{"@context":{"@vocab":"https://schema.org/"},"@type":"ItemList","@id":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/api/v1/nhtsa/complaints/check?make=WESTERN%20STAR","name":"WESTERN STAR","_source":{"data_provider":"AI Analytics","data_provider_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org","license":"https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/","primary_source":"https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/","generated_at":"2026-09-09T19:48:13.935Z"},"summary":{"total_complaints":21,"deaths":7,"injured":10,"fires":6},"top_components":[{"component_desc":"SERVICE BRAKES","n":4},{"component_desc":"SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET","n":2},{"component_desc":"FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING","n":2},{"component_desc":"AIR BAGS","n":2},{"component_desc":"WHEELS","n":1},{"component_desc":"VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL","n":1},{"component_desc":"TIRES:SIDEWALL","n":1},{"component_desc":"TIRES","n":1},{"component_desc":"STRUCTURE:BODY","n":1},{"component_desc":"SERVICE BRAKES, AIR","n":1}],"recent_complaints":[{"cmplid":"2200463","date_received":"2026-04-25","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"47X","model_year":2025,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"WHEELS","description":"URGENT SAFETY DEFECT - Repeated front hub overheating/fire risk (2025 Western Star 47x) I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2025 Western Star 47x   The front wheel hubs have over heated to the point of failure on 6 separate occasions, resulting in a fire on two of those occasions. The issues have been documented with Freightliner and accompanied by photo/video evidence. Each incident required the vehicle to be towed to an authorized dealership, and repairs were performed under warranty.  Despite these repeated repairs, the issue has not yet been resolved. The hubs are currently overheating again, indicating a persistent and unresolved defect.  This is no longer a routine maintenance or warranty issue. This is an ongoing safety defect that presents a serious fire hazard and risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life.   Key Concerns -   - Six separate over heating and/or fire incidents involving the front hubs   - Multiple warranty repairs with no permanent resolution  - Recurrence of the same failure condition     - Within days or weeks of warranty repair, the vehicles becomes unsafe to operate under normal working conditions due to over heating hubs, which break down the lubricating gear oil, furthering the problem, causing more heat with thinner oil, which eventually leaks onto the brakes, causing a fire. During the times where I was fortunate enough to catch it before a fire started, the fluid was so hot that it melted the plastic hub cap to the poi","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2200463"},{"cmplid":"2200464","date_received":"2026-04-25","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"47X","model_year":2025,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"SERVICE BRAKES","description":"URGENT SAFETY DEFECT - Repeated front hub overheating/fire risk (2025 Western Star 47x) I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2025 Western Star 47x   The front wheel hubs have over heated to the point of failure on 6 separate occasions, resulting in a fire on two of those occasions. The issues have been documented with Freightliner and accompanied by photo/video evidence. Each incident required the vehicle to be towed to an authorized dealership, and repairs were performed under warranty.  Despite these repeated repairs, the issue has not yet been resolved. The hubs are currently overheating again, indicating a persistent and unresolved defect.  This is no longer a routine maintenance or warranty issue. This is an ongoing safety defect that presents a serious fire hazard and risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life.   Key Concerns -   - Six separate over heating and/or fire incidents involving the front hubs   - Multiple warranty repairs with no permanent resolution  - Recurrence of the same failure condition     - Within days or weeks of warranty repair, the vehicles becomes unsafe to operate under normal working conditions due to over heating hubs, which break down the lubricating gear oil, furthering the problem, causing more heat with thinner oil, which eventually leaks onto the brakes, causing a fire. During the times where I was fortunate enough to catch it before a fire started, the fluid was so hot that it melted the plastic hub cap to the poi","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2200464"},{"cmplid":"2200465","date_received":"2026-04-25","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"47X","model_year":2025,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"POWER TRAIN","description":"URGENT SAFETY DEFECT - Repeated front hub overheating/fire risk (2025 Western Star 47x) I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2025 Western Star 47x   The front wheel hubs have over heated to the point of failure on 6 separate occasions, resulting in a fire on two of those occasions. The issues have been documented with Freightliner and accompanied by photo/video evidence. Each incident required the vehicle to be towed to an authorized dealership, and repairs were performed under warranty.  Despite these repeated repairs, the issue has not yet been resolved. The hubs are currently overheating again, indicating a persistent and unresolved defect.  This is no longer a routine maintenance or warranty issue. This is an ongoing safety defect that presents a serious fire hazard and risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life.   Key Concerns -   - Six separate over heating and/or fire incidents involving the front hubs   - Multiple warranty repairs with no permanent resolution  - Recurrence of the same failure condition     - Within days or weeks of warranty repair, the vehicles becomes unsafe to operate under normal working conditions due to over heating hubs, which break down the lubricating gear oil, furthering the problem, causing more heat with thinner oil, which eventually leaks onto the brakes, causing a fire. During the times where I was fortunate enough to catch it before a fire started, the fluid was so hot that it melted the plastic hub cap to the poi","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2200465"},{"cmplid":"2165818","date_received":"2026-01-13","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"47X","model_year":2025,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"ELECTRICAL SYSTEM","description":"All lights started flickering while driving. Shut truck off, would not start, smoke came out from battery cable under hood.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2165818"},{"cmplid":"2147513","date_received":"2025-11-10","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"4700","model_year":2020,"deaths":1,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"SERVICE BRAKES","description":"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.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2147513"},{"cmplid":"2147514","date_received":"2025-11-10","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"4700","model_year":2020,"deaths":1,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS","description":"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.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2147514"},{"cmplid":"2147515","date_received":"2025-11-10","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"4700","model_year":2020,"deaths":1,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING","description":"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.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/2147515"},{"cmplid":"1984836","date_received":"2024-04-19","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"4700","model_year":2021,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"SERVICE BRAKES","description":"The contact owns a 2021 Western Star 4700 WD110084S. The contact stated that an employee was parked on a hill and the parking brake was activated, however, while the worker was outside of the vehicle for approximately 4 minutes, the parking brake was deactivated. The vehicle rolled forward down a hill and stopped when it crashed into a tree. There was yard damage to a resident's home. No police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the entire cab was replaced. The contact discovered an unknown NHTSA Campaign, however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1984836"},{"cmplid":"1898972","date_received":"2023-06-01","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"5700","model_year":2022,"deaths":0,"injured":2,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"SERVICE BRAKES","description":"We ordered a Western Star WITHOUT collision mitigation and when we got the truck it had a WABCO CMS.  We have had nothing but problems of hard breaking on overpasses and bridges and false readings of cars on the other side of highway.  The truck has been in FYDA Freightliner for about a month total and they \"can't find anything wrong\". Their suggestion was us to remove a bullguard and drive a few runs without it.  The truck is inconsistent with it's safety feature, which again we have complained about since day ONE since we didn't want it to begin with.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1898972"},{"cmplid":"1898973","date_received":"2023-06-01","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"5700","model_year":2022,"deaths":0,"injured":2,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING","description":"We ordered a Western Star WITHOUT collision mitigation and when we got the truck it had a WABCO CMS.  We have had nothing but problems of hard breaking on overpasses and bridges and false readings of cars on the other side of highway.  The truck has been in FYDA Freightliner for about a month total and they \"can't find anything wrong\". Their suggestion was us to remove a bullguard and drive a few runs without it.  The truck is inconsistent with it's safety feature, which again we have complained about since day ONE since we didn't want it to begin with.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1898973"},{"cmplid":"1898974","date_received":"2023-06-01","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"5700","model_year":2022,"deaths":0,"injured":2,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL","description":"We ordered a Western Star WITHOUT collision mitigation and when we got the truck it had a WABCO CMS.  We have had nothing but problems of hard breaking on overpasses and bridges and false readings of cars on the other side of highway.  The truck has been in FYDA Freightliner for about a month total and they \"can't find anything wrong\". Their suggestion was us to remove a bullguard and drive a few runs without it.  The truck is inconsistent with it's safety feature, which again we have complained about since day ONE since we didn't want it to begin with.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1898974"},{"cmplid":"1819569","date_received":"2022-06-16","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"4700","model_year":2018,"deaths":0,"injured":1,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"AIR BAGS","description":"The contact was driving the company's vehicle which was a 2018 Western Star 4700. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph at a curve and suddenly the front passenger tire began to wobble. The contact lost control of the vehicle's steering ability. The contact stated the vehicle began to lose complete control and then flipped over to the right side. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had injuries to their shoulder and medical attention was not needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle had not been deemed totaled. The contact stated they were told by the owner of the vehicle that the dealer was made aware of the failure, however, the diagnosis was unknown. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 247,000.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1819569"},{"cmplid":"1812810","date_received":"2022-05-15","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"4900","model_year":2002,"deaths":0,"injured":1,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"TIRES:SIDEWALL","description":"I was driving my dump truck on highway 99 in Washington county, North Carolina carrying a load of milling when the front driver side tire blew out causing me to lose control and end up in a deep ditch on the opposite side of the road. Luckily there was know one traveling in that direction. My dump truck was totaled.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1812810"},{"cmplid":"1253370","date_received":"2016-01-15","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"4900","model_year":2012,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":1,"crash":0,"component_desc":"FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM","description":"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.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1253370"},{"cmplid":"1139725","date_received":"2014-12-16","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"4900","model_year":2001,"deaths":2,"injured":2,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"AIR BAGS","description":"TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 WESTERN STAR 4900 TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE SECOND VEHICLE SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DETAILS OF THE CRASH WERE LIMITED AND THE SPECIFICS ON WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1139725"},{"cmplid":"1131607","date_received":"2014-11-17","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"4900","model_year":2014,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"STRUCTURE:BODY","description":"2014 WESTERN STAR 4900 CAR HAULER, JUST REPLACED 2 STEER TIRES TO 2014 MICHELIN XZA 275/70/R22.5 18 PLY. TIRE HAD LESS THEN 30,000 MILES AND PASSENGER SIDE BLOW OUT. FRONT DESTROYED. TRUCK WAS FULLY LOADED WITH ABOUT 75000 POUNDS. DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND TRAVELED FROM LEFT LANE TO SHOULDER. CAME TO STOP ON THE SHOULDER. INSURANCE PAID ALMOST $30,000.  *TR","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1131607"},{"cmplid":"1131608","date_received":"2014-11-17","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"4900","model_year":2014,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"TIRES","description":"2014 WESTERN STAR 4900 CAR HAULER, JUST REPLACED 2 STEER TIRES TO 2014 MICHELIN XZA 275/70/R22.5 18 PLY. TIRE HAD LESS THEN 30,000 MILES AND PASSENGER SIDE BLOW OUT. FRONT DESTROYED. TRUCK WAS FULLY LOADED WITH ABOUT 75000 POUNDS. DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND TRAVELED FROM LEFT LANE TO SHOULDER. CAME TO STOP ON THE SHOULDER. INSURANCE PAID ALMOST $30,000.  *TR","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/1131608"},{"cmplid":"319459","date_received":"2001-08-30","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"496","model_year":1996,"deaths":1,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET","description":"THE DEFENDANT VEHICLE'S FRONT HANGER BOLT ON THE LEFT FRONT END OF THE TRUCK FAILED AND CAUSED THE TRUCK TO SWERVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHERE IT STRUCK THE ATTORNEY'S CLIENTS VEHICLE KILLING HIM. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *YH","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/319459"},{"cmplid":"350527","date_received":"2001-08-30","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"496","model_year":1996,"deaths":1,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":0,"component_desc":"SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET","description":"THE DEFENDANT VEHICLE'S FRONT HANGER BOLT ON THE LEFT FRONT END OF THE TRUCK FAILED AND CAUSED THE TRUCK TO SWERVE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHERE IT STRUCK THE ATTORNEY'S CLIENTS VEHICLE KILLING HIM. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *YH","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/350527"},{"cmplid":"224911","date_received":"2000-07-13","make":"WESTERN STAR","model":"4964","model_year":1999,"deaths":0,"injured":0,"fire":0,"crash":1,"component_desc":"SERVICE BRAKES, AIR","description":"AIRLINE POPPED OUT.","canonical_url":"https://api.ai-analytics.org/vehicle-complaint/224911"}]}