The equalizing beam shaft of the tandem axle suspension were manufactured from as-rolled sae4140 steel rather than the specified annealed sae4140. These shafts can fracture inside the beam at the toe of the weld.
1983-1999 · 15 model years
Western Star Conventional Problems by year
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the Western Star Conventional across 15 model years, and it has 19 recalls. The 1996 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (1), while 1999 has far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain, followed by the suspension.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 19
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Conventional complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common Conventional problems
Western Star Conventional recalls 19
The windshield wiper arm can interfere with the main cab dash harness which passes behind the center dash section. The wiper arm can wear through one or more of the wires in the harness and cause a short circuit.
These trucks were not built with inversion valves due to a programming error. The inversion valve provides modulated spring brake application during emergency braking when the "a" portion of the air brake system has failed.
THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRINGS CAN FAIL.
These heavy trucks were equipped with exhaust mufflers without heat shielding.
Air system blockage in the air dryer occurs degrading the moisture removing capabilities of the dryer when the vehicle is operated in a cold environment and moisture accumulates and freezes in the air dryer or in the line between the dryer and the air system...
The brake return springs on the front brakes can contact the front hubs as the brake pads and drums wear, resulting in spring failure. A piece of the failed spring can lodge in the brake cam causing the brake to drag and the steering to pull to one side.
A protective grease coating used on the steering knuckle was not removed prior to assembly of the steering arms. Also the joints could have been assembled with keys that were softer than specified and with nuts of a "softer" material than anticipated.
Straps holding the sleeper upper bunk in the raised position can release without warning.
The ecm ground terminals were installed such that there is residual stress on the terminal causing the terminal to fatigue and eventually fail.
The aluminum rear spring shackle brackets have developed cracks which can lead to separation of the brackets from the frame rail.
The cab access grab handles have thinner than specified wall thickness and are susceptible to fatigue failure breaking at the bend radius near the upper mounting bolt hole.
Latest Conventional complaints
I have a potential problem to report with a local clinic involved in testing commercial drivers on pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings. I have what I consider reliable information that their process, and personnel, have been corrupted. I have tried other attempts at entry into the dot e-mail system to submit this message, but have been unsuccessful. Please, I implore you, forward this message to the appropriate personnel within the dot. Thank you for your time and effort. *Jb
Abs system failed. Also, clutch is slipping and vehicle is shifting very hard when driving at any speed. *Ak
Rear drive axle caught fire. (Ohio traffic crash report).
Front axle disconnected, causing two tires to fall off, resulting in an accident (state of ohio police accident report). *Ak
Questions about the Western Star Conventional
Which Western Star Conventional years have the most problems?
Which Western Star Conventional years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Western Star Conventional problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the transmission & drivetrain (2), suspension (1), brakes (1) most often.
How many recalls does the Western Star Conventional have?
NHTSA lists 19 recalls across all Western Star Conventional model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data