repaired · 2025 Q1
Tires
Risk. Driving with tires that are not compatible with their rims can reduce tire performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
2020 Western Star 4700Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2020 Western Star 4700, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-896 the manufacturer reports only 31% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 10, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Western Star 4700 has problems
2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
1Electrical system
1Engine
1Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
1Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
1Steering
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2020 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.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Other: labels
Risk. An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A high pressure fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Tires
Risk. Unapproved tires that are not rated for the vehicle can cause tire performance issues, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 8 more recalls
repaired · 2023 Q2
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. Damage to the ground harness may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Other: labels
Risk. Incorrect weight rating information on the certification labels could result in potential overloading of the axles, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Suspension: multiple axle
Risk. If the screws are not long enough to engage the corresponding nuts, the hardware may separate from the suspension system, becoming a road hazard, increasing…
repaired · 2022 Q1
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q1
Other: labels
Risk. An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q1
Disc: caliper
Risk. Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q3
Steering
Risk. This loss of connection would result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
2020 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
In owners' words
What 4700 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
Own a 2020 4700?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.