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2005 Western Star 4900Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2005 Western Star 4900, most often about the power train. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-810 the manufacturer reports only 1% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls7Lowest repair rate 1%Owner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage208kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 15, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Western Star 4900 has problems

2 complaints 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
Power train10
Visibility10

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

7 recalls

2005 Western Star 4900 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.

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 →

–no report yet

Fuel system, diesel

Recall 08V-113 · Mar 11, 2008 · 62,000 vehicles

Risk. IF A LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, FUEL MAY IGNITE AT A HOT ENGINE SURFACE AND/OR FUEL MAY BE SPILLED ON THE ROAD SURFACE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 06V-030 · Feb 8, 2006 · 5,771 vehicles

Risk. THE OIL LINE MAY BE CUT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSING AN OIL LEAK AND A POSSIBLE FIRE.

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

2005 vs. every other 4900 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 4900 median. How we score

'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2005 Western Star 4900, and the recalls they led to.

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

What 4900 owners report

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

PASSENGER SIDE STEER AXLE HUB FAILED. IT CRACKED IN A CIRCULAR PATTERN BETWEEN THE SPINDLE WHEEL STUDS AND THE BEARING FLANGE 360 DEGREES. *JB
Complaint 10160779 · Jun 26, 2006 · 208,175 miles

Own a 2005 4900?

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