Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2012 Western Star 4900, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Fuel/propulsion system1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 6 2012 4900 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 1 person died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2012 Western Star 4900 failed the safety check 0.52% of the time — 79% less often than the average 2012 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 225,013 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Recalls in Canada
12 Transport Canada recalls for the 2012 Western Star 4900.
| 2021706 17 Nov 2021 | Tires Issue: Certain trucks were built with tires that are not approved for use with the truck's wheels. As a result, the tires may not perform properly, or a tire … |
| 2019237 17 May 2019 | Brakes Issue: Certain trucks were built with air reservoir tanks that are too small in relation to the size of the air brake chambers. Canadian regulations require e… |
| 2018283 29 May 2018 | Brakes Certain vehicles built with front disc brakes and a Lomax hood may not have enough clearance between the hood and the front brake hose. This could cause chafing… |
| 2017636 18 Dec 2017 | Accessories On certain vehicles equipped with Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers may become clogged or require excessive… |
| 2017583 28 Nov 2017 | Brakes On certain vehicles with air brakes, after several hard brake applications, the brake light pressure switch may not activate the brake lights with a light appli… |
| 2013300 4 Sept 2013 | Seats And Restraints On certain trucks, a misaligned B-pillar reinforcement could affect seatbelt D-ring anchor performance. Failure of the seatbelt D-ring anchorage to restrain th… |
| 2012113 30 Mar 2012 | Seats And Restraints On certain vehicles, the driver's seat base may not have been manufactured correctly and could fail. This could allow the seat to lower unexpectedly. Should t… |
| 2012080 27 Feb 2012 | Fuel System On certain trucks equipped with a Detroit Diesel DD13, DD15 or DD16 engine, the support system for the high pressure fuel line (between the fuel pump and the fu… |
| 2011439 22 Dec 2011 | Engine On certain emergency vehicles, the engine shutdown system (normally provided to protect the engine in case of malfunction) may not have been disabled during veh… |
| 2011236 22 Jun 2011 | Electrical On certain trucks equipped with a DD15 or DD16 engine, the bolt attaching a rubber isolator to a support bracket may become loose, back out, and contact the sta… |
| 2011196 13 May 2011 | Brakes On certain vehicles, the supply and delivery air lines for the foot valve may contact the engine air intake and suffer chafe damage. Rapid air loss from the su… |
| 2011172 27 Apr 2011 | Powertrain On certain trucks, the driveshaft may not have been welded correctly during the manufacturing process. This could allow the driveshaft to fracture along the le… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Western Star told its dealers about the 2012 Western Star 4900: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10214907 | Updated Western Star Service Bulletin for HVAC Actuator Replacement |
| 10213225 | Western Star Service Bulletin for HVAC Actuator Replacement. The wiring harness of the actuator of the fresh air recirculation door on Western Star vehicles equipped with Red Dot HVAC systems should be inspected for signs of water intrusion and corrosion. |
| 10210548 | Important Campaign Information Letter for DDC D21M1 Termination Date Extended. This letter is to inform you that a revised bulletin for Detroit Diesel Field Service Campaign D21M1, DT12 Transmission Drive Shaft Cover Plug Reseal has been EXTENDED for an additional three months. Please use the extended termination date for all work under D21M1 from this point forward. REVISION: D21M1 termination date extended to July 1, 2022. |
| 10205885 | HVAC Actuator Wiring Harness. Revision History: Service kit part number changed from RDH RD5 17147 0 to WWS RD-3-9069-0 on 12/9/21. The wiring harness of the actuator of the fresh air recirculation door, shown in Fig. 1, on Western Star vehicles equipped with Red Dot HVAC systems should be inspected for signs of water intrusion and corrosion. |
| 10202728 | SF626 Western Star Window Replacement Inspection Notification. This letter is to inform you that Field Service Campaign SF626 Western Star Window Replacement Inspection Notification campaign was released. |
| 10201680 | Customer Advisory Letter for HVAC Actuator Wiring Harness. The wiring harness of the actuator of the fresh air recirculation door, shown in Fig. 1, on Western Star vehicles equipped with Red Dot HVAC systems should be inspected for signs of water intrusion and corrosion. |
| 10198595 | Western Star Service Bulletin for Key Fob ID Retention. Key fobs for remote keyless entry on Western Star vehicles are delivered in packages that include a unique ID for the fob. The ID is required when pairing the key fob with a vehicle. |
| 10195575 | Service Solution SS 1033094 KUS Float Tube Fuel Level Sensor Inform... |
| 10193771 | Portland Truck Plant Paint Changes |
| 10191143 | Detroit Field Service Campaign for DT12 Transmission Drive Shaft Cover Plug Reseal. Daimler Trucks North America LLC, on behalf of its DETROIT Powertrain Division, is initiating Field Service Campaign D21M1 on certain DT12 transmissions in order to reseal the bypass plugs of the drive shaft cover located in front housing. |
| 10190551 | Warranty Information letter announcing that DTNA is increasing the Standard Diagnostic Times (SDTs) shown. The updated after treatment system (ATS) diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) pump times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after April 12, 2021. |
| 10190549 | Warranty Information Letter announcing DTNA is adjusting the Standard Repair Times (SRTs) shown. The updated times will be applied to repair orders opened on or after April 5, 2021. |
| 10189335 | Updated Western Star Parts Technical Bulletin for Universal Design Floor Mats. This bulletin replaces the version dated February 12, 2021. Information about parts notes in the Paragon system have been added and the trimming instructions are revised. Universal floor mat designs fit multiple cab configurations and may require trimming. Trim lines displaying size options are scored into the pad side of the mat; use an existing floor mat as a guide for optimal results. The new mat should not interfere with safety-critical equipment, such as foot pedals. |
| 10189332 | Western Star Service Bulletin for Powernet Troubleshooting Guide - Batteries, Path, Alternator, and Starter. When troubleshooting powernet issues, use the BCT-460DTNA PowerNet Assessment Tool. As of May 29, 2018, the AutoMeter is the only Daimler-approved tool for troubleshooting vehicle Powernet issues. |
| 10187602 | Western Star Parts Technical Bulletin for Universal Design Floor Mats. Universal floor mat designs fit multiple cab configurations and may require trimming. Trim lines displaying size options are scored into the pad side of the mat; use an existing floor mat as a guide for optimal results. The new mat should not interfere with safety-critical equipment, such as foot pedals. |
| 10184788 | Western Star Service Bulletin for Axle Flange Gasket Replaced with O-Ring. Daimler Trucks North America has released a new axle shaft to hub rubber O-ring (part number 11-30728-000) as a replacement for the paper gasket (part number 11-14418-000). The new O-ring will provide better sealing and is reusable. It is quicker and easier to use compared to the paper gasket, because using a paper gasket requires cleaning the hub when the axle shaft is removed. |
| 10184029 | Revised Warranty Policy Letter for Alliance/Mascot Aftermarket Warranty and Claim Filing. Revisions are in blue. With Mascot now in partnership with Detroit Reman and Alliance Parts, DTNA is pleased to announce that Mascot coverage has been added to OWL. Remanufactured Alliance/Mascot parts include transmission, differential, steering gear, and steering pump used in an on-highway vehicle applications. The Alliance/Mascot aftermarket warranty coverage period has not changed: depending on the part, coverage is for one (1) or two (2) years and current parts, labor, and reimbursement policies appl |
| 10183988 | Warranty Policy Letter for Alliance/Mascot Aftermarket Warranty and Claim Filing. With Mascot now in partnership with Detroit Reman and Alliance Parts, DTNA is pleased to announce that Mascot coverage has been added to OWL. Remanufactured Alliance/Mascot parts include transmission, differential, steering gear, and steering pump used in an on-highway vehicle applications. The Alliance/Mascot aftermarket warranty coverage period has not changed: depending on the part, coverage is for one (1) or two (2) years and current parts, labor, and reimbursement policies apply. |
| 10183955 | Special Publication Letter for EPA07 EPA10 Three-Filter Fuel System DD15 DD16 Severe Duty High Pressure Fuel Rail Feed Lines Service Kit |
| 10183954 | Special Publication letter for Two-Filter Fuel System KM59 GEN1 DD15 DD16 Severe Duty High Pressure Fuel Rail Feed Lines Service Kit. |
| 10183733 | Technical Service Letter for SPN 3711 FMI 31 on GHG17 DD15 Trucks. |
| 10180382 | Tech Talk discussion on repair verification for codes like 'low air flow' when a trailer is not available. |
| 10180350 | Tech Talk discussion about power steering fluid. |
| 10179249 | Customer Service Announcement for Release of DiagnosticLink 8.12 Service Pack 2. On Thursday, September 3, 2020, Service Pack (SP) 2 for DiagnosticLink 8.12 Standard and Professional will be made available to download from the Detroit Diesel server. |
| 10177692 | Technical Service Letter for EPA10, GHG14, GHG17 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Compatibility. Note: This document supersedes 14 TS-25 and 15 TS-8. Detroit Diesel has determined that some, Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) are compatible in pairs and or can be mixed together within EPA10 and GHG14 Systems. For 1-BOX and Two-Box Configuration Aftertreatment Systems (ATS), this is only possible when the filters are used in accordance with Tables 1 and 2 shown below. All other DPFs, NOT mentioned below, are NOT compatible. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation