NHTSA vehicle safety data
1997 Western Star Constellation Recalls & Complaints
The 1997 Western Star Constellation has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file as of October 21, 2026. try.vin has no NHTSA owner complaints on file for the 1997 Western Star Constellation. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Western Star dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1997 Western Star Constellation. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
WESTERN STAR/FMVSS 121
NHTSA #97V151000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Low Pressure Warning — Switch · NHTSA notice
Reported September 14, 1997 · WESTERN STAR TRUCKS, INC.
Potentially affected: 40 vehicles
Owners notified October 10, 1997 · Vehicles built February 17, 1997 – May 26, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY 6X4 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EITHER HENDRICKSON RT/RS SERIES SUSPENSIONS OR CHALMERS 800 SERIES SUSPENSIONS, WITH A WHEEL BASE GREATER THAN 250 INCHES, AND WESTERN STAR'S AIR '96' AIR BRAKE SYSTEM WITHOUT ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE AIR BRAKE RELEASE TIME REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Safety consequence
AIR BRAKE RELEASE TIME MAY BE LONGER THAN ANTICIPATED BY THE OPERATOR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IN-LINE QUICK RELEASE VALVE IN EACH OF THE DROP LINES TO THE REAR MOST BRAKE CHAMBERS.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN OCTOBER 10, 1997.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WESTERN STAR AT 1-250-860-3319. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
WESTERN STAR/STEERING
NHTSA #97V075000 · Steering — Gear Box (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) · NHTSA notice
Reported April 25, 1997 · WESTERN STAR TRUCKS, INC.
Potentially affected: 14 vehicles
Owners notified June 9, 1997 · Vehicles built November 1, 1995 – March 31, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CONVENTIONAL TRUCKS AND TRUCK/TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH A FIREWALL ADAPTER PLATE FOR THE STEERING SHAFT BOOT. INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND THE TOP OF THE OPENING IN THE ADAPTER PLATE CAN CAUSE THE STEERING SHAFT TO CONTACT THE TOP OF THE FIREWALL ADAPTER OPENING WEARING A GROOVE IN THE STEERING SHAFT. IF THE GROOVE IS ALLOWED TO WEAR DEEP ENOUGH, THE SHAFT CAN FAIL.
Safety consequence
IF THE STEERING SHAFT FAILS, STEERING CONTROL WILL BE LOST INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FIREWALL ADAPTER PLATE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MAY 20, 1997.NOTE:OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WESTERN STAR AT 1-250-660-3319.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Other Western Star Constellation model years
Check your 1997 Western Star Constellation VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Western Star Constellation at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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