosedCampaign
PE10029Preliminary evaluationDriveshaft separates from tractorPower Train / Driveline / Driveshaft2 Aug 201023 Dec 201010V634000
EA09008Engineering analysisHorton Fan Hub FailuresEngine and Engine Cooling / Cooling System / Fan29 May 200927 Aug 2010

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

Other model years

The number under each year is the number of recall campaigns.

  1. 20041
  2. 20051
  3. 20062
  4. 20075
  5. 200812
  6. 200912
  7. 20107
  8. 20117
  9. 20129
  10. 20138
  11. 20147
  12. 201510
  13. 20168
  14. 20177
  15. 20186
  16. 20196
  17. 20205
  18. 20216
  19. 20227
  20. 20236
  21. 20245
  22. 20252

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

Official channels

Cite this page

Recall Register. 2008 Peterbilt 389: recalls and complaints. https://recallregister.com/vehicle/peterbilt/389/2008/. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall, complaint and investigation files. Data through .

Sources

Source
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Licence
US government work, public domain
Recall file through
29 Sep 2026
Complaint file through
15 May 2019
First complaint in the file
1 Jan 1995
Manufacturer in the recall file
PACCAR Incorporated

The NHTSA record is the authority. A complaint count is the number of different complaint numbers for the make, the model and the model year. How the register is made. Report an error.

Questions

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2008 Peterbilt 389?
716,737 units in 12 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.
How many recall campaigns does the Peterbilt 389 have for all model years?
NHTSA lists 48 recall campaigns for the Peterbilt 389, model years 2004 to 2025. 12 of them name the 2008 model year.
Which component do the complaints about the 2008 Peterbilt 389 name most often?
Engine: 1 of 1 component mention.
Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2008 Peterbilt 389 open?
No. Each of the 2 investigations that name this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.