2008 Western Star 4900: recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns for the 2008 Western Star 4900. The newest campaign is 17V810000. NHTSA received the report on 15 Dec 2017. The NHTSA record gives the component Equipment. NHTSA has no complaint on file for this model year. 2 NHTSA investigations name this model year.

The NHTSA recall file shows no do-not-drive advisory and no park-outside advisory on these campaigns.

This page cannot show if a recall applies to one vehicle. The NHTSA VIN lookup shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle.

Remedy of the newest campaign, 17V810000, in the NHTSA record

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.

NHTSA VIN lookup

Complaint information entered into NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation vehicle owner's complaint database is used with other data sources to identify safety issues that warrant investigation and to determine if a safety-related defect trend exists.
NHTSA publishes these words. Source: NHTSA Datasets and APIs, section Complaints, read on 1 Oct 2026. Complaint file through 30 Sep 2026. Recall file through 30 Sep 2026.

Since the last update

No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks

All updates to the register

Recall campaigns

17 campaigns, newest first. 764,205 units in total.

17V81000015 Dec 2017Equipment
17V76100027 Nov 2017Exterior Lighting / Brake Lights / Switch
12V07400028 Feb 2012Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine / Diesel
11V47800016 Sep 2011Fuel System, Diesel
11V20700029 Mar 2011Engine and Engine Cooling
11V1460003 Mar 2011Engine and Engine Cooling
10V34100027 Jul 2010Engine and Engine Cooling
10V11200023 Mar 2010Engine and Engine Cooling
09V4000008 Oct 2009Engine and Engine Cooling
09V3910006 Oct 2009Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
09V36600023 Sep 2009Engine and Engine Cooling
08V1590009 Apr 2008Parking Brake / Conventional / Air
07V59200021 Dec 2007Steering / Gear Box / Shaft Sector
07V53000013 Nov 2007Trailer Hitches / Fifth Wheel Assembly
07V3350002 Aug 2007Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery
07V31600024 Jul 2007Suspension / Rear
07V30600018 Jul 2007Steering

17V810000Received 15 Dec 2017. 24,860 units.
Equipment
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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 may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Daimler Trucks North America LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-759. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 11 Apr 2018.
17V761000Received 27 Nov 2017. 438,255 units.
Exterior Lighting / Brake Lights / Switch
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
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, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by Daimler Trucks North America LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-756. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 9 May 2018.
12V074000Received 28 Feb 2012. 103,437 units.
Engine and Engine Cooling / Engine / Diesel
Defect, in the NHTSA record
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. As a result of other repairs, the line supports may loosen, potentially leading to fuel line cracking and a fuel leak.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
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.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
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.
Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number 12C-2. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 27 Apr 2012.
11V478000Received 16 Sep 2011. 73,500 units.
Fuel System, Diesel
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2008 heavy trucks manufactured from july 11, 2003, through september 28, 2007, equipped with epa04 model mbe4000 engines built with plastic low pressure fuel lines and fuel filters mounted near the center of the engine on the left-hand side. The plastic low pressure fuel line between engine mounted fuel filter and engine block may develop a substantial diesel fuel leak.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
This could create a road hazard increasing the risk of a crash. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks will notify owners and the remedy will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities. Vehicles will be inspected and the plastic low pressure fuel line will be replaced with a steel low pressure fuel line. This service will be performed free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on october 28, 2011. The safety recall began on february 21, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number 11C-2. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 21 Feb 2012.
11V207000Received 29 Mar 2011. 88 units.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 western star 4900 trucks equipped with caterpillar c15 engines and manufactured from february 9, 2007, through february 20, 2009. Degradation of a combustion tube weld can cause radial heat impingement on the body which may burn through certain bodies used on c15 engines.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
This could result in a fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Caterpillar is handling the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Please see caterpillar's defect report 11e-006. Caterpillar will replace the single piece combustion tube with a thick wall combustion tube which won't allow the heat to break through. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began in august 2011. Owners may contact caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986.
Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number FL-603. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 4 Aug 2011.
11V146000Received 3 Mar 2011. 2,073 units.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2011 freightliner, cascadia, century, columbia fld, and m2, sterling 9500, and western star 4900 heavy trucks manufactured from march 20, 2006, through june 30, 2010, equipped with specific mbe4000 epa07 model engines. The intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail due to excessive internal temperatures.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
A short circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dtna will notify owners of the recall during march 2011. Another notification will be issued once the remedy is released. Dtna expects the remedy to be available by december 1, 2011. Repairs will be performed by dtna dealers free of charge. Owners may contact dtna toll-free at 1-800-547-0712. This recall is asscociated with a previous recall, campaign number 10v-341.
Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number 10C-5. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 2 Dec 2011.
10V341000Received 27 Jul 2010. 5,743 units.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 freightliner, fccc, sterling, and western star heavy trucks manufactured from september 5, 2006, through june 30, 2010, equipped with specific mbe900 epa04 and epa07 model engines. The intake air grid heater may short circuit and fail due to excessive internal temperatures.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
A short circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks will notify owners and dealers will repair the buses free of charge. Repairs will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 29, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712.
Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number 10C-5. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 29 Jul 2011.
10V112000Received 23 Mar 2010. 16 units.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2010 freightliner columbia, fld, sterling 9500 and western star 4900 emergency vehicles. The engine may shut down unexpectedly when a diesel particulate filter over temperature condition is detected.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
Unexpected emergency vehicle engine shutdown under certain conditions could hamper rescue operations and place the public at risk.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
The engine control logic will be reprogrammed to illuminate a malfunction indicator light without requesting engine shutdown. Repairs will be performed by detroit diesel. Please see daimler trucks defect report 10e-005. The safety recall began on may 17, 2010. Owners may contact detroit diesel at 1-313-592-5800 or daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number FL-575. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 17 May 2010.
09V400000Received 8 Oct 2009. 18,067 units.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks is recalling model year 2007-2010 freightliner, sterling and western star vehicles equipped with detroit diesel dd15 epa07 engines which were manufactured with grid heaters. Increased internal grid heater resistance caused by improperly tightened screws may melt the solder on the grid heater circuit board leading to a short circuit.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
A short-circuited grid heater could result in a vehicle fire and injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
The engine control logic will be reprogrammed free of charge by detroit diesel authorized repair facilities and direct warranty customers to provide cold weather starting without the need of a grid heater. The safety recall began on november 4, 2009. Owners may contact detroit diesel at 1-313-592-5800 and daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 4 Nov 2009.
09V391000Received 6 Oct 2009. 10,185 units.
Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 heavy trucks manufactured between january 17, 2006 and march 31, 2009, equipped with epa07 model mbe4000 engines built with plastic low pressure fuel lines. The plastic lines may experience leaks due to fatigue cracks caused by stress and vibration combined with high internal pressure.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If a diesel fuel leak continues undetected under certain conditions fuel may ignite on a hot engine surface and/or fuel may spill on the road increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks will notify owners and the remedy will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities and direct warranty customers. The safety recall began on may 7, 2010. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number 09C-2. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 7 May 2010.
09V366000Received 23 Sep 2009. 25,362 units.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks is recalling model year 2004-2010 trucks equipped with caterpillar c15 engine. The variable valve actuation oil line may rub against the p-clips retaining the oil line, causing an oil leak.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
An oil leak may result in a fire.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks is working with caterpillar to remedy these vehicles. Please see caterpillar's defect report 09e-020. Caterpillar will inspect and repair the necessary components free of charge. The recall began on may 5, 2009. Owners may contact caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986 or daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number FL-558.
08V159000Received 9 Apr 2008. 900 units.
Parking Brake / Conventional / Air
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Daimler trucks is recalling 900 my 2008 freightliner argosy, argosy rhd, cascadia, columbia, century st, coronado, sterling acterra, l-line and western star 4900 trucks equipped with bendix mv-3 dash control valves. The molded valve body has an incorrect core pin in the injection mold causing the valve body to be oversized in the double check valve area. This condition can allow the rubber double check valve to become lodged in the body opening under certain circumstances.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
If the double check valve becomes lodged, in the event of a primary reservoir failure, air pressure can leak past the lodged double check valve thereby depleting the secondary reservoir, causing reduced ability for modulating the service emergency brakes increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will inspect the mv-3 dash valve for the production date code. Valves in the affected production lots will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on october 9, 2008. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712.
Report filed by DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA. Manufacturer campaign number FL-528. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 9 Oct 2008.
07V592000Received 21 Dec 2007. 220 units.
Steering / Gear Box / Shaft Sector
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain trucks equipped with trw steering gears, models tas85 and rcs85, these steering gears contain potentially defective sector shafts with an incorrect gear tooth which may interfere with the rack-piston teeth, resulting in a stick or bind condition.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
This condition has the potential to cause the steering gear to stall and restrict the steering turning angle of the vehicle which could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Freightliner is working with trw to replace the defective steering gear (please see 07e101). The recall began on april 18, 2008. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-519. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 18 Apr 2008.
07V530000Received 13 Nov 2007. 38,000 units.
Trailer Hitches / Fifth Wheel Assembly
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain truck-tractors equipped with holland simplex se or se II fifth wheels, the latch lever pivot bolt assembly may have been over-tightened which could distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve. Corrosion or contaminates in the pivot may cause it to bind and prevent the fifth wheel jaw from latching securely around the trailer king pin.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
There is a possibility that the fifth wheel may fail to latch without the driver's knowledge. When the occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will replace the pivot bolt and sleeve with a hex head shoulder bolt and washer. The recall began on january 3, 2008. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-514. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 3 Jan 2008.
07V335000Received 2 Aug 2007. 4,299 units.
Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain trucks, a manufacturing error in the fuel-water separator preheater thermoswitch may prevent the fuel preheater from turning off if the ignition is left on. If the ignition switch is left on when fuel is added to the fuel- water separator at the factory or during a filter element change, a small flame may occur inside the filter cover.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
The potential exists for the flame to spread resulting in possible personal injury.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will inspect the fuel filter date code and thermoswitch lot code to determine if they contain the suspect component free of charge. The recall began on october 4, 2007. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-508. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 4 Oct 2007.
07V316000Received 24 Jul 2007. 1,200 units.
Suspension / Rear
Defect, in the NHTSA record
On certain trucks equipped with tuftrac rear suspensions, the center casting brackets may be out of specification. An out of square casting may have unacceptable stress in the bracket when it is installed and may cause it to crack in service.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
The drive axle may not be held in position if a cracked bracket fractures completely. This will affect vehicle control and may cause a crash without warning.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Dealers will inspect and castings that are out of specification will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on december 12, 2007. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-502. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 12 Dec 2007.
07V306000Received 18 Jul 2007. 18,000 units.
Steering
Defect, in the NHTSA record
Freightliner is recalling certain school bus chassis, heavy trucks, van chassis, RV motorhome chassis manufactured from january 5 to may 17, 2007, equipped with axle alliance company (aac) front axles. During the front axle assembly, the fasteners that attach the steering arm or tie rod arms to the spindle may be over or under tightened.
Consequence, in the NHTSA record
Incorrectly tightened steering arm fasteners may fatigue and fracture which could cause a crash without warning.
Remedy, in the NHTSA record
Thomas built will notify owners, inspect the fasteners, and replace the steering arm if necessary. The recall began on december 21, 2007. Owners can contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Report filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Manufacturer campaign number FL-501. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 21 Dec 2007.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

Complaints by component

The NHTSA complaint file has no complaint for this model year.

Investigations

NHTSA investigations that name the 2008 Western Star 4900
Number	Type	Subject	Component	Opened	Closed	Campaign
AQ18002	Audit query	Daimler Trucks North America Recalls	Exterior Lighting / Brake Lights / Switch	23 Apr 2018	11 Jul 2024
PE07047	Preliminary evaluation	INSECURE FIFTH WHEEL LATCHING	Trailer Hitches / Fifth Wheel Assembly	14 Sep 2007	19 Nov 2007	07V530000

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

Other model years

The number under each year is the number of recall campaigns.

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

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Official channels

NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
NHTSA page of the 2008 Western Star 4900The recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

Cite this page

Recall Register. 2008 Western Star 4900: recalls and complaints. https://recallregister.com/vehicle/western-star/4900/2008/. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall, complaint and investigation files. Data through 30 Sep 2026.

Sources

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Licence: US government work, public domain
Recall file through: 30 Sep 2026
Complaint file through: 30 Sep 2026
First complaint in the file: 1 Jan 1995
Manufacturer in the recall file: Daimler Trucks North America LLC

The NHTSA record is the authority. A complaint count is the number of different complaint numbers for the make, the model and the model year. How the register is made. Report an error.

Questions

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2008 Western Star 4900?: 764,205 units in 17 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.
How many recall campaigns does the Western Star 4900 have for all model years?: NHTSA lists 83 recall campaigns for the Western Star 4900, model years 1998 to 2023. 17 of them name the 2008 model year.
Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2008 Western Star 4900 open?: No. Each of the 2 investigations that name this model year has a closing date in the NHTSA file.