NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Western Star 4900 Recalls & Complaints

The 2012 Western Star 4900 has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Western Star dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Western Star 4900. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 Western Star 4900 owner complaints

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2012 Western Star 4900, describing incidents dated September 4, 2015.

Most-cited components

Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint

The complaint on file reports a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10820500 · Filed January 15, 2016
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…

Read the full complaint

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2012 Western Star 4900 in 1 investigation. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Audit Query AQ18-002: Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
Closed July 11, 2024

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Tie-Rod Separation Due to Vibration

NHTSA #18V503000 · Steering — Linkages — Tie Rod Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported July 31, 2018 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Potentially affected: 1,256 vehicles

Repair completion: 70.21% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign FL782 · Owners notified March 22, 2019 · Vehicles built July 1, 2011 – January 30, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Brake Hose may Chafe

NHTSA #18V351000 · Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA notice

Reported May 29, 2018 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Potentially affected: 640 vehicles

Repair completion: 72.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign FL-773 · Owners notified November 27, 2018 · Vehicles built February 23, 2011 – June 5, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

NHTSA #17V810000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported December 15, 2017 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Potentially affected: 24,860 vehicles

Repair completion: 0.92% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign FL-759 · Owners notified April 11, 2018 · Vehicles built July 11, 2001 – August 19, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Brake Lights May Not Activate

NHTSA #17V761000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported November 27, 2017 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Potentially affected: 438,255 vehicles

Repair completion: 72.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign FL-756 · Owners notified May 9, 2018 · Vehicles built March 27, 2007 – November 21, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Seatbelt Anchorage Point may be Weak

NHTSA #13V401000 · Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage · NHTSA notice

Reported September 5, 2013 · Daimler Trucks North America

Potentially affected: 650 vehicles

Repair completion: 37.31% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign FL-645 · Vehicles built May 27, 2008 – May 22, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE

NHTSA #12V074000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported February 28, 2012 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 103,437 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 12C-2 · Owners notified April 27, 2012

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

DTNA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 12C-2.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

EMERGENCY VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTDOWN

NHTSA #11V605000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported December 27, 2011 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 66 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 11C-4 · Owners notified March 13, 2012 · Vehicles built July 2, 2010 – December 13, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 APPLICATIONS.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

DTNA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11C-4 (FL-621).OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

BRAKE VALVE AIR LINE ROUTING

NHTSA #11V283000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported May 16, 2011 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 94 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-607 · Owners notified December 31, 2011 · Vehicles built April 1, 2010 – May 13, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

DTNA'S SAFETY RECALL NUMBER FL-607.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2012 Western Star 4900. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

1 owner complaint has been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Western Star 4900.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10820500

Fire

Incident: September 4, 2015 · Filed: January 15, 2016

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 MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 280,471.

Other Western Star 4900 model years

Check your 2012 Western Star 4900 VIN

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