Recall 17V521 affects 38 2017-2018 Western Star 4900 trucks because front axle springs can be overloaded. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star is recalling 38 2017-2018 4900 trucks because the front axle weight capacity can exceed the spring capacity. If the springs are overloaded, the front axle can separate from the truck and increase the risk of a crash; Western Star dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The front leaf springs on the 2017-2018 Western Star 4900 are part of the front suspension. They support the front of the truck, help carry the load on the front axle, and let the axle move over bumps without transferring every impact into the frame. The spring rating has to match the weight the axle is allowed to carry.
On affected 4900 trucks, the front axle weight capacity is higher than the capacity of the installed front springs. That mismatch means the truck has springs that are not rated for the load the front axle is allowed to carry. A load that fits the axle rating places more stress on the springs than intended, which reduces the suspension margin built into the truck.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not rely on a sound, warning light, or visible change in ride height to confirm this defect.
Who's affected?
Both model years share the same front suspension scope.
| 2017 Western Star 4900 | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2018 Western Star 4900 | front suspension |
| Units affected | 38 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
Overloaded front axle springs create a risk that the front axle separates from the vehicle, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the spring replacement soon and use caution until the dealer completes the repair. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Western Star 4900 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the free front axle spring replacement that corrects the spring capacity problem.
- Bring the recall notice if Western Star mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V521 when you call.
- Avoid overloading the front axle until the spring replacement is complete.
- Call Western Star customer service at 1-800-745-8000 with questions about recall number 17V521 or DTNA recall FL-745.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Western Star technician replaces the front axle springs covered by recall 17V521. The repair is open now, and the replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. This repair addresses the mismatch between the front axle weight capacity and the spring capacity on affected Western Star 4900 trucks. The technician should confirm the correct spring parts before returning the truck to service.
Timeline
| August 24, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 16, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 20, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| October 20, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 20, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V521?
Recall 17V521 covers 38 2017-2018 Western Star 4900 trucks with front axle weight capacity that exceeds the front spring capacity. Overloaded springs can let the front axle separate from the truck, increasing crash risk. Western Star dealers will replace the front axle springs for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Western Star 4900 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V521. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the front axle spring replacement. Reference recall number 17V521 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 Western Star dealers will replace the front axle springs free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trucks included in recall 17V521.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is front axle separation. The recall filing says overloaded front springs can result in the front axle separating from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Until the repair is complete, confirm your VIN and ask the dealer for guidance about continued use.
When did the 17V521 repair become available?
The recall repair began on October 16, 2017. Because the remedy is available, a franchised Western Star dealer can replace the front axle springs once your VIN is confirmed as included in recall 17V521.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V521000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-745-8000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V521 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V521000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →