2014 Peterbilt 389k problems, complaints & recalls
Safety recalls (1)
Electrical System:ignition:switch 2013-05-28 · campaign 13V222000 · 1,773 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR is recalling certain model year 2014 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T470, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks manufactured May 6, 2013, through May 17, 2013; and model year 2014 Peterbilt 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 388, 389, 389K, 567, 579 and 587 trucks manufactured May 1, 2013 through May 17, 2013. An internal defect in the ignition switch causes the starter to engage when a key is partially inserted, before the key is turned.
Risk: Unintended engine startup could cause injury to a person working in the engine compartment. Vehicles with standard transmissions may experience unexpected movement, which may result in personal injury or a crash.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will replace affected ignition switches, free of charge. The recall began on June 14, 2013. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5000 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000. Kenworth's recall campaign number is 13KWF. Peterbilt's recall campaign number is 0513-E.
Service bulletins (25)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-09-11 · P001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"kenworth: dealers should check the chassis list and sir weekly for vin changes. 2 chassis added to the chassis list. peterbilt: dealers should check the chassis list and sir weekly for vin changes. 10 chassis added to the chassis list."
Engine 2024-11-22 · 32-025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
info only unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting issues. a new starter troubleshooting guide has been created to provide a comprehensive list of starting system checks, which should reduce unnecessary starter replacements and associated warran
Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:condensor/Evaporator 2022-11-18 · 01-082 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
certain model 389 chassis are experiencing freezing of the a/c evaporator or frosting of the compressor and suction line. a field resolution is available to solve this issue.
Electrical System 2022-11-10 · 34-093 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
34-093 model 389 78-inch sleeper 12v power port supplier change
Service Brakes 2022-08-03 · 13-060 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the service information for bendix air dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer 2021-02-10 · 02-160 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
information only – windshield washer pumps have a high no trouble found rate. washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
Showing the 6 most recent of 25 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.