AI Damage2016 Peterbilt 389: common problems
The maker issued 32 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 32
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- "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…
- Info Only Unnecessary starter replacements can result from customer complaints regarding engine starting…
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…
- Fix-As-Fail The window switch fails prematurely due to excessive amperage flowing through the window…
Fix-As-Fail The window switch fails prematurely due to excessive amperage flowing through the window switch circuit. A new door harness design has been developed to prevent failures. Fix-As-Fail start date is 11/11/2024.
- Emissions Recall Certain vehicles with PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 EMY2016 engines with less than 300,000 miles…
Emissions Recall Certain vehicles with PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 EMY2016 engines with less than 300,000 miles (482,803 km) have been shown, in testing, to exceed regulatory limits for NOx and N2O emissions. This bulletin…
- Certain model 389 chassis are experiencing freezing of the A/C evaporator or frosting of the compressor…
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.
- 34-093 Model 389 78-inch Sleeper 12V Power Port Supplier Change
- Fix-As-Fail On certain chassis with Low Air Leaf Suspension or Low-Low Air Leaf Suspension, the Height…
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 service information for Bendix Air Dryer maintenance is being updated to include new procedures
- Fix-As-Fail â Due to undersupply issues, only a limited supply of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors are…
Fix-As-Fail â Due to undersupply issues, only a limited supply of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) sensors are available. As a temporary solution, after PACCAR confirms a DEF sensor is not available, a temporary software…
- An engine software update is required to resolve OBD system readiness, DEF doser diagnostics, and otherOBD…
An engine software update is required to resolve OBD system readiness, DEF doser diagnostics, and otherOBD system software related issues.
- Sample Customer Letter - 215-3 Sleeper Heater Core O-Ring Leaking
- Information Only â Windshield washer pumps have a high No Trouble Found rate
Washer pumps may fail to spray due to a clogged filter.
NHTSA lists 32 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Peterbilt 389?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 32 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 Peterbilt 389?
NHTSA lists 32 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2016 Peterbilt 389 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2016 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.