The Western Star Optimus Prime spans 2000–2026 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Western Star Optimus Prime — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Western Star Optimus Prime is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2000 to 2026 across multiple generations.
Decode or check a Western Star Optimus Prime by VIN
Enter a 17-digit VIN to decode this Western Star Optimus Prime — trim, engine, plant and full specs — and instantly pull its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
How to read a Western Star Optimus Prime VIN — every digit explained
Every Western Star Optimus Prime carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. 4T1 = Toyota, built in the USA.
- VDS (4–8) — model line, body style, engine & restraint system.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built. H = 2017.
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Optimus Prime.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Model-year code (10th digit)
The 10th character is the model year. It cycles through letters and numbers, skipping I, O, Q, U, Z and 0 to avoid confusion:
Where to find your Optimus Prime VIN
- Dashboard — driver's side, visible through the windshield from outside.
- Driver's door jamb — on the manufacturer sticker when you open the door.
- Paperwork — vehicle registration, title and insurance card.
- Engine bay & frame — stamped on the firewall or chassis on many models.
How many recalls does the Western Star Optimus Prime have?
The Western Star Optimus Prime has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2000–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Western Star Optimus Prime
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Western Star Optimus Prime — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Western Star Optimus Prime problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Western Star Optimus Prime — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Western Star Optimus Prime specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Western Star Optimus Prime. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Western Star Optimus Prime cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Optimus Prime holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Western Star Optimus Prime tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Western Star Optimus Prime get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Western Star Optimus Prime have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Western Star Optimus Prime cost to own?
A Western Star Optimus Prime holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | — | — |
| Year 2 | 76% | — | — |
| Year 3 | 68% | — | — |
| Year 4 | 61% | — | — |
| Year 5 | 56% | — | — |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Optimus Prime loses about 44% of its value over five years.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Optimus Prime ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Western Star Optimus Prime safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Optimus Prime yet.
How many miles does a Western Star Optimus Prime last?
A well-maintained Western Star Optimus Prime typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.
Decode your Western Star Optimus Prime’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All Western Star Optimus Prime model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Western Star Optimus Prime — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2023 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2022 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2021 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2020 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2019 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2018 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2017 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2016 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2015 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2014 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2013 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2012 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2011 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2010 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2009 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2008 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2007 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2006 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2005 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2004 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2003 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2002 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2001 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
| 2000 Optimus Prime | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Optimus Prime?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Western Star Optimus Prime.
How many recalls does the Optimus Prime have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2000–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Optimus Prime last?
A well-maintained Optimus Prime typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Optimus Prime reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Western Star Optimus Prime — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the Western Star Optimus Prime warranty?
New Western Star models carry 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.
Where is the Western Star Optimus Prime made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Optimus Prime's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Western Star may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Optimus Prime have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.