VehicleVerdict

2019 Western Star 4900 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2019 Western Star 4900 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 15 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

15

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other 4900 years?

See all 4900 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Western Star 4900 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2100%

Does the 2019 Western Star 4900 have recalls?

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

22V919000Tires & WheelsDecember 12, 2022 · 49 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Freightliner 114SD, 2023 Freightliner 122SD, 2020 Western Star 4700, 2019-2022 Western Star 4900, 2019-2023 Freightliner Business Class M2, and 2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with tires that are not compatible with their 8.25-inch rims. 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

Driving with tires that are not compatible with their rims can reduce tire performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-962.

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.

19V171000Electrical SystemMarch 5, 2019 · 361 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019 Western Star 4700 and 4900 trucks. The vehicles are accumulating distance in kilometers, but the odometer display is labeled as being miles. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."

Consequence

The odometer failing to register the correct distance travelled could cause driver confusion, as well as possible incorrect assumptions about driver speed. An incorrect speed assumption may increase the risk of crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the speedometer, free of charge. The recall began April 29, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-812.

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.

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.

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.

18V641000Tires & WheelsSeptember 19, 2018 · 201 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD and Business Class M2 trucks and Western Star 4700 and 4900 trucks, equipped with certain Bridgestone M854 tires with date codes 2418-2518, Bridgestone M860A tires with date code 2518, and Bridgestone M864 tires with date codes 2318-2418, all of size 425/65R22.5. The sidewall steel body cords may be exposed, which can cause unexpected, rapid air loss during use.

Consequence

Rapid air loss can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the affected tires, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL790.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 WESTERN STAR 4900SB. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON AN INCLINE AND ATTEMPTING TO SET THE PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE, THE DRIVER HAD TO REMOVE HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO ACTIVATE THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 2018

2019 Western Star 4900 — common questions

Is the 2019 Western Star 4900 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 15 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2019 Western Star 4900 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Western Star 4900. 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.