1XPXD49X5KD6155492019 PETERBILT 389
2019 PETERBILT 389 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 6 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 3 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2019 PETERBILT 389
2019 PETERBILT 389 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 6 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 3 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 6 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Brake system recall; Steering system recall)
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
3 owner complaints filed — top areas: Steering (33%), Body/Structure (33%), Suspension/Wheels (33%).
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- PETERBILT
- Model
- 389
- Year
- 2019
- Body Style
- Truck-Tractor
- Vehicle Type
- TRUCK
- Drive Type
- 6x4
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
- Engine
- 6-cyl 15L
- Manufacturer
- PETERBILT MOTORS COMPANY
- Assembly
- DENTON, TEXAS, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 8: 33,001 lb and above (14,969 kg and above)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: DENTON, TEXAS
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸Steering system recall
- ▸Engine recall
- ⚠2 recalls on same component: Engine/Powertrain
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
6 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 6 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 6 recalls is ~71%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
Recall completion rate data not available for PETERBILT. Industry average is ~85%. Verify any open recalls with a dealer before purchase.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
SummaryPACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Peterbilt 365, 389, 567, and 579 vehicles equipped with a left-hand under hood jumper terminal (option code 2539410). The positive battery jumper terminal cable may be too long, allowing it to chafe against the left front suspension spring and result in an electrical short circuit.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
SummaryPACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Peterbilt 330, 335, 337, 340, 348, 365, 367, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, 567, 579 and 587 vehicles and 2008-2020 Kenworth T170, T270, T370, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900 vehicles equipped with NAMUX Software. In the event that the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the dash warning light for the ABS may not illuminate to warn the driver of the loss of ABS. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems," and 136, "Electronic Stability Control System on Heavy Vehicles."Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
SummaryPACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Kenworth T880, W990, Peterbilt 567, 579, 389, and 2022 Peterbilt 536, 537 wrecker and auto hauler vehicles. The work brake (winch brake) may unintentionally disengage the service brakes during winching operations, causing the vehicle to roll.Read full details...
~24% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
SummaryPACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Peterbilt 337, 348, 365, 367, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks and 2018-2019 Kenworth C500, T270, T370, T440, T660, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks equipped with automated manual transmissions. An internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
SummaryPACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Kenworth C500, T600, T660, T680, T800, T880 and W900 trucks, as well as Peterbilt 367, 386, 389, 567, 579 and 587 trucks, equipped with Cummins ISX15 or X15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.Read full details...
~34% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS
SummaryPACCAR Incorporated (PACCAR) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Kenworth T270, T370, T440, T470, T660, T680, T880, T800, W900, W990; and 2018-2020 Peterbilt 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 389, 520, 567, and 579 vehicles. The Dana D-Series axle steer arm fasteners that attach the steering arm to the steering knuckle may fail.Read full details...
~24% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
18 months elapsed between first complaint and recall issuance — a significant delay in consumer protection.
Complaint Intelligence
3 complaints analyzed across 3 system categories
Steering leads owner complaints (33%), most reported when the vehicle was 2 yrs old or newer. Also common: Structure (33%), Unknown Or Other (33%).
Based on 2 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (1) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
Owner Complaints
3 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
- The steering arm on the driver side of the Dana D-Series axle that was installed from the Peterbilt factory on a new 2019 Peterbilt 389 that was purchased new by Acord Transportation, Inc. is what failed. The steering arm on the D-Series axle bolts to the steering knuckle with two bolts as opposed to being one solid cast piece as in other families of Dana axles - such as the E-Series. When backing into a parking space the two bolts holding the steering arm to the steering knuckle broke, causing the steering arm to come free from the steering knuckle - ultimately causing a catastrophic failure and a complete loss of steering. Peterbilt took the steering arm for inspection following the failure, but did not return it to us. - Had this incident occurred while traveling on a public roadway, the driver would have lost all ability to steer the commercial vehicle (which could potentially be weighing 80,000 lbs and transporting hazardous materials) and would have no control over where the unit went. It could have resulted in an auto or property collision - potentially causing multiple injuries or fatalities. - We know of another company that has had two failures identical to this one. Allegedly, Dana Spicer admitted to our Peterbilt dealer that they knew of 12 other failures such as this. - The truck that experienced the failure was taken to the dealership where it was purchased. It was repaired by retrofitting the axle to the E-Series components. As mentioned, they kept the steering arm/bolts that failed. - There was no warning, nor is there potential to be any warning. If this happens, it will happen immediately and all control of the vehicle by the driver will be lost. The bolts that failed appeared to have been corroding for a period of time prior to the failure. However, there is no way to visually inspect the condition of the bolts without removing several components on the tire/wheel, hub and brake assembly and completely removing the bolts.
WE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK MARCH 4, 2018. SINCE THAT DATE A TOTAL OF THREE (3) PASSENGER QUARTER FENDERS HAVE "FALLEN OFF" THE TRUCK. THE LAST SET HAD LOCK TIGHT ON THE BOLT. IT IS ONLY INVOLVING THE PASSENGER SIDE. UNSURE IF THE BOLT BROKE OR JUST BACKED OUT. THE LAST ONE WHEN IT CAME OFF HIT OUR PRIMARY AIR LINE AND KINKED IT. LUCKY IT DIDN'T SEVER IT. ALSO WE HAVE HAD THREE (3) "COUNTRY" HORNS VIBRATE INTO PIECES. ALSO THE LAST HORN WAS ATTACHED WITH LOCK TIGHT TO PREVENT THE BUGLES FROM COMING OFF AS DIRECTED BY THE SUPPLIER. ALL THE BUGLES HAVE FALLEN OFF DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE VIBRATIONS OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL YEAR. NEEDLESS TO SAY WE ARE TIRED OF REPLACING PARTS THAT VIBRATE OR BREAK OFF ON A NEW TRUCK!!!! THE FENDERS GO UNDER OUR DRIVES AND OUT THE BACK. FORTUNATELY NOBODY HAS BEEN INJURED DUE TO THE FLAW OF THIS PART. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION IN ALL INSTANCES ON A HIGHWAY. VARIOUS DATES WITH THE LATEST INDICATED. THE AIR COMPRESSOR STARTED MAKING A STRANGE SOUND BEFORE IT EVENTUALLY FAILED. WE COULD NOT MAINTAIN AIR PRESSURE IN THE TANKS AND THE LOW PRESSURE LIGHT WOULD COME ON FORCING US TO PULL THE TRUCK OVER SO THE SPRING BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. WE'VE ALSO HAD AIR DRYER ISSUES AND THE BRAIDED FUEL LINE TO THE FUEL PUMP HAD WORN CHAFED AND WORN THROUGH DUE TO A ROUTING PROBLEM. WE WERE TOLD THAT THIS ALLOWED AIR INTO THE FUEL WHICH INCREASED REGENERATIONS MORE THAN NORMAL
I PURCHASED A 2019 PETERBILT TRUCK IN MAY OF 2018. THE FRONT LEFT STEER TIRE FAILED ON JUNE 18,2018 AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS, AND HAVING TO TAKE EMERGENCY EVASIVE ACTION. THE TIRE HAD ONLY 10,580 MILES. I CHOCKED IT UP TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A ROAD HAZARD, AND LEFT IT AT THAT. FAST FORWARD TO TODAY OCTOBER 11,2018. RIGHT SIDE STEER TIRE FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. TRUCK NOW HAS 54,653 MILES ON IT. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO KEEP THE TIRE TODAY AND IT STRUCK ME AS ODD THAT THE SIDEWALL ON ONE SIDE SEPARATED CLEANLY FROM THE TREAD. THE OTHER SIDE ALSO SEPARATED, BUT IT SHOWS SIGNS OF TEARING THE PLYS THAT I ASSUME ARE THERE TO STRENGTHEN THE JOINT BETWEEN THE FACE AND THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, COMMERCIAL VEHICLES LOSING STEER TIRES IS ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WE COULD ENCOUNTER. I AM WORKING ON REPAIRS AS I TYPE THIS COMPLAINT. I WILL BE REPLACING THE TIRE, WHEEL, AND A BRAKE LINE THAT BECAME KINKED DUE TO THE TIRE. *DT *TR
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 3 NHTSA complaints on file for the PETERBILT 389 — a relatively low volume that spans from 2018 to 2022.
The amber reliability line averaged 100/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 99/100 in 2018.
The recall (red dashed line) followed the first complaints by 2 years — a typical response window; neither unusually fast nor a pattern of denial.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $31,114 (~$519/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2019 PETERBILT 389 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1XPXD49X5KD615549 |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Make | PETERBILT |
| Model | 389 |
| Vehicle Type | TRUCK |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Truck-Tractor |
| Drive Type | 6x4 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 15 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | PETERBILT MOTORS COMPANY |
| Assembly City | DENTON |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1XP |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 5 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | K |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | D |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 615549 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 6 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 3 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 10/2/2026, 9:30:32 PM.