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2018 Western Star 4900 problems

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
16
Service bulletins
5231 warranty

The worst 2018 Western Star 4900 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

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Recalls 16

TiresReported November 17, 2021 · 307 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 21V896000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported November 12, 2021 · 6,100 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 21V882000 · Recall details

Power train: clutch assemblyReported October 16, 2020 · 4,329 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 20V642000 · Recall details

Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC system: rear windowReported November 4, 2019 · 2,725 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 19V792000 · Recall details

Structure: body: doorReported October 10, 2019 · 2,547 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 19V722000 · Recall details

Power train: clutch assemblyReported December 19, 2018 · 6,795 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V903000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: control armReported December 19, 2018 · 501 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V913000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: disc: caliperReported October 5, 2018 · 5,534 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V703000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported August 30, 2018 · 4,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V581000 · Recall details

Service brakes, airReported May 29, 2018 · 640 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V351000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported May 29, 2018 · 8,741 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V353000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported March 26, 2018 · 7,128 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V191000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported November 27, 2017 · 438,255 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 17V761000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: springs: leaf spring assemblyReported August 24, 2017 · 38 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 17V521000 · Recall details

Fuel system, dieselReported July 19, 2017 · 74 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 17V450000 · Recall details

Service brakes, airReported February 27, 2017 · 450 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 17V124000 · Recall details

See all 16 recalls for the 2018 Western Star 4900

Defect investigations

Daimler Trucks North America RecallsOpened April 23, 2018, closed July 11, 2024

On April 23, 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“the federal safety agency”) opened Audit Query (AQ18002) to assess the timeliness and scope of four recalls filed by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (“DTNA”). the federal safety agency subsequently expanded AQ18002 to examine the timeliness and scope of three additional DTNA recalls and compliance with early warning reporting and manufacturer communications reporting requirements. the federal safety agency and DTNA entered into a Consent Order on December 29, 2020, to resolve the federal safety agency’s assertions that certain recalls within the scope of AQ18002 were untimely, DTNA failed to timely submit certain manufacturer communications to the federal safety agency, and DTNA failed to submit field reports to the federal safety agency as required. As part of the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to a total civil penalty of thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), of which ten million dollars ($10,000,000) was paid on January 12, 2021. Also, of that total civil penalty, DTNA agreed to spend five million dollars ($5,000,000) on the specific performance obligations to develop advanced data analytics capabilities to enhance its ability to detect and study emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles (“Safety Data Analytics infrastructure”) and an advanced data analytics and reporting platform that integrates data on emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles and recall lessons learned (“Safety Communications Platform”). The Consent Order also held fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) of the civil penalty in abeyance pending DTNA’s satisfactory completion of the requirements of the Consent Order, and its compliance with the Safety Act, and regulations thereunder. the federal safety agency and DTNA agreed to a two-year term for the Consent Order—with an option for the federal safety agency to extend the Consent Order for an additional year, if warranted. In the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to numerous performance obligations, including monthly meetings with the federal safety agency to discuss potential safety issues, recent manufacturer communications, and recall decision-making, among other things; quarterly meetings with the federal safety agency to discuss DTNA’s progress on the performance obligations under the Consent Order, including the Safety Data Analytics infrastructure and Safety Communications Platform, and any issues related to compliance with the Consent Order, Safety Act, or regulations; development of written procedures and employee training materials to help DTNA comply with its legal obligations to timely identify and report safety defects and noncompliances, submit complete and accurate recall filings, and timely submit manufacturer communications and field reports to the federal safety agency; and identifying and reporting previously unreported manufacturer communications and field reports. Also, via the Consent Order, DTNA acknowledged that the failure or inability to identify a specific root cause, develop an adequate remedy or repair, or confirm the affected population of vehicles are not bases for delaying filing a recall with the federal safety agency. On December 22, 2022, the federal safety agency extended the Consent Order for a term of one year due to concerns about DTNA’s compliance with its recall-related obligations. Specifically, the federal safety agency expressed concerns about the completeness of DTNA’s recall reports and issues identified with owner notification letters during the term of the Consent Order, as well as the length of time that DTNA took to consider a straightforward noncompliance issue before filing a recall and DTNA’s interactions with the federal safety agency during the term of the Consent Order. the federal safety agency addressed these concerns with DTNA during the third year of the Consent Order. The extended term of the Consent Order expired on December 28, 2023. Based on the Consent Order, this investigation, AQ18002, is closed. Closure of this AQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order or DTNA’s ongoing legal obligations, and it does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency as to DTNA’s performance under the Consent Order.

AQ18002

Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Western Star 4900 523

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

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Questions about the 2018 Western Star 4900

Is the 2018 Western Star 4900 reliable?

Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2018 Western Star 4900.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Western Star 4900?

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How many recalls does the 2018 Western Star 4900 have?

16 recalls, covering tires, electrical system and power train.

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