Recall 18V699 covers 622 2019 Western Star 5700 and Cascadia trucks because the steering wheel can detach. Free repair at any franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star is recalling 622 2019 5700 and Cascadia vehicles under recall 18V699 because the steering wheel can loosen over time and detach from the steering column. If that happens, the driver can lose vehicle control and crash risk increases; Western Star dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The steering wheel is the driver's control point for the steering column. On the 2019 Western Star 5700 and Cascadia trucks in this recall, it is supposed to stay fixed to the column so each turn of the wheel transfers the driver's input into the steering system.
The issue traces to steering wheels that were installed incorrectly during assembly. An incorrectly installed wheel can loosen as the truck is driven. If it works loose enough, the wheel can detach from the steering column, leaving the driver without normal steering control.
There is no warning sign before failure. Treat any loose feel, visible movement at the wheel, or unusual steering play as abnormal, but the recall record does not identify a reliable sign that appears before detachment.
Who's affected?
Covers the 5700 and Cascadia in the same model year, with the steering system listed for both.
| 2019 Western Star 5700 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Freightliner Cascadia | steering system |
| Units affected | 622 |
| 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 your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A steering wheel that detaches can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, have the steering wheel installation corrected soon and avoid unnecessary trips until the dealer inspects it. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Western Star 5700 or Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the free steering-wheel installation correction, which fixes a steering wheel that can loosen and detach from the steering column.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V699 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop driving if the steering wheel feels loose, and call the dealer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Western Star technician checks the steering wheel installation and corrects it if the wheel is loose or not secured to the steering column. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor, at a Western Star authorized service facility. The service visit focuses on securing the steering wheel to the steering column rather than replacing unrelated steering parts.
Timeline
| October 5, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 21, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 3, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 3, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 3, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V699?
Recall 18V699 covers 622 2019 Western Star 5700 and Cascadia vehicles with steering wheels that can loosen over time and detach from the steering column. If that happens, the driver can lose vehicle control. Dealers will correct the steering wheel installation for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Western Star 5700 or Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V699. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the steering wheel installation correction. Reference recall number 18V699 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 this recall remedy is free. A franchised Western Star dealer will inspect the steering wheel installation and correct it if needed.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V699?
The risk is loss of vehicle control. The steering wheel can loosen over time and detach from the steering column, which increases crash risk. Until your VIN is checked and the repair is complete, pay attention to any looseness or movement in the steering wheel and call the dealer.
What if I bought the vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2019 Western Star 5700 or Cascadia is included, then call a franchised Western Star dealer with recall number 18V699.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V699000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V699 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V699000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 →