2014 Peterbilt 389Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2014 Peterbilt 389, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-199 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 6, 2020. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2014 Peterbilt 389 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
Fuel/propulsion system10

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

7 recalls

2014 Peterbilt 389 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.

27%repaired · 2022 Q1

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Recall 20V-199 · Apr 6, 2020 · 460,515 vehicles · 125,765 repaired

Risk. If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

65%repaired · 2016 Q4

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 15V-456 · Jul 22, 2015 · 288 vehicles · 187 repaired

Risk. If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

76%repaired · 2016 Q4

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 15V-270 · May 8, 2015 · 1,494 vehicles · 1,138 repaired

Risk. If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

91%repaired · 2016 Q3

Other: labels

Recall 15V-132 · Mar 6, 2015 · 213,230 vehicles · 194,366 repaired

Risk. 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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
80%repaired · 2017 Q3

Linkages: tie rod assembly

Recall 15V-108 · Feb 24, 2015 · 5,141 vehicles · 4,124 repaired

Risk. Undertorqued tie rod end clamp bolts are susceptible to corrosion, which may cause loose bolts to separate resulting in a loss of vehicle control and an…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

59%repaired · 2015 Q2

Seat belts

Recall 14V-013 · Jan 24, 2014 · 10,414 vehicles · 6,130 repaired

Risk. If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in…

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

2014 vs. every other 389 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 389 median. How we score

'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 389 owners report

Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

FUEL PUMP WENT OUT GOING DOWN INTERSTATE AT 70 MILES PER HOUR. NO PREVIOUS SIGNS OF FAULTY PUMP. LOST ALL POWER AND FUNCTIONALITY OF THE TRUCK TO STEER. THIS TRUCK HAS A 12/2012 CUMIN'S MOTOR. IN SHOP NOW FOR REPAIRS.
Complaint 11053447 · Dec 8, 2017 · 500,000 miles

Own a 2014 389?

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