Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2020 Western Star 4700 peaked in 2025, with 2 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2020 Western Star 4700
Truck, diesel, 12x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jan 31, 2025 to Nov 10, 2025.
Recall campaigns covering this model year1225k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints22.0 times the median 2020 truck
Severity index50.02020 trucks average 3.5
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
50% of complaints about the 2020 Western Star 4700 name electrical system
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
12 recall campaigns cover the 2020 Western Star 4700
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22V-919 | Dec 12, 2022 | Vehicles are equipped with tires that are not compatible with their 8.25-inch rims | Tires | 49 | Part replacement |
| 22V-338 | May 16, 2022 | Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Federal Certification Label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded | Equipment | 185 | Part replacement |
| 21V-965 | Dec 13, 2021 | Fuel tubes between the fuel rail and the injectors for cylinders four, five, and six may fatigue and crack, which can result in a high pressure… | Fuel system | 2,843 | Part replacement |
| 21V-896 | Nov 17, 2021 | Tires and rims are not approved and rated for these vehicles from the Tire and Rim Association or tire manufacturer | Tires | 307 | Part replacement |
| 21V-326 | May 7, 2021 | Sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak | Fuel system | 9,662 | Part replacement |
| 21V-206 | Mar 24, 2021 | Ground harness wiring may be undersized and may cause a connector to melt | Electrical system | 5,111 | Part replacement |
| 20V-634 | Oct 14, 2020 | Vehicle certification label contains incorrect information, stating a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) that exceeds the tire capacity rating | Equipment | 53 | Repair or modification |
| 20V-539 | Sep 3, 2020 | Lower rear pivot cap screws may not be long enough to sufficiently engage the locking feature of the corresponding nuts | Suspension | 103 | Inspection |
| 20V-281 | May 18, 2020 | Particular wire in the ground harness may be undersized, possibly resulting in a melted connector in the ground circuit harness | Electrical system | 2,987 | Part replacement |
| 20V-211 | Apr 10, 2020 | Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded | Equipment | 89 | Label or owner notice |
| 20V-127 | Mar 3, 2020 | Brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened | Brakes | 2,585 | Repair or modification |
| 19V-769 | Oct 25, 2019 | Steering shaft may have been improperly installed, potentially causing a loss of connection between the steering wheel and front axle wheels | Steering | 1,331 | Repair or modification |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2020 Western Star 4700
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Nov 10, 2025Failure Sep 26, 2025Centreville, MSWarnings, Automatic emergency braking, Service brakes1 killed
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Automated emergency breaking ABS Forward collision warning, potentially others. Unsure if the vehicle is available for inspection due to insurance claim. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Collision mitigation system error. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Police and Insurance representative. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, vehicle was sent to a certified manufacturer maintenance partner for active MIL/check engine lamp. Documentation of services performed describes a situation related to a fault code specifically regarding the collision mitigation system that the technicians were unable to diagnose with the tools available. Vehicle was released without any further modifications. The receipt with written detail is attached to this form.
NHTSA complaint 11698636 - Filed Jan 31, 2025Failure Nov 5, 2024Rockbridge, OHElectrical system, Engine, Steering
Western Star utilizes relay in master power distribution, they call PNDB. When this device is faulty it interrupts the power to engine causing truck engine to shut down. This shut down has happened with the truck fully loaded (71,000 LBS) traveling at 60 mph a couple of times. With no engine power you lose power steering. This is a very dangerous condition that I have discovered is more common than it should be. Talk to any Western Star service department. The Service Department knew exactly what the problem was and related to me this is common.
NHTSA complaint 11639895
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
163 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- PB-47-900-WST Jun 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Parts Bulletin for Fluorosilicone Fuel Tank Cap Seals - TSB-32-020-WST Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Technical Service Bulletin for TufTrac M12 Bolts - CXA_10_25_Conmet Oil Pan Oct 16, 2025 · Other
CX Advocate for ConMet Oil Pan Insert Additional Issues - PB33-005-WST Jun 19, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Parts Bulletin for Tie Rod Assembly Part Breakdown - TSB26-008-WST Apr 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Solution for DT12 Oil Plug Ports - CXA 3_25_NOx Mar 20, 2025 · Other
CX Advocate for NOx conversion low faults - CXA 2_25_NOx Feb 20, 2025 · Other
CX Advocate for NOx conversion low faults - SS778-WST Jan 14, 2025 · Other
Service Solution for Power Steering Reservoir Fill Cap Venting - CXA 1_16_NOx Jan 16, 2025 · Other
CX Advocate for NOx conversion low faults - CXA 1_16_CARB Truck Chec Jan 16, 2025 · Other
CX Advocate for CARB tightening the Readiness Criteria applied to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test submissions for the Clean Truck Check. - CXA 11_21_CARB Truck Chec Nov 21, 2024 · Other
CX Advocate for CARB tightening the Readiness Criteria applied to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test submissions for the Clean Truck Check. - WI24-019 Nov 11, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
Warranty Information letter for Detroit Line or Line Seal, High Pressure Fuel Injector Standard Repair Time Updates - CXA_10_17_CARB Truck Chec Oct 17, 2024 · Other
CX Advocate for CARB tightening the Readiness Criteria applied to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test submissions for the Clean Truck Check. - SS1023366-Detroit Oct 1, 2024 · Other
Service Solution for Detroit Successful Regen Reference for GHG17 DD Engines - SS1023366-Detroit Sep 16, 2024 · Other
Service Solution for Detroit Successful Regen Reference for GHG17 DD Engines - CXA 8_24_Conmet Oil Pan Aug 15, 2024 · Other
CX Advocate for ConMet Oil Pan Insert Additional Failures - CXA 7_24_NOx Jul 18, 2024 · Other
CX Advocate for NOx conversion low faults. Update to CXA 6_24_NOx submission. - CXA 7_24_Conmet Oil Pan Jul 18, 2024 · Other
CX Advocate for ConMet Oil Pan Insert Additional Failures - CXA 06_24_Clutch Bolts Jun 21, 2024 · Other
CX Advocate communication for clutch bolts - CXA 06_24_NOx Jun 21, 2024 · Other
CX Advocate communication for NOx conversion low faults - VSWP Customer Letter May 21, 2024 · Other
Customer letter regarding variable speed water pump. - SS734-WST May 24, 2024 · Other
Service Solution for Thread Spring Pin Suspension Alignment & Installation - SS763-WST May 8, 2024 · Other
Service Solution for DEF Pump Wiring for Cummins CM2450 Engine Controller - TSB35-023-WST May 29, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Technical Service Bulletin for New Final Drive Over Heat Diagnostic - SS3144-FTL Apr 25, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Solution for DEF Pump Wiring for Cummins CM2450 Engine Controller - ICI24-006 Feb 20, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Important Campaign Information letter for FL974 - Revised Bulletin & Population - FL974 Feb 20, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Revised Emissions Recall: Cummins DEF Sensor Shortage. REVISION: Some vehicles formerly in Group F have been moved to Group G and have been assigned a new part number as specified in Table 1. An SRT for 'Calibration Code Only: Update or Confirm' has been ad… - FL974 Jan 19, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Emissions Recall: Cummins DEF Sensor Shortage - SBW83-030 Jun 27, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Updated Western Star Service Bulletin for HVAC Actuator Replacement - SBW83-030 May 10, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Western Star Service Bulletin for HVAC Actuator Replacement. The wiring harness of the actuator of the fresh air recirculation door on Western Star vehicles equipped with Red Dot HVAC systems should be inspected for signs of water intrusion and corrosion. - SBW49-020 Feb 15, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Western Star Service Bulletin for DEF Connector Reinforcement Caps - SBW54-074 Jan 6, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Revised Western Star Service Bulletin for Pana-Pacific 540 Radio Controls Not Operating Normally. Minor note: added an update of document previously submitted. The related VMRS codes are added - SBW41-002 Jan 6, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Revised Western Star Service Bulletin for Drive Line Vibration. Minor note: added an update of document previously submitted. The related VMRS codes are added - CALWS83-001REV Dec 9, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
HVAC Actuator Wiring Harness. Revision History: Service kit part number changed from RDH RD5 17147 0 to WWS RD-3-9069-0 on 12/9/21. The wiring harness of the actuator of the fresh air recirculation door, shown in Fig. 1, on Western Star vehicles equipped wi… - ICI21-030 Oct 18, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SF626 Western Star Window Replacement Inspection Notification. This letter is to inform you that Field Service Campaign SF626 Western Star Window Replacement Inspection Notification campaign was released. - CALWS83-001 Sep 10, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer Advisory Letter for HVAC Actuator Wiring Harness. The wiring harness of the actuator of the fresh air recirculation door, shown in Fig. 1, on Western Star vehicles equipped with Red Dot HVAC systems should be inspected for signs of water intrusion … - SBW54-080 Jun 10, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Western Star Service Bulletin for Key Fob ID Retention. Key fobs for remote keyless entry on Western Star vehicles are delivered in packages that include a unique ID for the fob. The ID is required when pairing the key fob with a vehicle. - SS1033094 May 12, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Solution SS 1033094 KUS Float Tube Fuel Level Sensor Inform... - WSTCAE180-2020 Oct 13, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Portland Truck Plant Paint Changes - WSTCAE177-2020 Aug 26, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Meritor Transfer Case Updates - WSTCAE176-2020 Aug 20, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Removable Front Tow Hook Changes - WSTCAE172-2020 Jan 24, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Tractor Reflective Devices - WSTCAE171-2019 Mar 5, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Allison FuelSense 2.0 - WSTCAE169-2018 Dec 18, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Electronic Stability Control Requirement for US and Canadian Tractors - TSN 88-07 May 19, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Western Star 4700 non removable bug screen with additional coverage to the bumper - TSN - SBW98003 Dec 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Paint Peeling, Hood. - SS701-WST2021 Apr 29, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Solution for DT12 Harness Chaffing - PT Can Faults. Transmission will not shift into Gear while driving or will not start and trigger multiple PT CAN Fault Codes. - WI21-009 Apr 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Warranty Information letter announcing that DTNA is increasing the Standard Diagnostic Times (SDTs) shown. The updated after treatment system (ATS) diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) pump times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after April 12, 2021. - WI21-008 Apr 6, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Warranty Information Letter announcing DTNA is adjusting the Standard Repair Times (SRTs) shown. The updated times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after April 5, 2021. - TechTalk12347K Mar 24, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Tech Talk discussion on dash lights not working - TechTalk12331K Mar 23, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Tech Talk discussion on dash lights not working. - D21M3 Mar 16, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Detroit Field Service Campaign for DT12 Gear Grind During Downshift Software Update. - WP60-100 Mar 10, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Updated Western Star Parts Technical Bulletin for Universal Design Floor Mats. This bulletin replaces the version dated February 12, 2021. Information about parts notes in the Paragon system have been added and the trimming instructions are revised. Univers… - SBW54-057 Oct 27, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Western Star Service Bulletin for Powernet Troubleshooting Guide - Batteries, Path, Alternator, and Starter. When troubleshooting powernet issues, use the BCT-460DTNA PowerNet Assessment Tool. As of May 29, 2018, the AutoMeter is the only Daimler-approved t… - WP21-007 Mar 22, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Warranty Policy Letter for battery tags. DTNA determined that since adopting the AutoMeter BCT-460DTNA Powernet Assessment Tool (AutoMeter) as the required powernet system tester, not all battery tags have to be retained support Warranty-related claims. - WI21-004 Feb 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Warranty Information Letter for Detroit Resources: Exploded View DD Platform and DT12 Posters. Detroit's TechComm team created visual aids for the network and released exploded view posters for DD platform engines. In early 2021, Detroit added multiple DT12… - 21OEM-06 Feb 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Starting on November 23, 2020, DiagnosticLink 8.13 (Build 4527) was made available. Current subscribers of DiagnosticLink 8.11 or 8.12 may upgrade to DiagnosticLink 8.13 at no cost. All DTNA Service shops & OEM locations are required to maintain the latest … - 20TS-07REV Feb 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Revised Technical Service Letter for Cold Weather Faults on GHG17/21 DD13 with MCM Software Version 14. Due to colder weather, there may be an increase in the frequency of faults, noted below, on GHG17/21 DD13 trucks built after June 5th 2019. This is due t… - WP60-100 Feb 12, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Western Star Parts Technical Bulletin for Universal Design Floor Mats. Universal floor mat designs fit multiple cab configurations and may require trimming. Trim lines displaying size options are scored into the pad side of the mat; use an existing floor ma… - ICI21-003 Feb 15, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Superseding Letter to an Important Campaign Information Letter to announce a reimbursement available to dealers for travel to a customer's location to perform a recall or field service campaign. Potential travel reimbursement applies to DTNA truck dealers a…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.