Recall 15V036 covers 39 2015 Peterbilt 389 trucks with horn plates that damage the ESC steering angle sensor. Repair is free at franchised Peterbilt dealers.
Peterbilt is recalling 39 2015 389 Pride and Class edition trucks because an incorrect horn contact plate can damage the electronic stability control steering angle sensor. If that sensor is damaged, ESC can malfunction and raise the crash risk; Peterbilt dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2015 Peterbilt 389 uses electronic stability control to help the truck read steering input and respond when stability is at risk. A steering angle sensor sits in the steering wheel assembly and tells the ESC system how far the wheel is turned. The horn contact plate is a separate part in that same assembly, used to complete the horn circuit when the driver presses the horn.
On the affected Pride and Class edition trucks, the steering wheel assembly was built with the wrong horn contact plate. That plate had an extra tab that did not match the part drawing. When installed with the ESC steering angle sensor, the tab damaged the sensor, so the ESC system no longer received the steering angle information it needs.
There is no warning sign before failure. Peterbilt found during its review that the truck gave no indication during operation that the sensor was damaged.
Who's affected?
| 2015 Peterbilt 389 | Electronic stability control (esc) |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 39 |
Not every 2015 Peterbilt 389 truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged steering angle sensor can disrupt the ESC system's steering input, increasing the risk of a crash. Schedule the recall repair soon and drive cautiously until the horn contact plate and ESC steering angle sensor are replaced. Repair is free at any franchised Peterbilt dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Peterbilt 389 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule the free horn contact plate and ESC steering angle sensor replacement that fixes the stability-control sensor damage risk.
- Bring any Peterbilt recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 15V036 when you call.
- Call Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000 with questions and ask for Peterbilt recall 115A.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and ask the dealer whether the truck is safe to keep in service before your appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Peterbilt technician replaces the horn contact plate and the ESC steering angle sensor. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, so the repair is free. If you already paid out of pocket for the same horn contact plate or ESC steering angle sensor repair before the recall work was completed, Peterbilt's reimbursement plan gives you a path to claim documented costs. Bring the repair invoice and payment proof to the service desk or contact Peterbilt customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 27, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 6, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V036?
Recall 15V036 covers 39 2015 Peterbilt 389 Pride and Class edition vehicles with electronic stability control. The wrong horn contact plate can damage the ESC steering angle sensor, which can make the stability control system malfunction and raise crash risk.
What should I do if my 2015 Peterbilt 389 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V036. If it is, contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer to schedule replacement of the horn contact plate and ESC steering angle sensor. Reference recall number 15V036 or Peterbilt recall 115A when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall repair at no cost, and Peterbilt's remedy says dealers will replace the horn contact plate and ESC steering angle sensor free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my Peterbilt 389 before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is that a damaged steering angle sensor can make the electronic stability control system malfunction, which raises crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair promptly.
What if I bought this Peterbilt 389 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the truck, not the first owner. If you never received Peterbilt's notice, check your VIN, then contact a franchised Peterbilt dealer or Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4000 with recall number 15V036.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V036000 |
|---|---|
| Peterbilt customer service | 1-940-591-4000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V036 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V036000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →