The Used Car Index

2012 Western Star 4900 problems

NHTSA lists 1 complaints for the 2012 Western Star 4900, 0 of them mention a crash and 1 mention a fire. 0 complaints mention an injury, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-08.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as WESTERN STAR 4900.

At a glance

Complaints
1
With crash
0
With fire
1
With injury (complaints)
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Recalls
8
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
438,255
Investigations
1
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
628

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1100.0%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
fluid or fuel leak1100.0%0.92
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
high1100.0%0.96

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 1 tagged complaints of 1 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

8 recalls.

18V503000

Date: 2018-07-31. Systems: STEERING.

Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Freightliner Cascadia, Coronado, Business Class M2, 114SD, and Western Star 4900 trucks. In certain front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations, braking may cause high vibrations, resulting in early failure of the tie-rod tube.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake linings, brake spider, and tie-rod, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL782.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

18V351000

Date: 2018-05-29. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.

Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2019 Western Star 4900 trucks built with Lowmax hoods and disc brakes. There may be insufficient clearance between the front brake hose and the hood resulting in the brake hose being chafed.

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

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle brake hose, free of charge. DTNA issued owners an interim notification on July 27, 2018. The recall began November 27, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-773.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V810000

Date: 2017-12-15. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2002-2017 Freightliner Cascadia, Century Class, Columbia and Coronado trucks and Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, 5900 and 6900 trucks. These vehicles are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force ma (excerpt)

Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. (excerpt)

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712, or contact Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-759. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V761000

Date: 2017-11-27. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2008-2018 Freightliner Cascadia, Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, and 6900 trucks. After hard brake applications, the brake light pressure switch may not activate the brake lights with a light application of the brake pedal.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. Daimler issued interim notifications to owners on January 22, 2018. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-756.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

13V401000

Date: 2013-09-05. Systems: SEAT BELTS.

Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Western Star 4900 vehicles manufactured May 27, 2008, through March 22, 2013. A potential misalignment of a clearance hole in the B-pillar reinforcement may affect the performance of the seatbelt D-ring anchorage point.

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

Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the D-ring anchor points, free of charge. The recall began during january November 2014. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's recall number is FL-645.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

12V074000

Date: 2012-02-28. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2013 FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT DIESEL EPA07 AND EPA10, DD13 AND DD15/16 ENGINES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 20, 2006, THROUGH FEBRUARY 20, 2012. THE PUMP TO RAIL HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE SUPPORT SYSTEM USED ON THESE ENGINES IS SENSITIVE TO ASSEMBLY TORQUE AND MAY BE DAMAGED DURING SERVICE WORK. (excerpt)

Consequence: A FUEL LEAK COULD CREATE A ROAD HAZARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. ALSO A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE. (excerpt)

Remedy: DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WHERE NECESSARY, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE SUPPORT SYSTEM WILL BE REPLACED BY DTNA AUTHORIZED SERVICE FACILITIES, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

11V605000

Date: 2011-12-27. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 AND WESTERN STAR 4900 EMERGENCY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 2, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 13, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH A DD13 EPA10 DETROIT DIESEL ENGINE. THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN SOFTWARE NORMALLY PROVIDED TO PROTECT THE ENGINE AND VEHICLE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN DISABLED ON ENGINES INTENDED FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLE (excerpt)

Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR RECEIVES AND IGNORES MULTIPLE WARNINGS INDICATING THE NEED FOR OPERATOR INTERVENTION, THE ENGINE MAY SHUT DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY. UNEXPECTED EMERGENCY VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTDOWN UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD HAMPER RESCUE OPERATIONS AND PLACE THE PUBLIC AT RISK. (excerpt)

Remedy: DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL DISABLE THE ENGINE SHUTDOWN SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

11V283000

Date: 2011-05-16. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR.

Defect: DTNA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 WESTERN STAR 4900 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 1, 2010, THROUGH MAY 13, 2011, WITH STANDARD CAB HEIGHT AND A DD13 ENGINE. THE SUPPLY AND DELIVERY AIRLINES FOR THE FOOT VALVE MAY CONTACT THE AIR INTAKE ON THE ENGINE. RELATIVE MOTION BETWEEN THE CAB AND THE ENGINE MAY ALLOW THE DELIVERY AIRLINES TO CHAFE ON THE AIR INTAKE.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE AIR LINES AND REROUTE IF NECESSARY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CLEARANCE TO THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DTNA AT 1-800-547-0712.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

1 investigations; 0 open.

AQ18002

Opened: 2018-04-23. Closed: 2024-07-11.

Daimler Trucks North America Recalls

On April 23, 2018, the National Highway Trai? c Safety Administration (a NHTSAa ) opened Audit Query (AQ18002) to assess the timeliness and scope of four recalls i? led by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (a DTNAa ). NHTSA subsequently expanded AQ18002 to examine the timeliness and scope of three additional DTNA recalls and compliance with early warning reporting and manufacturer communicatio

Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STEERING.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

Manufacturer communications

628 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
EQUIPMENT188
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING165
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM77
ENGINE64
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE62
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL51
POWER TRAIN49
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY27

10214907

Date: 2022-06-27. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: VISIBILITY.

Updated Western Star Service Bulletin for HVAC Actuator Replacement

10213225

Date: 2022-05-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: VISIBILITY.

Western Star Service Bulletin for HVAC Actuator Replacement. The wiring harness of the actuator of the fresh air recirculation door on Western Star vehicles equipped with Red Dot HVAC systems should be inspected for signs of water intrusion and corrosion.

10210548

Date: 2022-04-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Important Campaign Information Letter for DDC D21M1 Termination Date Extended. This letter is to inform you that a revised bulletin for Detroit Diesel Field Service Campaign D21M1, DT12 Transmission Drive Shaft Cover Plug Reseal has been EXTENDED for an additional three months. Please use the extend

10205885

Date: 2021-12-09. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: VISIBILITY.

HVAC Actuator Wiring Harness. Revision History: Service kit part number changed from RDH RD5 17147 0 to WWS RD-3-9069-0 on 12/9/21. The wiring harness of the actuator of the fresh air recirculation door, shown in Fig. 1, on Western Star vehicles equipped with Red Dot HVAC systems should be inspected

10202728

Date: 2021-10-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: VISIBILITY.

SF626 Western Star Window Replacement Inspection Notification. This letter is to inform you that Field Service Campaign SF626 Western Star Window Replacement Inspection Notification campaign was released.

10201680

Date: 2021-09-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY.

Customer Advisory Letter for HVAC Actuator Wiring Harness. The wiring harness of the actuator of the fresh air recirculation door, shown in Fig. 1, on Western Star vehicles equipped with Red Dot HVAC systems should be inspected for signs of water intrusion and corrosion.

10198595

Date: 2021-06-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Western Star Service Bulletin for Key Fob ID Retention. Key fobs for remote keyless entry on Western Star vehicles are delivered in packages that include a unique ID for the fob. The ID is required when pairing the key fob with a vehicle.

10190551

Date: 2021-04-19. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

Warranty Information letter announcing that DTNA is increasing the Standard Diagnostic Times (SDTs) shown. The updated after treatment system (ATS) diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) pump times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after April 12, 2021.

10191143

Date: 2021-04-19. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Detroit Field Service Campaign for DT12 Transmission Drive Shaft Cover Plug Reseal. Daimler Trucks North America LLC, on behalf of its DETROIT Powertrain Division, is initiating Field Service Campaign D21M1 on certain DT12 transmissions in order to reseal the bypass plugs of the drive shaft cover lo

10190549

Date: 2021-04-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

Warranty Information Letter announcing DTNA is adjusting the Standard Repair Times (SRTs) shown. The updated times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after April 5, 2021.

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
49001

Same model, other years

All model years | All Western Star models

Other Western Star models, 2012

Sources

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