2019 Western Star 4900Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2019 Western Star 4900, most often about the parking brake. It is covered by 15 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-641 the manufacturer reports only 0% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 12, 2022. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2019 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
Parking brake10
Service brakes10

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

15 recalls

2019 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.

47%repaired · 2025 Q1

Tires

Recall 22V-919 · Dec 12, 2022 · 49 vehicles · 23 repaired

Risk. Driving with tires that are not compatible with their rims can reduce tire performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 →

79%repaired · 2023 Q1

Power train: clutch assembly

Recall 20V-642 · Oct 16, 2020 · 4,329 vehicles · 3,399 repaired

Risk. Unintended vehicle movement van increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 11 more recalls
67%repaired · 2022 Q2

Defroster/defogger/hvac system: rear window

Recall 19V-792 · Nov 4, 2019 · 2,725 vehicles · 1,815 repaired

Risk. If the vent window detaches while the vehicle is in motion, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

66%repaired · 2022 Q2

Body: door

Recall 19V-722 · Oct 10, 2019 · 2,547 vehicles · 1,669 repaired

Risk. A baggage or sleeper side door that separates from the vehicle while in motion can cause road debris, increasing the risk of an injury or crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

79%repaired · 2021 Q1

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Recall 19V-171 · Mar 5, 2019 · 361 vehicles · 285 repaired

Risk. The odometer failing to register the correct distance travelled could cause driver confusion, as well as possible incorrect assumptions about driver speed.

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 →

72%repaired · 2021 Q2

Power train: clutch assembly

Recall 18V-903 · Dec 19, 2018 · 6,795 vehicles · 4,886 repaired

Risk. Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

80%repaired · 2020 Q3

Disc: caliper

Recall 18V-703 · Oct 5, 2018 · 5,534 vehicles · 4,415 repaired

Risk. Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

65%repaired · 2020 Q1

Engine: diesel

Recall 18V-581 · Aug 30, 2018 · 4,500 vehicles · 2,916 repaired

Risk. If the fuel line bursts, fuel may leak onto the road resulting in a roadway hazard for other motorists.

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 →

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 →

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

2019 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
In owners' words

What 4900 owners report

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 WESTERN STAR 4900SB. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON AN INCLINE AND ATTEMPTING TO SET THE PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE, THE DRIVER HAD TO REMOVE HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO ACTIVATE THE…
Complaint 11197338 · Apr 19, 2019 · 600 miles

Own a 2019 4900?

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