Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2020 Western Star 4900 peaked in 2021, with 1 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 4900
Truck, diesel, 6x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from May 24, 2021 to May 24, 2021.
Recall campaigns covering this model year75,873 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Close to the median 2020 truck
Severity index0.02020 trucks average 3.5
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2020 Western Star 4900 name suspension
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
7 recall campaigns cover the 2020 Western Star 4900
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 |
| 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 |
| 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-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 |
| 19V-792 | Nov 4, 2019 | Due to improper adhesive, the vent window may detach from the vehicle | Visibility and wipers | 2,725 | Part replacement |
| 19V-722 | Oct 10, 2019 | Adhesive bond may fail allowing the baggage or sleeper side door to separate from the hinges | Structure | 2,547 | Repair or modification |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2020 Western Star 4900
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.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed May 24, 2021Failure May 13, 2021Hernando, MSSuspension, Unknown or other
Center pin in front leaf springs is not long enough to enter hole in front axle which, keeps them from moving side to side and front to rear. This caused axle to move front and back egg shaping the spacers and causing u bolts to loosen. This could have been catastrophic if it had not been caught by mechanic after I noticed something not being right. The front axle could have folded under the weight of the truck had I had to apply the brakes hard to stop which could have caused a terrible accident. This has kept me in the shop for over a week. Now I have a huge bill and a truck note to pay because of negligence on behalf of western star trucks.There are other trucks that have experienced this same problem and no cure found from western star not to mention how many truck are on the highway right now with the same issue like a ticking time bomb. They have denied responsibility for this but, the truck came from their factory this way and the new springs had the the same size center pin so, the mechanic had to find longer center pins that would actually go down into the axle. I have some pictures and crows truck center in Memphis did the work and we have kept all of the old parts. The mechanic notated his findings on the invoice.
NHTSA complaint 11418380
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
156 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 - 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 - TSB01-001-DDC Feb 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Technical Service Bulletin for GHG17 and Newer DD Platform Heavy Duty Oil Pan Drain Plug Inserts - 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 - ICI24-031 Aug 15, 2024 · Other
Important Campaign Information letter for DDC D23M3 - Campaign Reactivated and Extended. Field Service Campaign D23M3 - GHG17 DETROITTM DD16® Vibration Damper Replacement has been extended for an additional 6 months. - 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. - ICI22-017 Apr 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Important Campaign Information Letter for DDC D21M1 Termination Date Extended. This letter is to inform you that a revised bulletin for Detroit Diesel Field Service Campaign D21M1, DT12 Transmission Drive Shaft Cover Plug Reseal has been EXTENDED for an add… - SBW49-020 Feb 15, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Western Star Service Bulletin for DEF Connector Reinforcement Caps - 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. - SS708-WST2021 Jun 11, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Western Star Service Solution for Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) Troubleshooting: Western Star 5700 and New 4700. - SS1033094 May 12, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Solution SS 1033094 KUS Float Tube Fuel Level Sensor Inform... - CALWS49-001 May 31, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customer Advisory Letter on ATD Inlet Pipe Bellows Assembly - WSTCAE180-2020 Oct 13, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Portland Truck Plant Paint 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 - D21M1 Apr 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Detroit Field Service Campaign for DT12 Transmission Drive Shaft Cover Plug Reseal. Daimler Trucks North America LLC, on behalf of its DETROIT Powertrain Division, is initiating Field Service Campaign D21M1 on certain DT12 transmissions in order to reseal t… - 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. - DT12 Trans Chafe Mar 10, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DTNA received a field notification on multiple units regarding diagnostic fault codes that were found to be causing issues to the After Treatment Control Module (ACM). These fault codes indicated that the ACM communication message was not received by the Mo… - 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… - 21TS-04 Feb 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Technical Service Letter for Gen 5 DD15 Instrument Panel Oil Pressure Gauge Operation. Gen 5 DD15 equipped units have been brought in for service with a complaint of the instrument panel oil pressure gauge not moving during unit operation and/or stuck at 50… - 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… - WI21-006 Feb 15, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Warranty Information Letter for Detroit NOx Sensor Circuit Fault Codes - Claim Guidelines. - WI21-005 Feb 15, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Warranty Information Letter for Body Builder/Truck Equipment Manufacturer Demonstration Program. - WI20-014R Feb 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Revised Warranty Information Letter for OWL and Warranty Manual Improvement: Sublets and Travel Time/Distance. In the spirit of continuous improvement, DTNA reviewed sublet-related policies and procedures. The goal was to improve language clarity and optimi… - SBW35-018 Dec 17, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Western Star Service Bulletin for Axle Flange Gasket Replaced with O-Ring. Daimler Trucks North America has released a new axle shaft to hub rubber O-ring (part number 11-30728-000) as a replacement for the paper gasket (part number 11-14418-000). The new O…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.