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Vehicle recall 97V152000 · September 14, 1997

1997 Western Star Heritage

Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with fontaine SL6FM229-8375 fixed fifth wheels.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with fontaine SL6FM229-8375 fixed fifth wheels. The fifth wheel mounting plate flanges in the front and rear can interfere with the normal articulation of the fifth wheel. This interference can lead to damage of the fifth wheel lock handle and/or the top plate.
Consequence
Damage of these components can lead to failure of the connection between the tractor and the semi-trailer allowing the semi-trailer to separate from the tractor increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fifth wheel mounting plates and repair any damaged fifth wheel components.
Notes
Owner notification began September 19,1997.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 western star at 1-250-860-3319. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign
97V152000
Reported to NHTSA
September 14, 1997
Filed by
WESTERN STAR TRUCKS, INC.
Owner notification
September 19, 1997
Vehicles potentially affected
14
Initiated by
the manufacturer
Components
Trailer hitches › Fifth wheel assembly
Recall 97V152000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

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.