2012 Western Star 4900
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Western Star › 4900 › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Western Star 4900. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 2012 Western Star 4900. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Front brake hose chafing may causing air loss, possibly reducing braking effectiveness and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Owner complaints
1 complaints1 involved a fire
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
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.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Daimler Trucks North America Recalls
On April 23, 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) opened Audit Query (AQ18002) to assess the timeliness and scope of four recalls filed by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (“DTNA”). NHTSA subsequently expanded AQ18002 to examine the timeliness and scope of three additional DTNA recalls and…
On April 23, 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) opened Audit Query (AQ18002) to assess the timeliness and scope of four recalls filed by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (“DTNA”). NHTSA subsequently expanded AQ18002 to examine the timeliness and scope of three additional DTNA recalls and compliance with early warning reporting and manufacturer communications reporting requirements. NHTSA and DTNA entered into a Consent Order on December 29, 2020, to resolve NHTSA’s assertions that certain recalls within the scope of AQ18002 were untimely, DTNA failed to timely submit certain manufacturer communications to NHTSA, and DTNA failed to submit field reports to NHTSA as required. As part of the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to a total civil penalty of thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), of which ten million dollars ($10,000,000) was paid on January 12, 2021. Also, of that total civil penalty, DTNA agreed to spend five million dollars ($5,000,000) on the specific performance obligations to develop advanced data analytics capabilities to enhance its ability to detect and study emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles (“Safety Data Analytics infrastructure”) and an advanced data analytics and reporting platform that integrates data on emerging safety-related defect trends on its vehicles and recall lessons learned (“Safety Communications Platform”). The Consent Order also held fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) of the civil penalty in abeyance pending DTNA’s satisfactory completion of the requirements of the Consent Order, and its compliance with the Safety Act, and regulations thereunder. NHTSA and DTNA agreed to a two-year term for the Consent Order—with an option for NHTSA to extend the Consent Order for an additional year, if warranted. In the Consent Order, DTNA agreed to numerous performance obligations, including monthly meetings with NHTSA to discuss potential safety issues, recent manufacturer communications, and recall decision-making, among other things; quarterly meetings with NHTSA to discuss DTNA’s progress on the performance obligations under the Consent Order, including the Safety Data Analytics infrastructure and Safety Communications Platform, and any issues related to compliance with the Consent Order, Safety Act, or regulations; development of written procedures and employee training materials to help DTNA comply with its legal obligations to timely identify and report safety defects and noncompliances, submit complete and accurate recall filings, and timely submit manufacturer communications and field reports to NHTSA; and identifying and reporting previously unreported manufacturer communications and field reports. Also, via the Consent Order, DTNA acknowledged that the failure or inability to identify a specific root cause, develop an adequate remedy or repair, or confirm the affected population of vehicles are not bases for delaying filing a recall with NHTSA. On December 22, 2022, NHTSA extended the Consent Order for a term of one year due to concerns about DTNA’s compliance with its recall-related obligations. Specifically, NHTSA expressed concerns about the completeness of DTNA’s recall reports and issues identified with owner notification letters during the term of the Consent Order, as well as the length of time that DTNA took to consider a straightforward noncompliance issue before filing a recall and DTNA’s interactions with NHTSA during the term of the Consent Order. NHTSA addressed these concerns with DTNA during the third year of the Consent Order. The extended term of the Consent Order expired on December 28, 2023. Based on the Consent Order, this investigation, AQ18002, is closed. Closure of this AQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order or DTNA’s ongoing legal obligations, and it does not represent a determination by NHTSA as to DTNA’s performance under the Consent Order.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10214907Updated Western Star Service Bulletin for HVAC Actuator Replacement
- 10213225Western 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.
- 10210548Important 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.
- 10205885HVAC 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.
- 10202728SF626 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.
- 10201680Customer 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.
- 10198595Western 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.
- 10195575Service Solution SS 1033094 KUS Float Tube Fuel Level Sensor Inform...
- 10193771Portland Truck Plant Paint Changes
- 10191143Detroit 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.
- 10190551Warranty 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.
- 10190549Warranty 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.
- 10189335Updated 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.
- 10189332Western 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.
- 10187602Western 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.
- 10184788Western 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.
- 10184029Revised 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 apply.
- 10183988Warranty 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.
- 10183955Special Publication Letter for EPA07 EPA10 Three-Filter Fuel System DD15 DD16 Severe Duty High Pressure Fuel Rail Feed Lines Service Kit
- 10183954Special Publication letter for Two-Filter Fuel System KM59 GEN1 DD15 DD16 Severe Duty High Pressure Fuel Rail Feed Lines Service Kit.
- 10183733Technical Service Letter for SPN 3711 FMI 31 on GHG17 DD15 Trucks.
- 10180382Tech Talk discussion on repair verification for codes like 'low air flow' when a trailer is not available.
- 10180350Tech Talk discussion about power steering fluid.
- 10179249Customer 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.
- 10177692Technical 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.
- 10177689Training Solution for Western Star Front Brake Squeal - Burnishing Procedure. The brake burnishing procedure can be used to help reduce brake related noise or imbalance concerns which may occur in the field.
- 10177649Service Bulletin for Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfecting Cab Surfaces. The following guidelines are for cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces on the inside and outside of a vehicle. For best results, follow cleaning and disinfecting procedures fully and consistently. Ensure there is adequate ventilation when using chemicals. NOTICE: Wipe down fragile components carefully to avoid damaging the vehicle.
- 10177608Training Solutions for Fuel Leak Found at High Pressure Fuel Pump Weep Hole for Heavy Duty DD Engines. Occasionally we see trucks come in with fuel leaking from the high pressure fuel pump weep hole. This is NOT a defect in the pump and further diagnostics need to be performed to find the root cause.
- 10177605Western Star Bulletin for Non-Airliner Rear Suspension Crossmember Fastener Change. With the start of production on March 2, 2020, the fasteners used to assemble the non-Airliner rear suspension (bogie) crossmember have changed. The rear suspension bogie crossmember gussets to the C-channel will be assembled with 5/818 fasteners. This change includes a revision to a higher friction nut that requires an increase in tightening torque. The new higher friction nut can be identified by its green color.
- 10174376Warranty Information Letter for Warranty Training Online. DTNA is pleased to announce the release of new Warranty-related training videos. The videos provide Warranty content in short instructional videos that are available on demand through the AftermarkeTV Video Channel icon on the Aftermarket Resource Center (ARC) home page.
- 10174061Warranty Policy Letter for Chassis Progressive Damage Policy Change. Effective for repair orders opened on or after April 27, 2020, if an Authorized Service Location installed a part which later has a warrantable failure, progressive damage and labor may be covered under the Aftermarket Parts Limited Parts Warranty (Parts Warranty).
- 10174060Warranty Policy Letter for Handling for Authorized Service Location Part Transfers. To promote 24-hour throughput and maximum efficiency, DTNA is adjusting multiple handling policies: Launching a new handling allowance for parts ordered from another Authorized Service Location because the facing Part Distribution Center (PDC) is out of stock Retiring Detroit's Customer First Program
- 10174052Warranty Policy Letter for Handling Change: Over the Counter Aftermarket Parts Replacement Program. DTNA is pleased to announce that handling will increase to 33% for Misc. Replacement Part type claims filed under the Over the Counter (OTC) Aftermarket Parts Replacement Program.
- 10173907Warranty Information Letter for Warranty Long Block Program Change. The Detroit Reman Long Block Program has expanded. The expansion reduces complexity in ordering reman engines and promotes stocking reman engines to meet uptime commitments.
- 10173895Service Bulletin for Lengthening the Backup Light Harness. Though the back-up light harness is long enough to connect to the backup light switch, it may be short enough that the wire seals in the connector can be stressed. Moisture entering through the seals can cause corrosion, resulting in a bad connection and/or failure of the switch. As a result, backup lights and, if equipped, the backup alarm, may not function when the vehicle is shifted into reverse.
- 10172025Open recall and Field service Campaigns report send out to Dealers, General Managers, Service managers and warranty managers
- 10170323Service Solution for Western Star vehicles equipped with Hendrickson AIRTEK Axles experiencing a Harsh Ride.
- 10168137Service Bulletin explaining Western Star's courtesy engineering policy.
- 10168069Updated Recall Safety Bulletin for vehicles in Australia and New Zealand with DD15 engines regarding high pressure fuel lines. Language was clarified that this only applies to Australia and New Zealand.
- 10166842Service Solution on failing RX modules in Western Star vehicles.
Every Western Star 4900 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.