VehicleVerdict

1999 Western Star Constellation problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1999 Western Star Constellation — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Constellation years?

Constellation NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Constellation years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Western Star Constellation problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1100%

Does the 1999 Western Star Constellation have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V044002SteeringFebruary 21, 2001 · 16,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED BY TRW. THE SUSPECT TIE RODS CONTAIN 24-DL MODEL BALL SOCKETS. CERTAIN OF THE TIE ROD BALL-SOCKET BEARINGS HAVE A BELOW-SPECIFICATION CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS, WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR OF THE SOCKET.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE PARTIAL CONTROL OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BALL SOCKETS AND/OR DRAG LINKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 22, 2001. 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 OR TRW CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-280-3287.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“POWER STEERING PUMP STARTED TO LOCK UP WHEN TURNING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN OFF THE ROAD, REPLACED BOTH. DUE TO BAD PUMP, THE ONLY FIX I TO BUY AN OUTSIDE VENDER PUMP AND RESIVOIR TO PUT ON THE VEHICLE. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 1, 2000

1999 Western Star Constellation — common questions

Is the 1999 Western Star Constellation reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 Western Star Constellation have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Western Star Constellation. 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.