repaired · 2022 Q1
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. If the driver unknowingly operates the vehicle without the ABS functioning, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
2015 Peterbilt 389Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2015 Peterbilt 389, most often about the wheels. It is covered by 10 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 2015 Peterbilt 389 has problems
7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Wheels
2Structure2 crash/fire/injury
2Tires1 crash/fire/injury
1Electrical system
1Visibility/wiper1 crash/fire/injury
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 4 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 2 |
| Tires | 2 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
10 recalls
2015 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.
repaired · 2022 Q1
12v/24v/48v battery: cables
Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2017 Q2
Tires
Risk. Higher vehicle speeds and other factors such as tire load and road temperatures may result in premature tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk. If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Show 6 more recalls
repaired · 2016 Q4
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
Risk. If the alternator cable rubs through its insulation, an electrical short may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2016 Q3
Other: labels
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…
repaired · 2017 Q3
Linkages: tie rod assembly
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…
repaired · 2016 Q2
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. If the steering angle sensor is damaged, the ESC sensor may malfunction, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
repaired · 2016 Q3
repaired · 2016 Q2
Steering
Risk. An incorrect or improperly torqued steering wheel attachment nut could allow the steering wheel to come loose, resulting in a loss of vehicle control,…
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
2015 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2015 Peterbilt 389, and the recalls they led to.
- Intermittent Loss of Power Steering AssistNo recall
In owners' words
What 389 owners report
Recent wheels complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
6 PETERBILT MY COMPANY OPERATES ARE 2014 AND 2015 CAR HAULERS. ALL ARE CONSISTENTLY DESTROYING REAR AXEL TIRES BOTH SIDES DRIVER AND PASSENGER (THREAD IS COMING OUT). DAMAGED SEEMS TO HAPPEN DUE TO OVERHEAT OF TIRES. WE TRIED USING DIFFERENT BRAND OF TIRES, BUT BLOW OUT DID NOT STOP. WE TOOK TRUCKS…
6 PETERBILT MY COMPANY OPERATES ARE 2014 AND 2015 CAR HAULERS. ALL ARE CONSISTENTLY DESTROYING REAR AXEL TIRES BOTH SIDES DRIVER AND PASSENGER (THREAD IS COMING OUT). DAMAGED SEEMS TO HAPPEN DUE TO OVERHEAT OF TIRES. WE TRIED USING DIFFERENT BRAND OF TIRES, BUT BLOW OUT DID NOT STOP. WE TOOK TRUCKS…
WE OPERATE 6 BRAND NEW PETERBILT 388 CAR HAULERS. EVERY TRUCK RANDOMLY BLOWS DRIVE INSIDE TIRE. ONCE TIRE BLOWS IT CAN BLOW ADJACENT TIRE. SO FAR WE HAD ABOUT 20 BLOW OUT IN 2 MONTH TIME. ONLY SOLUTION SO FAR WE FOUND WAS TO REROUTE EXHAUST PIPE TO THE SIDE AND REPLACE TIRES TO ALL POSITION TIRES.…
Own a 2015 389?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.