2021 Peterbilt 389 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

6 safety recalls on file

The 2021 Peterbilt 389 has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA.

The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (1 report).

6Recalls
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.

2021 Peterbilt 389 recalls

Braking and stability systems may fail, raising crash risk

Recall 24V915Dec 9, 2024220,764 vehicles affected

The electronic control unit (ECU) that runs the anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, active cruise control and collision mitigation system can receive electrical noise or a weak signal.

Gear Shifter Connection Can Fail, Disabling Truck After Stop

Recall 24V190Mar 20, 202470,509 vehicles affected

A right-hand gear shifter stalk connector may have been improperly crimped, which can cause a loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission.

Brakes May Release During Winching, Causing Rollaway

Recall 21V906Nov 19, 2021908 vehicles affected

On certain heavy-duty wrecker and auto hauler trucks, the work brake used during winching can unintentionally disengage the service brakes.

Rear brakes may lose signal and reduce stopping power

Recall 21V648Aug 19, 2021163 vehicles affected

The Hill Start Assist valve assembly, mounted on a cross member, may not have enough clearance from the rear axle.

Engine Flywheel Can Detach, Causing Power Loss

Recall 21V080Feb 17, 2021132 vehicles affected

The capscrews attaching the flywheel to the crankshaft may have been improperly torqued, so the flywheel can come loose from the engine.

Loose Suspension Bolts Can Detach and Create Road Hazards

Recall 20V506Aug 26, 20201,097 vehicles affected

Some trucks have lower rear pivot bolts on the steerable lift axle suspension that are too short.

Most common 2021 Peterbilt 389 problems

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

Problem areaReports
Electrical System1

What owners report

2025-11-12, Electrical System
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 refilled with diesel. The contact stated that whenever a trailer was serviced, the date and mileage were written on the filters. The contact stated that the mileage was significantly higher as written on the filter than what was written on the sales contract and shown on the odometer. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 411,000, and while refilling the fuel filters, th

2021 Peterbilt 389 questions

Does the 2021 Peterbilt 389 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2021 Peterbilt 389: Braking and stability systems may fail, raising crash risk; Gear Shifter Connection Can Fail, Disabling Truck After Stop; Brakes May Release During Winching, Causing Rollaway; Rear brakes may lose signal and reduce stopping power; Engine Flywheel Can Detach, Causing Power Loss. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Peterbilt 389?

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

How do I check if a recall on my 2021 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 2021 Peterbilt models