repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: software
Risk. Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System)…
2021 Peterbilt 389Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2021 Peterbilt 389, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-906 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 12, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Peterbilt 389 has problems
1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.
1Electrical system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2021 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 · 2026 Q3
Lever and linkage: column shift
Risk. A loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after coming to a stop, increasing the risk…
repaired · 2023 Q4
Electrical system: software
Risk. Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. If loss of the rear brake signal occurs, the vehicle could experience reduced rear braking capability or loss of brakes to the rear axle(s), increasing the…
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2022 Q4
Engine
Risk. A detached flywheel can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Power train: axle assembly
Risk. The short screws can cause the hardware to separate from the suspension system and become road hazards, increasing the risk of a crash and/or injury.
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
2021 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Peterbilt 389. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle after running out of diesel, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The contact stated that while restarting the vehicle, the fuel filters needed to be…
Own a 2021 389?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.