Vehicle recall 04V120000 · March 8, 2004
Western Star 4900 SA, 4900EX and 1 more model
On certain trucks and truck-tractors equipped with TRW drag link assemblies, the replacement clamp and drag link assemblies contain a potentially defective 5/8-11-grade b…
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- On certain trucks and truck-tractors equipped with TRW drag link assemblies, the replacement clamp and drag link assemblies contain a potentially defective 5/8-11-grade b prevailing torque hex nut. If the final tightening is less than 65 lb.-ft., the clamp load would be unacceptably low and could compromise the integrity of the drag link.
- Consequence
- This could result in the ball socket separating and cause loss of steering control, increasing the risk of personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the affected hex nut(s). Owner notification began on may 21, 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
- Notes
- Freightliner recall no. FL422.CUSTOMERS can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 04V120000
- Reported to NHTSA
- March 8, 2004
- Filed by
- FREIGHTLINER LLC
- Manufacturer campaign
- FL422
- Owner notification
- May 21, 2004
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 275
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Steering › Linkages › Drag › Power assist system
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Western Star 4900 SA (2003-2004): 2004, 2003
- Western Star 4900EX (2003-2004): 2004, 2003
- Western Star 4900FA (2003-2004): 2004, 2003
Has your Western Star been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Western Star dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.