VehicleVerdict

1998 Western Star 4800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1998 Western Star 4800 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

Does the 1998 Western Star 4800 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V387000Electrical SystemDecember 17, 2001 · 3,500 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR 3406E AND C-15 ENGINES, INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AND STUD MOUNTING ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) TO THE ENGINE EXISTS. CHAFING CAN WEAR THROUGH THE BATTERY CABLE INSULATION TO ALLOW CONTACT BETWEEN THE BATTERY CABLE AND THE STUD.

Consequence

THIS CONTACT COULD PROVIDE A SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND THE BATTERY CABLES WILL BE REPLACED AND/OR RE-ROUTED AS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

1998 Western Star 4800 — common questions

Is the 1998 Western Star 4800 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Western Star 4800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Western Star 4800. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.