Recall 11V558 affects 6 2011 Western Star 4900 trucks with improper axle tower-bracket welds. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star recall 11V558 covers 6 2011 4900 trucks equipped with Meritor axle assemblies because an improperly welded tower bracket can crack. If the bracket detaches, the driver can lose vehicle control and crash risk rises; the Western Star dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The axle assembly on the 2011 Western Star 4900 is the heavy structure that carries the wheels and transfers load through the truck's power train. A tower bracket is welded to the axle housing, which is the rigid metal tube around the axle components. That bracket helps keep attached axle hardware held in the correct position as the truck moves and carries weight.
On affected trucks, the weld that attaches the tower bracket to the housing was not made correctly during production of the Meritor axle assembly. A weak weld can crack under normal road loads and vibration. Once the weld cracks, the bracket is no longer held to the housing the way it was designed to be held.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or driver should not expect a dashboard light, noise, or steering feel to confirm the crack before the axle assembly is inspected.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Western Star 4900 | drive axle |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 6 |
Not every 2011 Western Star 4900 truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A bracket that detaches from the axle can lead to loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. Schedule the axle inspection promptly, and avoid driving if handling feels unstable. Repair will be free at any franchised Western Star dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Western Star 4900 is included in this recall.
- Check your mail records for the Western Star recall notice mailed on December 30, 2011.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer and ask whether recall number 11V558 is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the free axle inspection and weld repair that fixes cracking at the tower bracket on the axle housing.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete. Avoid heavy loads, reduce speed, and stop driving if the truck feels unstable.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Western Star technician inspects the Meritor axle assemblies for cracks at the weld that attaches the tower bracket to the axle housing. If cracking is found, the weld is repaired under the recall. The filing says the safety recall began on December 30, 2011, and the inspection and needed weld repair are free of charge. No separate reimbursement plan is listed, so this section does not add reimbursement instructions.
Timeline
| November 18, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 30, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V558?
Recall 11V558 covers 6 2011 Western Star 4900 trucks equipped with Meritor axle assemblies. An improperly welded tower bracket on the axle housing can crack and detach, causing loss of vehicle control and increasing crash risk. Western Star dealers inspect the axles and repair the welds for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Western Star 4900 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 11V558. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the axle inspection and weld repair. Reference recall number 11V558 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will inspect the axles and repair the welds as necessary free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control. The tower bracket weld on the axle housing can crack, and bracket detachment can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair before putting the truck back into regular service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V558000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V558 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V558000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →