Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Peterbilt 389, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 29 2021 389 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 2 people died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Peterbilt 389 failed the safety check 0.57% of the time — 40% less often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 250,033 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Recalls in Canada
4 Transport Canada recalls for the 2021 Peterbilt 389.
| 2021521 20 Aug 2021 | Brakes Issue: On certain trucks, the Hill Start Assist valve assembly could be damaged by contact with the rear axle. If this happens, there could be reduced braking… |
| 2021287 14 May 2021 | Lights And Instruments Issue: On certain trucks, the driver may be able to turn off the daytime running lamps (DRLs) while driving. Canadian regulations require that DRLs must stay … |
| 2021069 17 Feb 2021 | Powertrain Issue: On certain vehicles, the cap screws that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the flywheel could de… |
| 2020399 27 Aug 2020 | Suspension Issue: On certain trucks, the lift axle pivot bolts may be too short and may not be properly tightened. As a result, the bolts could come loose or break. If t… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Peterbilt 365, 367, 389, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579, and 2021-2025 Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480, T680, T880 and W990 trucks. The right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors may have been improperly crimped, resulting in a loss of communication.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Kenworth T880, W990, Peterbilt 567, 579, 389, and 2022 Peterbilt 536, 537 wrecker and auto hauler vehicles. The work brake (winch brake) may unintentionally disengage the service brakes during winching operations, causing the vehicle to roll.
PACCAR, Inc. (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Peterbilt 367, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles. The cross member mounted Hill Start Assist valve assembly may have insufficient clearance to the rear axle, causing damage to the rear brake hose and loss of the rear brake signal.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Kenworth T680, T880, W990, T800, W900 and Peterbilt 579, 567, 389, 367 vehicles equipped with a Cummins X15 engine. The capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may have been improperly torqued, allowing the flywheel to detach.
PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Peterbilt 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 567 and Kenworth T800, T880, W900, W990 vehicles equipped with Watson and Chalin steerable lift axle suspension systems (model SL2065). The axles may have lower rear pivot bolts that are not long enough to sufficiently engage the locking feature of the corresponding nuts.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Peterbilt told its dealers about the 2021 Peterbilt 389: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010926 | Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting issues. A new Starter Troubleshooting Guide has been created to provide a comprehensive list of starting system checks, which should reduce unnecessary starter replacements and associated warranty claims. Engine starting system warranty claims now require a completed Starter Checklist, a Battery Pack Midtronics Report, and a Cable Drop Midtronics Report. Claims filed without these documents may be denied. |
| 11010896 | Fix-As-Fail The window switch fails prematurely due to excessive amperage flowing through the window switch circuit. A new door harness design has been developed to prevent failures. Fix-As-Fail start date is 11/11/2024. |
| 11009757 | 7/700 Service Agreement - Letter Only. |
| 11008570 | FIX-AS-FAIL Updated to include EPA2024 compliant engines. Fuel Filters must be changed before first cleaning. EPA2021 injector cleaning is referenced in RMI for certain injector faults. Complete the procedures in E290. Discard any previous versions of E290 procedures always use the most current document from the link in the bulletin. |
| 11007669 | Bulletin updated to include oil pan drain plug in parts list and incorporated QR code to direct dealers to informational resources for new Programmable Torque Tool. |
| 11005516 | Fix As Fail The height control valve (HCV) rod on vehicles with low air leaf suspensions is prone to toggling over center during rough road conditions. With full suspension articulation, HCV bracket flexes and toggles over center the HCV linkage, which results in either deflated airbags or makes them unable to inflate. Fix-as-fail start date is 07/30/2024. |
| 11000758 | Campaign Certain PACCAR MX-13 engines contain bolts for the main bearing caps which may fail under certain conditions. |
| 10252585 | INTERIM Safety Recall Parts are not currently available for this safety recall. This bulletin will be updated once repair parts are available. The right-hand shift stalk may have an improper wire harness terminal crimp within the wire harness connector. Loss of communication between the right-hand shift stalk and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after it comes to a stop thereby increasing the risk of crash or injury. A transmission fault will appear on the dash display if communication is lost. |
| 10251175 | Peterbilt has determined that certain model year 2021, pre-production chassis are eligible to have specific parts updated to production level. |
| 10245639 | Fix As Fail Updated: Two part numbers added: 1818119 DPF Delta Pressure Sensors for MX-13-2 EMY18 2200138 DPF Delta Pressure Sensors for MX-13 -2, EMY19 Per Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) regulations and guidance (Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA)), a letter has been provided to owners of Canadian registered chassis that provides a list of emissions components that have been reported (to ECCC) as having a defect. |
| 10245635 | Updated procedures and SRT time to include Fuel Filter replacement during cleaning process. Removed in-tank additive references. |
| 10244496 | Campaign Certain EPA2021 chassis equipped with PACCAR MX engines have Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Catalyst contamination that occurred during manufacturing. SCR Catalyst assemblies will be inspected and replaced as necessary. |
| 10244487 | Incorrect fuel filter drain and replacement procedures on EPA21 MX-11 and MX-13 engines can result in the following: .Debris and contaminants introduced into the high-pressure fuel system. .Denial of warranty claims for injector and/or fuel system faults. .Misfire, rough running, engine knock, and other associated faults and symptoms. Correct fuel filter procedures are outlined in attached service documentation. |
| 10238391 | UPDATE - 06-09-2023 - This Campaign is being extended to December 30, 2023. |
| 10235712 | PACCAR will reimburse customers for the local purchase of in-tank fuel additive for EPA2021 compliant MX engines. This is a one-time reimbursement. Only customers who have received E290 injector cleaning qualify for this reimbursement. See bulletin for limits and purchase tracking requirements. |
| 10235711 | FIX-AS-FAIL Updated procedures and claim filing information. EPA2021 injector cleaning is referenced in RMI for certain injector faults. Complete the procedures in E290. Refer to E300 for in-tank additive information. |
| 10232161 | Certain Model Year 2021-2024 chassis with PACCAR MX engines and optional fuel filter restriction virtual gauge may display incorrect restriction levels. The virtual gauge will be temporarily disabled until are vised sensor strategy is developed. |
| 10227181 | Certain model 389 chassis are experiencing freezing of the A/C evaporator or frosting of the compressor and suction line. A field resolution is available to solve this issue. |
| 10227167 | 34-093 Model 389 78-inch Sleeper 12V Power Port Supplier Change |
| 10225580 | Clutch pedal linkage lubrication service interval information is missing from the Service manual for Model 365, 367, and 389 chassis. |
| 10225578 | Info Only - PACCAR is introducing Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for engine MY17 and newer chassis equipped with Cummins X15, X12, ISX12, ISX12N, L9N, PX-7, and PX-9 engines The technology will leverage the existing Remote Diagnostic cs hardware to deliver secure software updates remotely. This will reduce downtime and save on maintenance costs for eligible vehicles. |
| 10222269 | Fix-As-Fail On certain chassis with Low Air Leaf Suspension or Low-Low Air Leaf Suspension, the Height Control Valve (HCV) arm may be rubbing on other components when the bend in the arm is facing outboard. Flipping the bend in the HCV arm inboard prevents the rub. |
| 10219235 | The service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures. |
| 10218894 | During PTO mode, the engine will not ramp up to the set RPM speed. |
| 10214856 | Info Only - Chassis equipped with a flush mounted battery box between the frame rails, and containing 3 batteries, may experience battery movement on the side where the single battery resides. This bulletin contains a procedure to fabricate a bracket to hold this battery in place. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)