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Western Star Heritage recalls

There are 7 safety recalls on record for the Western Star Heritage, covering 17,388 vehicles in total across all the models in each campaign. Newest first.

Western Star Heritage recalls by model year

1999 11997 21996 41995 1

All recalls

Steering: linkages: tie rod assemblyReported February 21, 2001 · 16,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 01V044002 · Recall details

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assemblyReported September 14, 1997 · 14 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with fontaine sl6fm229-8375 fixed fifth wheels. The fifth wheel mounting plate flanges in the front and rear can interfere with the normal articulation of the fifth wheel. This interference can lead to damage of the fifth wheel lock handle and/or the top plate.
Risk
Damage of these components can lead to failure of the connection between the tractor and the semi-trailer allowing the semi-trailer to separate from the tractor increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fifth wheel mounting plates and repair any damaged fifth wheel components.

Recall number 97V152000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: supply: low pressure warning: switchReported September 14, 1997 · 40 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 97V151000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drumReported August 1, 1996 · 88 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The brake return spring can contact the hub. Further wear of the brake lining material will lead to wear of the return spring and the spring can fail prematurely.
Risk
Pieces of the failed spring could then lodge in the brake cam causing either the affected brake to stay applied when the other brakes have been released, or stopping the affected brake from applying when the other brakes are applied. The vehicle could then be pulled in a lateral direction off the road or into oncoming traffic increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will modify the front brakes on these trucks.

Recall number 96V148000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: springsReported January 3, 1989 · 1,134 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Cables used for throttle control are subject to failing in service due to vibrational fatigue between the cable end sleeve and hub.
Risk
This could cause the cable not allowing the throttle toreturn to the idle postion, which could result in an accident.
Remedy
Replace suspect throttle cables with throttle rods.

Recall number 89V017000 · Recall details

Steering: linkagesReported August 4, 1988 · 100 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Steering arms used on front axles contain dimensional inconsistencies.
Risk
Steering arms could eventually develop fatigue cracks.
Remedy
Replace suspect front steering arms.

Recall number 88V131000 · Recall details

Structure: bodyReported July 12, 1988 · 12 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The outer stainless steel skin on the muffler could reach temperatures over 400 degrees.
Risk
Persons using the muffler mounted grab handles forsupport to enter or exit the cab could receive severe hand or arm burns.
Remedy
Add heat shields to the stainless steel wrapped mufflers in question.

Recall number 88V112000 · Recall details

Questions about the Western Star Heritage recalls

How do I check if my Western Star Heritage has an open recall?

Enter your VIN in the VIN decoder on this page to see the recalls for your exact model and year, then confirm with any dealer of the brand or the manufacturer, who can tell you whether the repair was already done on your car.

Do I have to pay for a recall repair?

No. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer of the brand, even if the car is out of warranty or you are not the first owner.

How many recalls does the Western Star Heritage have?

7, covering steering, trailer hitches and service brakes, air.

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