VehicleVerdict

1997 Western Star Constellation problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1997 Western Star Constellation — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Constellation years?

Constellation NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted3 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1999: 1 complaints2001: 1 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 0 complaints
Constellation NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Constellation years to avoid →

Does the 1997 Western Star Constellation have recalls?

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

97V151000BrakesSeptember 14, 1997 · 40 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY 6X4 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EITHER HENDRICKSON RT/RS SERIES SUSPENSIONS OR CHALMERS 800 SERIES SUSPENSIONS, WITH A WHEEL BASE GREATER THAN 250 INCHES, AND WESTERN STAR'S AIR '96' AIR BRAKE SYSTEM WITHOUT ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE AIR BRAKE RELEASE TIME REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Consequence

AIR BRAKE RELEASE TIME MAY BE LONGER THAN ANTICIPATED BY THE OPERATOR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IN-LINE QUICK RELEASE VALVE IN EACH OF THE DROP LINES TO THE REAR MOST BRAKE CHAMBERS.

97V075000SteeringApril 25, 1997 · 14 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CONVENTIONAL TRUCKS AND TRUCK/TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH A FIREWALL ADAPTER PLATE FOR THE STEERING SHAFT BOOT. INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND THE TOP OF THE OPENING IN THE ADAPTER PLATE CAN CAUSE THE STEERING SHAFT TO CONTACT THE TOP OF THE FIREWALL ADAPTER OPENING WEARING A GROOVE IN THE STEERING SHAFT. IF THE GROOVE IS ALLOWED TO WEAR DEEP ENOUGH, THE SHAFT CAN FAIL.

Consequence

IF THE STEERING SHAFT FAILS, STEERING CONTROL WILL BE LOST INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FIREWALL ADAPTER PLATE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

1997 Western Star Constellation — common questions

Is the 1997 Western Star Constellation reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Western Star Constellation have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Western Star Constellation. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Western Star Constellation 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.