2004 Western Star 6900 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2004 Western Star 6900 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other 6900 years?

6900 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 6900 years to avoid →

Does the 2004 Western Star 6900 have recalls?

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

17V810000OtherDecember 15, 2017 · 24,860 units

Defect

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2017 Freightliner Cascadia, Century Class, Columbia and Coronado trucks and Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, 5900 and 6900 trucks. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or contact Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-759.

09V366000EngineSeptember 23, 2009 · 25,362 units

Defect

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C15 ENGINE. THE VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION OIL LINE MAY RUB AGAINST THE P-CLIPS RETAINING THE OIL LINE, CAUSING AN OIL LEAK.

Consequence

AN OIL LEAK MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS WORKING WITH CATERPILLAR TO REMEDY THESE VEHICLES. PLEASE SEE CATERPILLAR'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-020. CATERPILLAR WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CATERPILLAR TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-447-4986 OR DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

06V030000EngineFebruary 8, 2006 · 5,771 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR DIESEL ENGINES, THE VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION OIL LINE MAY WEAR AGAINST THE SHARP EDGE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD IF NOT POSITIONED CORRECTLY.

Consequence

THE OIL LINE MAY BE CUT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSING AN OIL LEAK AND A POSSIBLE FIRE.

Remedy

CATERPILLAR, IN CONJUNCTION WITH FREIGHTLINER, WILL BE CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CALL CATERPILLAR AT 309-675-6496, OR FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

05V453000Fuel SystemOctober 5, 2005 · 600 units

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.

2004 Western Star 6900 — common questions

Is the 2004 Western Star 6900 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2004 Western Star 6900 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Western Star 6900. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Western Star 6900 under NHTSA investigation?

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

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2004 compare to other 6900 years?

Does the 2004 Western Star 6900 have recalls?

2004 Western Star 6900 — common questions

Is the 2004 Western Star 6900 reliable?

Does the 2004 Western Star 6900 have recalls?

Is the 2004 Western Star 6900 under NHTSA investigation?

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