2009 WESTERN STAR 4900 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

1

Owner Complaint

16

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

7

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900

The 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900 has received a total of 1 safety complaint filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 17 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS, EQUIPMENT. 7 technical service bulletins have been issued by FREIGHTLINER LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problem area is the Visibilitywiper (1 complaint).

Recalls for the 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900

NHTSA has recorded 17 recalls for the 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900, potentially affecting up to 1,083,460 vehicles.

Recall 17V761000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

| 438,255 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 17V761000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

| 438,255 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 17V810000 — EQUIPMENT

| 24,860 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 12V235000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

| 12 vehicles affected

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (DTNA) IS RECALLING 12 MY 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900 TRUCKS BUILT WITH DD15 ENGINES. A NEW FORWARD CAB CROSSMEMBER DESIGN REDUCED CLEARANCE FOR CAB MOUNTED BATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCH POWER CABLES ON STANDARD CAB HEIGHT VEHICLES. DURING CAB ARTICULATION, THE NEW CROSSMEMBER MAY PINCH POWER CABLES AGAINST THE CAB.

Consequence: CABLES THAT BECOME PINCHED BETWEEN THE CAB AND FORWARD CAB CROSSMEMBER COULD SHORT TO GROUND AND POTENTIALLY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CABLES AND REINSTALL THEM IN A NEW SAFE LOCATION. DAMAGED CABLES WILL BE REPLACED. BOTH WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2012. THIS RECALL IS...

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Recall 12V074000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

| 103,437 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 11V146000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 2,073 vehicles affected

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS (DTNA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER, CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA FLD, AND M2, STERLING 9500, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 20, 2006, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC MBE4000 EPA07 MODEL ENGINES. THE INTAKE AIR GRID HEATER MAY SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.

Consequence: A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DTNA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL DURING MARCH 2011. ANOTHER NOTIFICATION WILL BE ISSUED ONCE THE REMEDY IS RELEASED. DTNA EXPECTS THE REMEDY TO BE AVAILABLE BY DECEMBER 1, 2011. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DTNA DEALERS FREE OF...

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Recall 11V207000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 88 vehicles affected

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 WESTERN STAR 4900 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C15 ENGINES AND MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 9, 2007, THROUGH FEBRUARY 20, 2009. DEGRADATION OF A COMBUSTION TUBE WELD CAN CAUSE RADIAL HEAT IMPINGEMENT ON THE BODY WHICH MAY BURN THROUGH CERTAIN BODIES USED ON C15 ENGINES.

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: CATERPILLAR IS HANDLING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. PLEASE SEE CATERPILLAR'S DEFECT REPORT 11E-006. CATERPILLAR WILL REPLACE THE SINGLE PIECE COMBUSTION TUBE WITH A THICK WALL COMBUSTION TUBE WHICH WON'T ALLOW THE HEAT TO BREAK THROUGH. THIS...

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Recall 10V341000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 5,743 vehicles affected

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER, FCCC, STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC MBE900 EPA04 AND EPA07 MODEL ENGINES. THE INTAKE AIR GRID HEATER MAY SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.

Consequence: A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 29, 2011. OWNERS MAY...

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Recall 11V287000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

| 268 vehicles affected

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA, CORONADO, M2, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 19, 2009, THROUGH JULY 9, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC DD13 AND DD15 ENGINES ASSEMBLED WITH A BOSCH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ELEMENT WHICH MAY DEVELOP A CRACK DUE TO HYDROGEN INDUCED STRESS CORROSION. THE CRACK...

Consequence: IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED, FUEL MAY SPILL ONTO THE ROADWAY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES, FREE OF CHARGE. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS RECALL (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 10V-339). THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS...

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Recall 10V339000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

| 13,410 vehicles affected

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA, CENTURY, COLUMBIA, CORONADO, M2, AND WESTERN STAR 4900 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 19, 2009 THROUGH JULY 9, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC DD13 AND DD15 ENGINES ASSEMBLED WITH A BOSCH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ELEMENT WHICH MAY DEVELOP A CRACK DUE TO HYDROGEN INDUCED STRESS CORROSION. OVER TIME...

Consequence: IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED, FUEL MAY SPILL ONTO THE ROADWAY POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MARCH 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.

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Recall 10V112000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 16 vehicles affected

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA, FLD, STERLING 9500 AND WESTERN STAR 4900 EMERGENCY VEHICLES. THE ENGINE MAY SHUT DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN A DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER OVER TEMPERATURE CONDITION IS DETECTED.

Consequence: UNEXPECTED EMERGENCY VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTDOWN UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD HAMPER RESCUE OPERATIONS AND PLACE THE PUBLIC AT RISK.

Remedy: THE ENGINE CONTROL LOGIC WILL BE REPROGRAMMED TO ILLUMINATE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT WITHOUT REQUESTING ENGINE SHUTDOWN. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL. PLEASE SEE DAIMLER TRUCKS DEFECT REPORT 10E-005. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 17, 2010. OWNERS...

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Recall 09V391000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

| 10,185 vehicles affected

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2010 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 17, 2006 AND MARCH 31, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH EPA07 MODEL MBE4000 ENGINES BUILT WITH PLASTIC LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINES. THE PLASTIC LINES MAY EXPERIENCE LEAKS DUE TO FATIGUE CRACKS CAUSED BY STRESS AND VIBRATION COMBINED WITH HIGH INTERNAL PRESSURE.

Consequence: IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS FUEL MAY IGNITE ON A HOT ENGINE SURFACE AND/OR FUEL MAY SPILL ON THE ROAD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES AND DIRECT WARRANTY CUSTOMERS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

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Recall 09V390000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

| 2,726 vehicles affected

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 5, 2008 AND JANUARY 7, 2009, EQUIPPED DD15 ENGINES AND WITH BOSCH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS. THE FASTENERS ON THESE FUEL PUMPS COULD BE UNDER-TORQUED ALLOWING THE "O" RING BETWEEN THE PUMP HOUSING AND THE BARREL TO PROTRUDE AND LEAK.

Consequence: IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS FUEL MAY IGNITE ON A HOT ENGINE SURFACE AND/OR FUEL MAY SPILL ON THE ROAD INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES AND DIRECT WARRANTY CUSTOMERS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

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Recall 09V400000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 18,067 vehicles affected

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 FREIGHTLINER, STERLING AND WESTERN STAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DETROIT DIESEL DD15 EPA07 ENGINES WHICH WERE MANUFACTURED WITH GRID HEATERS. INCREASED INTERNAL GRID HEATER RESISTANCE CAUSED BY IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED SCREWS MAY MELT THE SOLDER ON THE GRID HEATER CIRCUIT BOARD LEADING TO A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence: A SHORT-CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: THE ENGINE CONTROL LOGIC WILL BE REPROGRAMMED FREE OF CHARGE BY DETROIT DIESEL AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES AND DIRECT WARRANTY CUSTOMERS TO PROVIDE COLD WEATHER STARTING WITHOUT THE NEED OF A GRID HEATER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2009....

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Recall 09V226000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

| 53 vehicles affected

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 53 MY 2009-2010 WESTERN STAR 4900 TRUCKS BUILT WITH DD15 ENGINES. A NEW FORWARD CAB CROSSMEMBER DESIGN REDUCED CLEARANCE FOR CAB MOUNTED BATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCH POWER CABLES ON STANDARD CAB HEIGHT VEHICLES. DURING CAB ARTICULATION THE NEW CROSSMEMBER MAY PINCH POWER CABLES AGAINST THE CAB.

Consequence: CABLES THAT BECOME PINCHED BETWEEN THE CAB AND FORWARD CAB CROSSMEMBER COULD SHORT TO GROUND AND POTENTIALLY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CABLES AND REINSTALL THEM IN A NEW SAFE LOCATION. DAMAGED CABLES WILL BE REPLACED. BOTH WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 7, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT...

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Recall 09V366000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 25,362 vehicles affected

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C15 ENGINE. THE VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION OIL LINE MAY RUB AGAINST THE P-CLIPS RETAINING THE OIL LINE, CAUSING AN OIL LEAK.

Consequence: AN OIL LEAK MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS WORKING WITH CATERPILLAR TO REMEDY THESE VEHICLES. PLEASE SEE CATERPILLAR'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-020. CATERPILLAR WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CATERPILLAR TOLL-FREE AT...

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Recall 13V401000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

| 650 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Owner Complaints for the 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900

1 complaint has been filed with NHTSA for the 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Most Recent Complaints

#10460769 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | | 200,110 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900 TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH IN A RAIN STORM, THE DEFROSTER FAILED, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY FOR THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,110.

Safety Rating for the 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900

FREIGHTLINER LLC has issued 7 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

06 01-16 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

0601-16 SPN 103 (MCM) (GHG17) AND SPN 103 (MCM); (EPA07;EPA10;GHG14) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE

905-14 — ENGINE

905-14 Coolant Level Circuit Failed

WSB-35-4 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

WESTERN STAR: THE EXTERNAL BREATHER, ON FORWARD REAR DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER, HAS AN OIL LEAK AND A REMEDY FOR THE LEAK IS AN ADDITIONAL INTERNAL BREATHER, THAT IS AVAILABLE TO BE INSTALL. *PE

701-14 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

701-14 SPN 168 FMI 0 and 1 (IPPC)(GHG14

12-043 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

12-043-DLR Helpline Available For Additional Support

sbw2018 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

sbw2018 Western Star 4900 Radiator Mounting, Update - EPA10

SF-454AB — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

DAIMLER TRUCK: CERTAIN TRUCKS ARE BEING MODIFIED DUE TO AIR CLEANER INLET CAPS INGESTING UNDER HOOD AIR CAUSING THE TURBO INLET TEMPERATURES TO BE TOO HIGH. *PE

NHTSA Investigations for the 2009 WESTERN STAR 4900

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the WESTERN STAR 4900

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Other WESTERN STAR Models

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