2017 Western Star 4700Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2017 Western Star 4700, most often about the steering. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-810 the manufacturer reports only 1% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 17, 2021. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2017 Western Star 4700 has problems

1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Steering10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

9 recalls

2017 Western Star 4700 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

31%repaired · 2024 Q1

Tires

Recall 21V-896 · Nov 17, 2021 · 307 vehicles · 96 repaired

Risk. Unapproved tires that are not rated for the vehicle can cause tire performance issues, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

63%repaired · 2020 Q4

Steering

Recall 18V-913 · Dec 19, 2018 · 501 vehicles · 316 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

75%repaired · 2019 Q4

Disc: caliper

Recall 18V-353 · May 29, 2018 · 8,741 vehicles · 6,557 repaired

Risk. If the brake caliper mounting bolts loosen, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 5 more recalls
1%repaired · 2019 Q3

Equipment

Recall 17V-810 · Dec 15, 2017 · 24,860 vehicles · 228 repaired

Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

72%repaired · 2019 Q3

Exterior lighting: brake lights

Recall 17V-761 · Nov 27, 2017 · 438,255 vehicles · 316,205 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

81%repaired · 2019 Q3

12v/24v/48v battery: cables

Recall 17V-588 · Sep 21, 2017 · 32 vehicles · 26 repaired

Risk. Battery cable contact with the axle yoke may cause the cable to chafe and short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

88%repaired · 2018 Q1

Power train: axle hubs

Recall 16V-634 · Aug 31, 2016 · 156 vehicles · 137 repaired

Risk. If a wheel separates from the axle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Western Star.

Best & worst years

2017 vs. every other 4700 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 4700 median. How we score

'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2017 Western Star 4700, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Daimler Trucks North America RecallsAQ18002 · closed Jul 11, 2024
    No recall
In owners' words

What 4700 owners report

Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THERE IS BINDING ON STEERING WHEEL DURING THE STATIC STEERING OF THE TRUCK ON THE PAVEMENT AT STATIONARY POSITION. THE PROBLEM IS WORSE WHEN TUCK IS LOADED, OR HAS A FRONT ATTACHMENT, SUCH AS OUR SNOW-PLOWS. THE SITUATION CAUSES CONCERN TO OPERATORS WHEN THEY ARE PARKING AND OR MOVING IN WITHIN THE…
Complaint 10968710 · Mar 27, 2017

Own a 2017 4700?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.