2012 Western Star 4900Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2012 Western Star 4900, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 8 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 July 31, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Western Star 4900 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
Fuel/propulsion system11

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

8 recalls

2012 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.

70%repaired · 2020 Q4

Linkages: tie rod assembly

Recall 18V-503 · Jul 31, 2018 · 1,256 vehicles · 879 repaired

Risk. A tie-rod failure would cause a disconnect between the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering ability, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

73%repaired · 2020 Q2

Service brakes, air

Recall 18V-351 · May 29, 2018 · 640 vehicles · 466 repaired

Risk. Front brake hose chafing may causing air loss, possibly reducing braking effectiveness and increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 →

Show 4 more recalls
37%repaired · 2015 Q2

Front: anchorage

Recall 13V-401 · Sep 5, 2013 · 650 vehicles · 241 repaired

Risk. In the event of a crash, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine: diesel

Recall 11V-605 · Dec 27, 2011 · 66 vehicles

Risk. IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR RECEIVES AND IGNORES MULTIPLE WARNINGS INDICATING THE NEED FOR OPERATOR INTERVENTION, THE ENGINE MAY SHUT DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 11V-283 · May 16, 2011 · 94 vehicles

Risk. A HOLE IN THE DELIVERY AIR LINE MAY DEVELOP, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO REDUCED BRAKING CAPACITY TO THE FRONT OR REAR BRAKES, INCREASING THE 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

2012 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 2012 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 fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 WESTERN STAR 4900. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FUEL LINE CRACKED AND BEGAN LEAKING FUEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE…
Complaint 10820500 · Jan 15, 2016 · 280,471 miles

Own a 2012 4900?

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