Recall 17V588 covers 32 2013-2018 Western Star 4700 trucks for battery-cable chafing and fire risk. Free repair at any franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star is recalling 32 2013-2018 4700 trucks because the battery cable can contact the all-wheel-drive axle yoke. If the cable chafes and shorts, the defect increases the risk of a fire, and Western Star dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The battery cable on 2013-2018 Western Star 4700 trucks carries electrical power between the batteries and the truck's electrical system. It is insulated and routed so it stays clear of moving driveline parts. The all wheel drive axle yoke is a rotating coupling near the axle that helps transfer power through the driveline.
On affected trucks, certain all wheel drive axle and battery cable routing combinations put the cable too close to that yoke. As the truck operates, the yoke contacts the cable and rubs against it. That contact damages the cable covering and the cable itself, which is the defect behind NHTSA campaign 17V588.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not expect a dashboard message, noise, or visible symptom before the cable is damaged.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2013-2018 model years, all tied to the same battery cable component.
| 2013 Western Star 4700 | battery |
|---|---|
| 2014 Western Star 4700 | battery |
| 2015 Western Star 4700 | battery |
| 2016 Western Star 4700 | battery |
| 2017 Western Star 4700 | battery |
| 2018 Western Star 4700 | battery |
| Units affected | 32 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the battery cable rubs against the axle yoke, the cable can chafe, short, and increase the risk of a fire. There is no listed warning sign before failure, so schedule the inspection and cable repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2018 Western Star 4700 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the free battery-cable inspection and repair that keeps the cable from contacting the all wheel drive axle yoke.
- Reference recall number 17V588 and Western Star recall FL-746 when you call the dealer.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and ask the dealer about safe driving guidance until the repair is complete.
- Stop driving and contact the dealer if you smell burning or see smoke near the battery-cable area.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Western Star technician inspects the battery cables where they pass near the all wheel drive axle yoke. If a cable shows contact, routing damage, or a condition that lets it contact the yoke, the technician repairs the cable as needed and secures the area so the cable stays clear. The recall repair is free at Western Star authorized service facilities. Parts and labor are covered under campaign 17V588.
Timeline
| September 21, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 16, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 17, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| November 17, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 17, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V588?
Recall 17V588 covers 32 2013-2018 Western Star 4700 trucks with a battery cable that can contact the all wheel drive axle yoke. That contact can chafe the cable and cause a short, increasing fire risk. Western Star dealers inspect and repair the battery cables for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2018 Western Star 4700 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V588. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the battery cable inspection and any needed repair. Reference recall number 17V588 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Western Star dealers inspect and repair the battery cables free of charge under recall 17V588. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. On affected 2013-2018 Western Star 4700 trucks, the battery cable can contact the all wheel drive axle yoke, chafe, and short. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair before continuing regular use.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair became available when owner notifications began on November 16, 2017. Because the remedy is available, a franchised Western Star dealer can inspect the battery cables and complete any needed repair free of charge.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V588000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V588 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V588000 |
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 →