NHTSA vehicle safety data
1997 Western Star Heritage Recalls & Complaints
The 1997 Western Star Heritage 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 Heritage. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Western Star dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1997 Western Star Heritage. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
WESTERN STAR/5TH WHEEL MOUNTING PLATES
NHTSA #97V152000 · Trailer Hitches — Fifth Wheel Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported September 14, 1997 · WESTERN STAR TRUCKS, INC.
Potentially affected: 14 vehicles
Owners notified September 19, 1997 · Vehicles built January 1, 1997 – August 31, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FONTAINE SL6FM229-8375 FIXED FIFTH WHEELS. THE FIFTH WHEEL MOUNTING PLATE FLANGES IN THE FRONT AND REAR CAN INTERFERE WITH THE NORMAL ARTICULATION OF THE FIFTH WHEEL. THIS INTERFERENCE CAN LEAD TO DAMAGE OF THE FIFTH WHEEL LOCK HANDLE AND/OR THE TOP PLATE.
Safety consequence
DAMAGE OF THESE COMPONENTS CAN LEAD TO FAILURE OF THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TRACTOR AND THE SEMI-TRAILER ALLOWING THE SEMI-TRAILER TO SEPARATE FROM THE TRACTOR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FIFTH WHEEL MOUNTING PLATES AND REPAIR ANY DAMAGED FIFTH WHEEL COMPONENTS.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 19,1997.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/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.
Other Western Star Heritage model years
Check your 1997 Western Star Heritage VIN
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