Recall 20V281 covers 2,987 2019-2021 Western Star 4700 and 5700 trucks for an undersized ground-harness wire. Free ground-harness replacement at a franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star is recalling 2,987 2019-2021 4700 and 5700 trucks because an undersized ground harness wire can melt a connector and leave the engine stalled without restarting. The stall raises crash risk, and the Western Star dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The ground harness on 2019-2021 Western Star 4700 and 5700 trucks is part of the electrical return path for the truck's circuits. It carries current back to ground so electrical parts have a stable path to complete the circuit. That path has to handle the load without overheating.
On affected trucks, one wire in the ground harness is too small for the current it has to carry. That extra electrical resistance can heat the connector in the ground circuit harness until the connector melts. Once the connector is damaged, the ground path is interrupted; under certain driving conditions, the engine can stall and then fail to restart.
There is no warning sign before failure. The truck can shut down without giving the driver a clear electrical symptom first, so the problem is not something an owner can reliably catch by watching the dash or listening for a change.
Who's affected?
Spans the 4700 and 5700 across the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years, all tied to the same wiring component.
| 2021 Western Star 4700 | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2019 Western Star 4700 | wiring |
| 2019 Western Star 5700 | wiring |
| 2020 Western Star 4700 | wiring |
| 2020 Western Star 5700 | wiring |
| 2021 Western Star 5700 | wiring |
| Units affected | 2,987 |
| 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 in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash because the truck loses power without the driver choosing it. No warning sign is listed for this recall, so treat any unexpected stall as a reason to move out of traffic and contact a Western Star dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Western Star dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Western Star 4700 or 5700 is included in this recall.
- Wait for Western Star's repair notice before scheduling the final dealer repair.
- Ask a franchised Western Star dealer whether the ground-harness replacement is ready for your VIN; the repair replaces the undersized wire harness tied to engine-stall risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Western Star has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V281 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and move off the road safely if the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
Western Star has identified the dealer repair as replacing the ground harness. Once the repair is available, a Western Star technician will remove the affected ground circuit harness and install a replacement harness at no charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The service visit focuses on the undersized wire and damaged connector path described in campaign 20V281, so ask the service desk to confirm the ground harness replacement is tied to this recall before work begins.
Timeline
| May 18, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 23, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 16, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| July 16, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 16, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V281?
Recall 20V281 covers 2,987 2019-2021 Western Star 4700 and 5700 trucks with an undersized wire in the ground harness. The connector in the ground circuit harness can melt, and if it is damaged, the engine can stall and fail to restart.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Western Star 4700 or 5700 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V281. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the ground harness replacement. Reference recall number 20V281 and DTNA recall number FL-852 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will replace the ground harness free of charge. A franchised Western Star dealer can confirm parts and appointment timing for your VIN.
Is it safe to drive my Western Star 4700 or 5700 before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is engine stall, which increases crash risk if it happens on the road. If your truck stalls, loses power, or fails to restart, stop using it and ask the dealer about towing.
When did Western Star start this recall?
The recall began on June 23, 2020. If you bought the truck used or never received a notice, check your VIN anyway. Recall eligibility follows the vehicle, and the free repair applies when your specific VIN is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V281000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V281 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V281000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →