Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2020 Western Star 4900
NHTSA data on file today
The 2020 Western Star 4900 has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22V919000 Incompatible Tires and Rims/FMVSS 120 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V896000 Unapproved Tire and Rim Combination/FMVSS 120 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V634000 Incorrect GAWR on Certification Label/FMVSS 120 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V539000 Lower Rear Pivot Cap Screws May Be Too Short NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V211000 Incorrect GAWR on Certification Label/FMVSS 120 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V792000 Vent Windows May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V722000 Baggage/Sleeper Side Door May Separate from Hinge NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Suspension 1 complaint
- Unknown or Other 1 complaint
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $12,000–$18,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2020 Western Star 4900 has a moderate recall history, primarily concerning tire and rim compatibility, labels, and potential adhesion issues. Despite these issues, the vehicle maintains an average reliability rating due to limited complaints and manageable repair costs.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| wheel rim | 30,000-70,000 miles | $500–$1,000 | common |
| suspension | 40,000-80,000 miles | $1,000–$2,000 | occasional |
| door adhesive | 50,000-90,000 miles | $300–$700 | rare |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter changes
- Brake inspections
- Transmission fluid replacement
- Tire rotations and balances
- Suspension checks
- Exhaust system inspections
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Irregular tire wear
- Suspension noise
- Loose doors or panels
- Window detachment
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2020 Western Star 4900 at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.