2020 WESTERN STAR 4700 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
6
Owner Complaints
12
Recalls
27
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2020 WESTERN STAR 4700
The 2020 WESTERN STAR 4700 has received a total of 6 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 17 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with TIRES, WHEELS:RIM, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. 27 technical service bulletins have been issued by Daimler Trucks North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (1 complaint), Engine (1 complaint), and Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2020 WESTERN STAR 4700
NHTSA has recorded 17 recalls for the 2020 WESTERN STAR 4700, potentially affecting up to 40,487 vehicles.
Recall 22V919000 — TIRES
| 49 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Freightliner 114SD, 2023 Freightliner 122SD, 2020 Western Star 4700, 2019-2022 Western Star 4900, 2019-2023 Freightliner Business Class M2, and 2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with tires that are not compatible with their 8.25-inch rims. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor...
Consequence: Driving with tires that are not compatible with their rims can reduce tire performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-962.
View full details →Recall 22V919000 — WHEELS:RIM
| 49 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Freightliner 114SD, 2023 Freightliner 122SD, 2020 Western Star 4700, 2019-2022 Western Star 4900, 2019-2023 Freightliner Business Class M2, and 2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with tires that are not compatible with their 8.25-inch rims. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor...
Consequence: Driving with tires that are not compatible with their rims can reduce tire performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-962.
View full details →Recall 22V338000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 185 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020 Freightliner Cascadia, 2020-2022 Western Star 4700 and 5700, 2022 Western Star 4900, and 2020-2023 Freightliner New Cascadia vehicles. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Federal Certification Label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements...
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will be replace the GAWR labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-933.
View full details →Recall 21V896000 — TIRES
| 307 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2021 Freightliner SD 108, Freightliner SD 114, 2016-2020 Freightliner Coronado, 2013 Western Star 6900, 2013-2022 Western Star 4700, Western Star 4900, and 2022 49X vehicles. The tires and rims are not approved and rated for these vehicles from the Tire and Rim Association or tire manufacturer. As such, these vehicles fail...
Consequence: Unapproved tires that are not rated for the vehicle can cause tire performance issues, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and replace, as necessary, tires and rims, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 22, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's...
View full details →Recall 21V896000 — TIRES
| 307 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2012-2021 Freightliner SD 108, Freightliner SD 114, 2016-2020 Freightliner Coronado, 2013 Western Star 6900, 2013-2022 Western Star 4700, Western Star 4900, and 2022 49X vehicles. The tires and rims are not approved and rated for these vehicles from the Tire and Rim Association or tire manufacturer. As such, these vehicles fail...
Consequence: Unapproved tires that are not rated for the vehicle can cause tire performance issues, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect and replace, as necessary, tires and rims, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 22, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's...
View full details →Recall 21V965000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
| 2,843 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Western Star 4700, 2019-2022 Freightliner 114SD, 2021-2022 Western Star 49X, Freightliner Cascadia P4, 2022 Western Star 47X, 2021 Western Star WF110, 2020 Western Star WJ121, and 2019-2021 FCCC XCP Chassis vehicles. The fuel tubes between the fuel rail and the injectors for cylinders four, five, and six may fatigue and...
Consequence: A high pressure fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tubes, and install vibration isolators, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2022. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-915.
View full details →Recall 21V326000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
| 9,662 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Freightliner Custom Chass XC Chassis, 108SD, Custom Chass XB Chassis, Business Class M2, 114SD, and Western Star 4700 vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel lines, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on June 21, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-886.
View full details →Recall 21V326000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
| 9,662 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Freightliner Custom Chass XC Chassis, 108SD, Custom Chass XB Chassis, Business Class M2, 114SD, and Western Star 4700 vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel lines, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on June 21, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-886.
View full details →Recall 21V206000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
| 5,111 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Western Star 4700 and Western Star 5700 vehicles. The ground harness wiring may be undersized and may cause a connector to melt.
Consequence: Damage to the ground harness may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ground harness, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 22, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-880.
View full details →Recall 21V206000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
| 5,111 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Western Star 4700 and Western Star 5700 vehicles. The ground harness wiring may be undersized and may cause a connector to melt.
Consequence: Damage to the ground harness may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ground harness, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 22, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-880.
View full details →Recall 20V634000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 53 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Western Star 4700 and 4900 and Freightliner Coronado, 108SD and 114SD vehicles. The vehicle certification label contains incorrect information, stating a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) that exceeds the tire capacity rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120,...
Consequence: Incorrect weight rating information on the certification labels could result in potential overloading of the axles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install accurate GAWR labels, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-864.
View full details →Recall 20V634000 — TIRES
| 53 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Western Star 4700 and 4900 and Freightliner Coronado, 108SD and 114SD vehicles. The vehicle certification label contains incorrect information, stating a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) that exceeds the tire capacity rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120,...
Consequence: Incorrect weight rating information on the certification labels could result in potential overloading of the axles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will install accurate GAWR labels, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-864.
View full details →Recall 20V539000 — SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
| 103 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Truckers North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Freightliner 114SD, 122SD and Western Star 4700, and 4900 vehicles equipped with certain SL2065 steerable lift axles. The lower rear pivot cap screws may not be long enough to sufficiently engage the locking feature of the corresponding nuts.
Consequence: If the screws are not long enough to engage the corresponding nuts, the hardware may separate from the suspension system, becoming a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash and/or injury.
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower rear pivot cap screws for the proper length, correcting the hardware as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712....
View full details →Recall 20V281000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
| 2,987 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Western Star 4700 and 5700 vehicles. A particular wire in the ground harness may be undersized, possibly resulting in a melted connector in the ground circuit harness. If the connector becomes damaged, under certain circumstances, the engine may stall without the ability to restart.
Consequence: An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ground harness, free of charge. This recall began June 23, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-852.
View full details →Recall 20V211000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 89 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020 Freightliner 108SD and 2020-2021 Freightliner Coronado, 114SD, and Western Star 4700 and 4900 vehicles. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard...
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the GAWR labels, free of charge. The recall began May 28, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL847.
View full details →Recall 20V127000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER
| 2,585 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, Cascadia, Business Class M2, Western Star 4700 and 5700, Freightliner Custom Chassis S2, Custom Chassis XB, and Custom Chassis XC vehicles equipped with air disc brakes. The brake caliper mounting bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.
Consequence: Loose brake caliper mounting bolts can reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 1, 2020. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-845.
View full details →Recall 19V769000 — STEERING
| 1,331 vehicles affected
Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2020 Western Star 4700 vehicles. The steering shaft may have been improperly installed, potentially causing a loss of connection between the steering wheel and front axle wheels.
Consequence: This loss of connection would result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DTNA will notify owners and dealers will inspect the vehicles, correcting the steering shaft installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2019. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2020 WESTERN STAR 4700
6 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 WESTERN STAR 4700. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Automated emergency breaking ABS Forward collision warning, potentially others. Unsure if the vehicle is available for inspection due to insurance claim. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Collision mitigation system error. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Police and Insurance representative. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, vehicle was sent to a certified manufacturer maintenance partner for active MIL/check engine lamp. Documentation of services performed describes a situation related to a fault code specifically regarding the collision mitigation system that the technicians were unable to diagnose with the tools available. Vehicle was released without any further modifications. The receipt with written detail is attached to this form.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Automated emergency breaking ABS Forward collision warning, potentially others. Unsure if the vehicle is available for inspection due to insurance claim. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Collision mitigation system error. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Police and Insurance representative. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, vehicle was sent to a certified manufacturer maintenance partner for active MIL/check engine lamp. Documentation of services performed describes a situation related to a fault code specifically regarding the collision mitigation system that the technicians were unable to diagnose with the tools available. Vehicle was released without any further modifications. The receipt with written detail is attached to this form.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Automated emergency breaking ABS Forward collision warning, potentially others. Unsure if the vehicle is available for inspection due to insurance claim. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Collision mitigation system error. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Police and Insurance representative. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, vehicle was sent to a certified manufacturer maintenance partner for active MIL/check engine lamp. Documentation of services performed describes a situation related to a fault code specifically regarding the collision mitigation system that the technicians were unable to diagnose with the tools available. Vehicle was released without any further modifications. The receipt with written detail is attached to this form.
Western Star utilizes relay in master power distribution, they call PNDB. When this device is faulty it interrupts the power to engine causing truck engine to shut down. This shut down has happened with the truck fully loaded (71,000 LBS) traveling at 60 mph a couple of times. With no engine power you lose power steering. This is a very dangerous condition that I have discovered is more common than it should be. Talk to any Western Star service department. The Service Department knew exactly what the problem was and related to me this is common.
Western Star utilizes relay in master power distribution, they call PNDB. When this device is faulty it interrupts the power to engine causing truck engine to shut down. This shut down has happened with the truck fully loaded (71,000 LBS) traveling at 60 mph a couple of times. With no engine power you lose power steering. This is a very dangerous condition that I have discovered is more common than it should be. Talk to any Western Star service department. The Service Department knew exactly what the problem was and related to me this is common.
Safety Rating for the 2020 WESTERN STAR 4700
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2020 WESTERN STAR 4700 in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2020 WESTERN STAR 4700
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC has issued 27 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2020 WESTERN STAR 4700. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
TechTalk12347K — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Tech Talk discussion on dash lights not working
TechTalk12347K — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tech Talk discussion on dash lights not working
TechTalk12331K — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tech Talk discussion on dash lights not working.
D21M3 — POWER TRAIN
Detroit Field Service Campaign for DT12 Gear Grind During Downshift Software Update.
TechTalk7155 — STEERING
Tech Talk discussion on 2020 Western Star, TRW Power Steering Whine.
CALShackle — STEERING
Customer Advisory Letter for Threaded Pin and Bushing. Western Star Trucks built in 2020 with threaded pins and bushings have been found with loose shackles on the rear of the steering axle suspension. The pins are seizing from lack of lube causing the shackle to rotate on the pin.
CALShackle — SUSPENSION
Customer Advisory Letter for Threaded Pin and Bushing. Western Star Trucks built in 2020 with threaded pins and bushings have been found with loose shackles on the rear of the steering axle suspension. The pins are seizing from lack of lube causing the shackle to rotate on the pin.
CALShackle — EQUIPMENT
Customer Advisory Letter for Threaded Pin and Bushing. Western Star Trucks built in 2020 with threaded pins and bushings have been found with loose shackles on the rear of the steering axle suspension. The pins are seizing from lack of lube causing the shackle to rotate on the pin.
CALShackle — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Customer Advisory Letter for Threaded Pin and Bushing. Western Star Trucks built in 2020 with threaded pins and bushings have been found with loose shackles on the rear of the steering axle suspension. The pins are seizing from lack of lube causing the shackle to rotate on the pin.
SBW54-077 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Western Star Service Bulletin for Ordering Options for Aftermarket Power Distribution Modules (PDMs). For certain Western Star 4700 or 5700 vehicles, power distribution modules (PDMs) are typically ordered in the aftermarket by serial number and populated with fuses and circuit breakers. It may take up to three weeks for a...
Showing 10 of 27 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2020 WESTERN STAR 4700
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the WESTERN STAR 4700
- 2015 WESTERN STAR 4700 — 0 complaints
- 2016 WESTERN STAR 4700 — 0 complaints
- 2017 WESTERN STAR 4700 — 1 complaint
- 2018 WESTERN STAR 4700 — 1 complaint
- 2019 WESTERN STAR 4700 — 0 complaints
- 2020 WESTERN STAR 4700 (current)
- 2021 WESTERN STAR 4700 — 1 complaint
- 2022 WESTERN STAR 4700 — 0 complaints
- 2023 WESTERN STAR 4700 — 0 complaints
- 2024 WESTERN STAR 4700 — 1 complaint
Other WESTERN STAR Models
- WESTERN STAR 4900 — 26 total complaints
- WESTERN STAR 5700 — 7 total complaints
- WESTERN STAR WESTERN STAR — 7 total complaints
- WESTERN STAR CONSTELLATION — 5 total complaints
- WESTERN STAR 4900EX — 4 total complaints
- WESTERN STAR 4964 — 4 total complaints
- WESTERN STAR CONVENTIONAL — 4 total complaints
- WESTERN STAR 47X — 2 total complaints