1977-1984 · 8 model years

Western RL Series Problems by year

Owners have filed 0 complaints about the Western RL Series across 8 model years, and it has 5 recalls.

Share your RL Series experience Compare years 5 recalls

Complaints: 0
Recalls: 5
Crashes: 0
Fires: 0
Injuries: 0
Deaths: 0

RL Series complaints by model year

01977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984

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.

Year	Recalls	Top problem	Grade
1984	1	-	B
1983	1	-	B
1982	1	-	B
1981	2	-	D
1980	3	-	D
1979	4	-	F
1978	3	-	D
1977	1	-	B

Western RL Series recalls 5

Structure: frame and members

85V158000Nov 26, 19851,575 vehicles affected

The right hand frame rail lower flange could develop cracks due to poor grinding methods at stress points. Consequence of defect: frame failure...

Covers1979 Western RL Series 1980 Western RL Series +2 more

Suspension: leaf spring assembly

84V036000Mar 23, 19843,421 vehicles affected

Spring seat can deform, which causes a decrease in the clamping force in the suspension assembly. Loss of clamping force may bring about axle misalignment or axle housing failure.

Covers1978 Western RL Series 1979 Western RL Series 1980 Western RL Series 1981 Western RL Series 1982 Western RL Series +60 more

Steering wheel / handle bar

84V033000Mar 22, 19844,393 vehicles affected

Improper steering clamp bolts and torque applied during installation. The bolt could fail, allowing the steering yoke to become loose.

Covers1983 Western RL Series 1984 Western RL Series +26 more

Suspension: springs

81V094000Aug 6, 19811,000 vehicles affected

Inadequate weld positioning coupled with radius rod load and loosening of the spring clip nuts could cause spring seat fracture. This can result in loss of directional control of the axle.

Covers1978 Western RL Series 1979 Western RL Series 1980 Western RL Series 1981 Western RL Series +20 more

Suspension: coil springs

79V275000Dec 28, 19799,000 vehicles affected

The involved vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 204, "Steering control rearward displacement". The aluminum front spring rear bracket is subject to breakage. This bracket, along with the taper leaf front springs, attaches...

Covers1977 Western RL Series 1978 Western RL Series 1979 Western RL Series +13 more

Questions about the Western RL Series

Which Western RL Series years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 1977, 1982, 1983 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other RL Series years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

How many recalls does the Western RL Series have?

NHTSA lists 5 recalls across all Western RL Series 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