repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
NewRisk. A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
2021 Western Star 49xProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 0 owner complaints about the 2021 Western Star 49x. It is covered by 13 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-760 the manufacturer reports only 54% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 11, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Western Star 49x has problems
0 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
13 recalls
2021 Western Star 49x 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 · 2026 Q3
Suspension: critical fasteners
Risk. A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
Risk. A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. Brake lights that fail to illuminate can fail to indicate to other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 9 more recalls
repaired · 2025 Q1
Exterior lighting
Risk. Hazard warning lights that flash improperly may cause confusion for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q3
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. Brakes that pull to one side may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q3
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control
Risk. Brakes that pull to one side during an ACC braking event may cause a sudden change in vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Body: hood
Risk. Detached hood bezel covers may cause a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Windshield wiper/washer: linkages
Risk. Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Structure: body
Risk. A detached side air intake cover may cause a road hazard and 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 · 2023 Q3
Steering
Do not driveRisk. Steering shaft separation can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
12v/24v/48v battery: cables
Risk. An engine stall increases 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
2021 vs. every other 49x 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 49x median. How we score
'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
Own a 2021 49x?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.