Recall 19V769 affects 1,331 2020 Western Star 4700 vehicles for an improperly installed steering shaft. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star is recalling 1,331 2020 4700 trucks because the steering shaft was improperly installed, which can break the connection between the steering wheel and the front axle wheels. That loss of connection results in loss of steering control and increases crash risk; Western Star dealers will repair the steering shaft installation free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering shaft on a 2020 Western Star 4700 is the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front axle wheels. When the driver turns the wheel, the shaft carries that input through the steering system so the front wheels turn in the same direction. That connection has to stay tight and correctly seated.
On affected Western Star 4700 trucks, the steering shaft was not installed correctly at the Cleveland Truck Manufacturing Plant. Quality-check roles changed during a production line restructure, and the checks did not catch every shaft connection. If the shaft connection separates or loses its grip, the steering wheel no longer controls the front axle wheels.
There is no warning sign before failure. The truck can steer normally until the connection is affected, so an owner should not rely on noise, looseness, or a dashboard light to identify this recall.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Western Star 4700 | steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,331 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 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 shaft connection that comes loose can leave the driver without steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Until the recall work is complete, avoid unnecessary trips and schedule the inspection promptly. If steering feels loose or abnormal, stop in a safe place and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Western Star 4700 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the free steering-shaft inspection and correction that restores the steering connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Western Star has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V769 when you call.
- Avoid driving the truck if the steering feels abnormal, and ask the dealer about towing before moving it.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Western Star technician inspects the steering shaft installation and corrects it as needed so the steering wheel stays connected to the front axle wheels. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. The manufacturer has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you've already paid out of pocket for a steering shaft installation repair tied to recall 19V769, ask the service desk how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 25, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 27, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 23, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 23, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 23, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V769?
Recall 19V769 covers 1,331 2020 Western Star 4700 vehicles with a steering shaft that was installed incorrectly. The defect can break the connection between the steering wheel and front axle wheels, causing loss of steering control and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2020 Western Star 4700 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V769. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the steering shaft inspection and correction. Reference recall number 19V769 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost. A franchised Western Star dealer will inspect the steering shaft installation and correct it free of charge if the vehicle is included in recall 19V769.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. If the steering shaft loses connection between the steering wheel and the front axle wheels, the driver loses normal steering input, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair corrects the steering shaft installation for free.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall began on November 27, 2019. Owners with included vehicles can contact a franchised Western Star dealer for the steering shaft inspection and correction. Western Star customer service is also listed at 1-800-547-0712 for recall 19V769.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V769000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V769 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V769000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →