VehicleVerdict

2018 Western Star 4900 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2018 Western Star 4900 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 16 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

16

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other 4900 years?

See all 4900 years to avoid →

Does the 2018 Western Star 4900 have recalls?

16 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V896000Tires & WheelsNovember 17, 2021 · 307 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2021 Freightliner SD 108, Freightliner SD 114, 2016-2020 Freightliner Coronado, 2013 Western Star 6900, 2013-2022 Western Star 4700, Western Star 4900, and 2022 49X vehicles. The tires and rims are not approved and rated for these vehicles from the Tire and Rim Association or tire manufacturer. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."

Consequence

Unapproved tires that are not rated for the vehicle can cause tire performance issues, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealer will inspect and replace, as necessary, tires and rims, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 22, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall FL-908.

21V882000Electrical SystemNovember 12, 2021 · 6,100 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, and 6900 trucks. The affected trucks have a power stud that passes through the bulkhead. In certain circumstances, the power stud may contact the bulkhead and result in an electrical arc.

Consequence

An electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the pass-through power studs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. This recall supersedes previous recall number 18V-191. Vehicles previously inspected and considered complete under 18V-191 will need to return for the new remedy. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-907.

20V642000TransmissionOctober 16, 2020 · 4,329 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner Cascadia, Business Class M2, 108SD, 114SD and 122SD and Western Star 4700, 4900 and 5700 vehicles. An internal component within the clutch assembly may fail, which in certain circumstances could allow the vehicle to move unexpectedly.

Consequence

Unintended vehicle movement van increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software and replace the clutches, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on December 7, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-865.

19V792000Visibility & WipersNovember 4, 2019 · 2,725 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Western Star 4900 and 5700 vehicles equipped with sleeper cab vent windows. Due to improper adhesive, the vent window may detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

If the vent window detaches while the vehicle is in motion, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vent windows, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on December 27, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-836.

19V722000Body & StructureOctober 10, 2019 · 2,547 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Western Star 4900 and 5700 vehicles. The adhesive bond may fail allowing the baggage or sleeper side door to separate from the hinges.

Consequence

A baggage or sleeper side door that separates from the vehicle while in motion can cause road debris, increasing the risk of an injury or crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners and dealers will install reinforcement clips with mechanical fasteners on each baggage and sleeper door hinge, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on December 6, 2019. The recall began September 21, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL834.

18V903000TransmissionDecember 19, 2018 · 6,795 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Business Class M2, Western Star 4700, 4900, and 5700 vehicles, equipped with certain Eaton ECA heavy-duty truck clutches. An internal component in the clutch assembly may fail, possibly resulting in unintended vehicle movement.

Consequence

Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the software, and repair any physical components, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on February 16, 2019. The recall began July 31, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-803.

18V913000SuspensionDecember 19, 2018 · 501 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Freightliner 114SD, 122SD, 108SD, Cascadia and Business class M2 trucks, Freightliner Custom Chassis XBS, XCL, XCM, MT45, MT55, S2G, S2RV, XCR and XCS custom chassis and Western Star 4700, 4900 and 5700 trucks equipped with Detroit Axle axles. The affected vehicles may have loose steering and tie rod arm bolts.

Consequence

Loose tie rod arm bolts may lead to separation of the tie rod arm, resulting in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts for to make sure that they are properly tightened, installing new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2019. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-802.

18V703000BrakesOctober 5, 2018 · 5,534 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, Cascadia, Business Class M2, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation S2C 106 Cab, S2G Cab Chassis, XCL, XCM, XBS, XCP, XCR, Western Star 4700, 4900 and 5700 trucks. The brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.

Consequence

Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will check and tighten the brake caliper mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-794.

18V581000EngineAugust 30, 2018 · 4,500 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Freightliner Cascadia, Coronado and 122SD, and Western Star 4900 trucks, equipped with Cummins ISX15 or X15 diesel engines. In certain driving conditions, such as on a long down-hill grade, the fuel line may burst if the fuel pump cooling circuit screen becomes restricted.

Consequence

If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists. The engine may also stall without warning, resulting in the vehicle's inability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the affected nylon fuel line with a steel fuel line, free of charge. The recall began November 21, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 or Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467. DTNA's number for this recall is FL789.

18V353000BrakesMay 29, 2018 · 8,741 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Freightliner M2 Business Class, 108SD, 114SD and Cascadia trucks, Western Star 4700, 4900, and 5700 trucks, FCCC S2C 106 Cab, S2G Cab, XBR, XBS, XCL, XCM, XCP, XCR, and XCS chassis equipped with air disc brakes. The brake caliper mounting bolts on these vehicles may be insufficiently tightened, allowing the bolts to loosen.

Consequence

If the brake caliper mounting bolts loosen, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper mounting bolts and tighten them as necessary, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on July 25, 2018. The recall began September 4, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-772.

18V351000BrakesMay 29, 2018 · 640 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2019 Western Star 4900 trucks built with Lowmax hoods and disc brakes. There may be insufficient clearance between the front brake hose and the hood resulting in the brake hose being chafed.

Consequence

Front brake hose chafing may causing air loss, possibly reducing braking effectiveness and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle brake hose, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on July 27, 2018. The recall began November 27, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-773.

18V191000Electrical SystemMarch 26, 2018 · 7,128 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, and 6900 trucks. The affected trucks have a power stud that passes through the bulkhead. In certain circumstances the power stud may contact the bulkhead and result in an electrical arc.

Consequence

An electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the power stud for the proper clearance to the bulkhead, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. DTNA issued an interim notification to owners on May 23, 2018. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-766.

17V761000LightingNovember 27, 2017 · 438,255 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2008-2018 Freightliner Cascadia, Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, and 6900 trucks. After hard brake applications, the brake light pressure switch may not activate the brake lights with a light application of the brake pedal.

Consequence

If the brake lights fail to illuminate, there would not be a signal to other motorists that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. Daimler issued interim notifications to owners on January 22, 2018. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-756.

17V521000SuspensionAugust 24, 2017 · 38 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Western Star 4900 trucks. The front axle weight capacity may exceed the spring capacity.

Consequence

Overloaded springs may result in the front axle separating from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle springs, free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-745.

17V450000Fuel SystemJuly 19, 2017 · 74 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Freightliner 122SD trucks, Western Star 4900 and 6900 trucks, and Freightliner Custom Chassis XCM and XCP chassis equipped with Cummins ISX15 engines. The affected engines have a fuel pump whose drive gear may slip on its drive shaft, resulting in a loss of fuel pump function.

Consequence

Failure of the fuel pump will result in a sudden engine stall with no warning, and with no ability to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Cummins will send notices to the owners of the affected vehicles and Cummins dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began on September 11, 2017. Owners may contact Cummins customer service at 1-800-286-6467 or DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL744.

17V124000BrakesFebruary 27, 2017 · 450 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Western Star 4900 trucks. The aluminum air tanks on these vehicles may have improper welds possibly resulting in a rapid loss of air pressure.

Consequence

A rapid loss of air pressure without warning may cause a sudden application of the park brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the aluminum air tanks with steel, triple compartment, air tanks, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-732.

2018 Western Star 4900 — common questions

Is the 2018 Western Star 4900 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 16 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Western Star 4900 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Western Star 4900. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Western Star 4900 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.