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1989 Peterbilt 320Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 1989 Peterbilt 320, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints11 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Power train

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 9, 2001. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 Peterbilt 320 has problems

1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1989 Peterbilt 320 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control: springs

Recall 89V-135 · Aug 10, 1989 · 1,305 vehicles

Risk. THIS WOULD CAUSE THROTTLE LEVER TO NOT BE UNDERSUFFICIENT TENSION TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 124.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control: springs

Recall 89V-136 · Aug 10, 1989 · 56 vehicles

Risk. THIS WOULD CAUSE THROTTLE LEVER TO NOT BE UNDERSUFFICIENT TENSION TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 124.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)

Recall 89V-058 · Apr 7, 1989 · 569 vehicles

Risk. THIS INTERFERENCE COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Peterbilt.

Best & worst years

1989 vs. every other 320 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 320 median. How we score

'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 320 owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE PETERBILT 320 - WITH AN ALLISON 754 HT TRANSMISSION (AUTOMATIC MECHANICAL) HAS TWO (2) SEPARATE DEADLY DEFECTS: ILLUSORY NEUTRAL DEFECT - SHIFT INDICATOR IN CAB READS NEUTRAL AND VIBRATION OF VEHICLE CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO GO INTO GEAR. THIS VEHICLE IS USUALLY USED AS REFUSE VEHICLES.…
Complaint 746615 · Jun 9, 2001

Own a 1989 320?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.