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2017 Peterbilt 389Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2017 Peterbilt 389, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-199 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls7Lowest repair rate 27%Owner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage20kElectrical system, median miles

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

Complaints by system

Where the 2017 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
Electrical system10
Power train10

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

7 recalls

2017 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 →

77%repaired · 2022 Q1

12v/24v/48v battery: cables

Recall 20V-130 · Mar 4, 2020 · 35,671 vehicles · 27,576 repaired

Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine: diesel

Recall 18V-657 · Sep 21, 2018 · 48,896 vehicles

Risk. If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
56%repaired · 2018 Q2

Brake lights: switch

Recall 16V-872 · Dec 5, 2016 · 2,046 vehicles · 1,146 repaired

Risk. If the brake lights do not illuminate when the brakes are applied, other drivers will be unaware the vehicle is stopping, which can increase the risk of a…

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

2017 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
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2017 Peterbilt 389, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Intermittent Loss of Power Steering AssistPE20006 · closed Mar 27, 2024
    No recall
  2. Quarter Fender FailuresPE20015 · closed Oct 14, 2021
    No recall
In owners' words

What 389 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

HEAT FROM THE NEW DEF REQUIREMENTS ARE CAUSING PROBLEMS. THE HEAT OFF OF THE DEF SYSTEM STAYS TRAPPED UNDER THE VEHICLE. WHICH IS CAUSING EARLY WEAR ON ELECTRICAL HARNESSES ALONG WITH AXLE SEALS. I'VE REPLACED 3 WHEEL SEALS AND 2 FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS. THE DEF HARNESS HAS FAILED TWICE NOW.…
Complaint 11181438 · Feb 20, 2019 · 20,000 miles

Own a 2017 389?

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