Recall 18V191 affects 7,128 2017-2019 Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, and 6900 trucks for power-stud arcing. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star is recalling 7,128 2017-2019 4700, 4900, 5700, and 6900 trucks because a power stud passing through the bulkhead can contact the bulkhead and create an electrical arc. That arc 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 affected 2017-2019 Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, and 6900 trucks use a pass through power stud at the bulkhead. The bulkhead is the wall between major sections of the truck, and the power stud gives electrical power a protected path through that wall. It is supposed to stay separated from the surrounding metal while carrying current.
On these trucks, the stud can interfere with the bulkhead instead of sitting clear of it. When an energized stud touches the bulkhead, electricity can jump or arc at the contact point. That arc is the defect identified after field events led to an investigation in February 2018 and a voluntary recall decision in March 2018.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not expect a dash light, sound, or gradual change to confirm the problem before the electrical contact happens.
Who's affected?
Covers four Western Star truck models across the 2017-2019 model years, all using the same wiring component.
| 2018 Western Star 6900 | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2019 Western Star 6900 | wiring |
| 2017 Western Star 6900 | wiring |
| 2017 Western Star 4900 | wiring |
| 2017 Western Star 4700 | wiring |
| 2017 Western Star 5700 | wiring |
| 2018 Western Star 4900 | wiring |
| 2018 Western Star 5700 | wiring |
| 2018 Western Star 4700 | wiring |
| 2019 Western Star 4700 | wiring |
| 2019 Western Star 4900 | wiring |
| 2019 Western Star 5700 | wiring |
| Units affected | 7,128 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical arc in the affected power stud area increases the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included in recall 18V191, schedule the dealer inspection soon and keep the truck available for the power stud clearance check. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, or 6900 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the free power-stud clearance inspection and replacement if needed; the repair corrects the bulkhead-clearance problem that can lead to an electrical arc.
- Bring the recall notice if Western Star has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V191 when you call.
- Call Western Star customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions and ask about DTNA recall FL-766.
- Park away from flammable materials until the dealer completes the electrical-system repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Western Star technician inspects the pass through power stud where it crosses the bulkhead and checks that it has proper clearance. If the stud is too close to the bulkhead, the technician replaces it. The recall repair is free at a Western Star authorized service facility, including parts and labor. The service desk can confirm whether the inspection alone resolves the recall for your truck or whether the power stud needs replacement.
Timeline
| March 26, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 21, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 21, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 21, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 21, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 29, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V191?
Recall 18V191 covers 7,128 2017-2019 Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, and 6900 trucks with a power stud that passes through the bulkhead. If the stud contacts the bulkhead, it can create an electrical arc and increase fire risk. Dealers will inspect the clearance and replace the stud if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, or 6900 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V191. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the power-stud inspection. Reference recall number 18V191 and DTNA recall number FL-766 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 18V191, Western Star dealers will inspect the power stud clearance to the bulkhead and replace the stud if needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. In recall 18V191, the power stud can contact the bulkhead and create an electrical arc. An electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer inspection if your truck is included.
What if I bought my Western Star truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received an owner letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2017-2019 Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, or 6900 is included, then call a franchised Western Star dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V191000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V191 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V191000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →