Western Star's lineup has 368 recorded NHTSA recalls across 9 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.2/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Western Star's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Western Star — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Western Star Trucks are a North American icon, renowned for building exceptionally durable and powerful heavy-duty trucks primarily used by long-haul transportation companies, government agencies, and specialized industries. These vehicles are prized for their robust construction and ability to handle demanding conditions, making them a familiar sight on major highways across the United States and Canada. ForCar.org allows you to decode any Western Star VIN to instantly access complete vehicle specifications, recall history, and comprehensive details about this impressive brand.
Decode a Western Star VIN
Enter any 17-character Western Star VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Western Star models 9
Every Western Star model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Western Star More models 9
Western Star recalls
Across the Western Star lineup, ForCar tracks 368 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Western Star recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Western Star model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Western Star 4900 | 236 | 3.5 /5 |
| Western Star 49X | 78 | 4.0 /5 |
| Western Star 47X | 54 | 3.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Western Star: Engine And Engine Cooling. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Western Star reliable?
Across rated models, Western Star averages a 4.2/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 7 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Western Star competes in the North American Class 8 vocational and severe-duty truck segments alongside Daimler Truck sibling Freightliner against Mack, Kenworth, Peterbilt and International. The brand's positioning emphasizes mining, logging, oil-and-gas and construction durability at premium pricing. Western Star and Freightliner share Daimler Truck engineering and powertrains but maintain separate dealer networks and styling. The 57X long-hood targets owner-operator buyers willing to pay premium prices for traditional aesthetics.
Western Star models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Western Star model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Western Star 4900 | 17 | 3.5 /5 |
| Western Star 47X | 3 | 3.5 /5 |
| Western Star 49X | 1 | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Western Star models
Fuel-economy rankings for Western Star are being compiled — check back shortly.
Safest Western Star models
NHTSA safety rankings for Western Star are being compiled — check back shortly.
Get a Western Star window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Western Star's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Western Star window stickers →How to read a Western Star VIN
Every Western Star built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Western Star |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Western Star VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Western Star
White Motor Company founded Western Star Trucks in 1967 to address the Western US market's preference for severe-duty trucks not well served by White's Cleveland-built lineup. Production initially occurred in Kelowna, British Columbia (Canada), with that plant expanding through the 1970s and 1980s. After White's 1981 bankruptcy, Australian-based investors acquired Western Star and operated it independently until selling to Freightliner (Daimler) in 2000. The 2022 launch of the 57X long-hood tractor returned Western Star to the owner-operator long-haul segment after several years of vocational focus.
| Founded | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Cleveland, USA |
| Parent company | Daimler Truck |
| Slogan | "Trucks Worth Their Salt" |
| Models tracked | 9 (1981–2026) |
Western Star — frequently asked
How do I decode a Western Star VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Western Star models are there?
ForCar tracks 9 Western Star models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Western Star made?
Western Star is headquartered in Cleveland, USA, founded in 1967. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Western Star recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Western Star model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Western Star is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Western Star warranty?
New Western Star vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Western Star dealer.