2016 Peterbilt 389g problems, complaints & recalls
Safety recalls (1)
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly 2017-09-22 · campaign 17V593000 · 17,737 vehicles
Defect: PACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2016 Peterbilt 220, 320, 325, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 389, 389G, 567, 579 and 587 trucks and Kenworth K170, T170, T270, T370, T440, T470,T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 trucks equipped with certain Spicer D or E series steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.
Risk: If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: PACCAR will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening it as necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle on units cannot be sufficiently torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 13, 2017. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000 or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5000. PACCAR's number for this recall is P817-C.
Service bulletins (29)
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
Suspension 2022-09-09 · 14-043 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
fix-as-fail on certain chassis with low air leaf suspension or low-low air leaf suspension, the height control valve (hcv) arm may be rubbing on other components when the bend in the arm is facing outboard. flipping the bend in the hcv arm inboard prevents the rub.
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.
Showing the 6 most recent of 29 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.