Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2001 Western Star 4900 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
2
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 1 | 50% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 50% | new |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS FITTED WITH OPTIONAL IN-CAB BATTERIES, THE DUAL SUCTION/RETURN LINES MAY CONTACT THE CAB POWER HARNESS RESULTING IN CHAFING THROUGH.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REROUTE AND SECURE THE FUEL LINES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRUCK HUB UNITS MANUFACTURED BY SKF EXCLUSIVELY FOR USE ON ARVINMERITOR'S FF98X SERIES NON-DRIVE STEER AXLES, THE HUB UNIT BEARINGS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.
Consequence
SEIZURE OF THE BEARINGS CAN CAUSE WHEEL SEPARATION OR WHEEL END FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT HUBS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 20, 2003. 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.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, A CAPACITOR IN THE POWER LINE CONTROL (PLC) FILTER COULD OVERHEAT AND/OR IGNITE WHEN SUBJECTED TO REVERSE POLARITY ELECTRICAL SPIKES.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE AREA OF THE PLC FILTER WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL DISCONNECT AND SECURE THE PLC FILTER GROUND WIRE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 20, 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 WESTERN STAR 4900 TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE SECOND VEHICLE SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DETAILS OF THE CRASH WERE LIMITED AND THE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 WESTERN STAR 4964SX (NA). THE VEHICLE SWAYS SIDE TO SIDE EACH TIME IT IS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INSTALLATION COMPANY AND THEY STATED THAT THE PUSHER AXLE WAS INSTALLED IMPROPERLY. THE SPEED AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,068 AND…”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Western Star 4900. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.