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Vehicle safety record

1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (1) and the wheels & tires (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in October 1989 for the fuel pump. For comparison, the 1988 has 1 and the 1990 has 1.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Peterbilt year, for its age

#187 most complained-about 1989 vehicle

Complaints
2
Recalls
2
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt problems

Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt recalls 2

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Fuel system: fuel pump

89V18700019 vehicles affected

The problem
Fuel pumps may have a loose rack fastener that could allow the bolt to come out of the rack.
The risk
This would affect operator control of engine speed andengine shutdown capability which could result in an accident.
The fix
Retighten fastener to specified torque and use self locking nut.

Suspension: multiple axle

89V059000983 vehicles affected

The problem
Trucks may have insufficient weld material attaching rear suspension bracket to the rear axle housing.
The risk
Rear suspension bracket could separate from the axleand result in a loss of steering control and an accident.
The fix
REWELD REAR SUSPENSION BRACKETS.

What owners say

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2 complaints about the 1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

BrakesCrash

Brakes failed, causing accident. (Ohio state police report)*sd

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 502634
Wheels & tires

Right rear wheel came off truck and metal from wheel struck hood of another vehicle. (New jersey state police accident report). *Ak

Filed Incident WheelsNHTSA 478199

Peterbilt Peterbilt: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
19932200Transmission & drivetrainB
19920200-B
19911000Wheels & tiresA
19901010Wheels & tiresA
19892210BrakesC
19881400Wheels & tiresC
19870300-C
19860200-B
19851200Transmission & drivetrainB
All Peterbilt years

1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt221C
1989 Peterbilt 300 Series100-Compare
1989 Peterbilt 320131FCompare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

Own a 1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt? Share your experience.

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Questions about the 1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt

Does the 1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt: fuel pump (October 1989); multiple axle (April 1989). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (1), wheels & tires (1).

How many complaints has the 1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt had?

2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 18, 1994 and the latest on March 18, 1996. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 52 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Peterbilt Peterbilt year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Peterbilt Peterbilt years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 1989 Peterbilt Peterbilt has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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