2012 Peterbilt 389 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

9 safety recalls on file

The 2012 Peterbilt 389 has 9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA.

The most-reported problem area is Exterior Lighting (1 report).

9Recalls
1Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your 389?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2012 Peterbilt 389 recalls

ABS warning light may stay off during power loss, raising crash risk

Recall 20V199Apr 6, 2020460,515 vehicles affected

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) controller can lose battery or ignition power.

Chafing Alternator Cable Can Cause Electrical Short and Fire

Recall 15V456Jul 22, 2015288 vehicles affected

Certain Peterbilt trucks with extended-body Leece Neville alternators have alternator charge cables that may rub against a metal freon discharge line.

Alternator cable can chafe and cause a fire

Recall 15V270May 8, 20151,494 vehicles affected

The alternator charge cable on these trucks may rub against a metal freon discharge line.

Wrong tire pressure on label may cause tire failure

Recall 15V132Mar 6, 2015213,230 vehicles affected

The tire and rim certification label on certain Peterbilt trucks may list a tire pressure lower than the correct amount.

Loose Steering Tie Rod Bolts Can Cause Loss of Control

Recall 15V108Feb 24, 20155,141 vehicles affected

Front axle tie rod end clamp bolts on certain Peterbilt trucks may not be properly torqued.

Service Brakes

Recall 14V145Mar 25, 2014474 vehicles affected

Equipment:Other:Labels

Recall 13V593Nov 25, 2013561 vehicles affected

Service Brakes, Air:Supply:Check Valve

Recall 12V026Jan 30, 201215,932 vehicles affected

Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly

Recall 11V127Feb 23, 20114,664 vehicles affected

Most common 2012 Peterbilt 389 problems

Problem areas named in the 1 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Exterior Lighting1

What owners report

2015-02-22, Exterior Lighting
AT NIGHT WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET FROM RAIN, SNOW OR MIST, YOU LOSE SIGHT OF THE ROAD. THE LIGHT COMING FROM THE HEADLIGHTS FAIL TO SHINE UP THE ROAD. IT IS VERY EASY TO DRIVE BEYOND THE CAPABILITIES OF THE LIGHTS AS IT ABSORBED BY THE MOISTURE. YOU CANT SEE ANYTHING, POT HOLES, THE LINES, DEBRIS , NOTHING. I HAVE TRIED USING THE HIGH BEAMS AND THE IS NOT ANY IMPROVEMENT. I HAVE FOUND THAT THE ONLY WAY A DRIVER IS ABLE TO SEE THE ROAD IS TO KEEP THE HEAD LIGHTS ON DIM AND TO TURN ON THE SPOT BEAMS WITH THEM AIMED DIRECTLY IN FRONT ON THE TRUCK. I HAVE PICTURES TO SHOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. *TR

2012 Peterbilt 389 questions

Does the 2012 Peterbilt 389 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 2012 Peterbilt 389: ABS warning light may stay off during power loss, raising crash risk; Chafing Alternator Cable Can Cause Electrical Short and Fire; Alternator cable can chafe and cause a fire; Wrong tire pressure on label may cause tire failure; Loose Steering Tie Rod Bolts Can Cause Loss of Control. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Peterbilt 389?

Based on 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Exterior Lighting (1).

How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Peterbilt 389 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Peterbilt 389 years

Other 2012 Peterbilt models