Recall 21V209 covers 2 2021 Western Star 4700 and Cascadia vehicles for a breaking clutch flange. Free repair at a franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star is recalling 2 2021 4700 and Cascadia vehicles because the clutch flange can break. If the flange fails, loose parts can enter the clutch pressure plate assembly and disengage the clutch, which raises crash risk; Western Star dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The clutch in these 2021 4700 and Cascadia trucks is part of the Automated Manual Transmission. It connects engine power to the transmission, then lets that power transfer to the wheels when the truck starts moving or changes speed. Even though the transmission shifts without a manual clutch pedal, the clutch still has to line up and carry heavy driveline load.
On the affected trucks, the transmission was installed improperly against the engine flywheel housing. That bad fit put stress into the clutch assembly and led to clutch flange failure. The broken flange is the part that carries force between the clutch damper and the rest of the driveline, so a failure interrupts the way power moves through the transmission.
Owners are expected to notice increasing noise and vibration over time before the clutch fails. Those changes are the warning signs to report when calling a Western Star dealer about recall 21V209.
Who's affected?
The scope spans separate Western Star 4700 and Freightliner Cascadia trucks, both tied to the same automated manual transmission clutch.
| 2021 Western Star 4700 | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2021 Freightliner Cascadia | powertrain |
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
A flange failure can let loose parts fall into the clutch pressure plate assembly. That can cause clutch disengagement and increase the risk of a crash. Increasing noise and vibration are expected before failure, so schedule service soon if those changes appear. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Western Star 4700 or Freightliner Cascadia is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the free clutch replacement that fixes the break-prone clutch flange.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V209 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and stop using the vehicle if the clutch does not stay engaged.
- Call Western Star customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about scheduling or recall FL-881.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Western Star technician replaces the clutch on the affected vehicle. The recall repair is available now, and the clutch replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. DTNA has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related clutch repair before the recall work was completed. Bring receipts and repair documentation to the service desk, or contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 for the reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 24, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 7, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 22, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| May 22, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 22, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V209?
Recall 21V209 covers 2 2021 Western Star 4700 and Freightliner Cascadia vehicles with a clutch flange that can break. If that happens, loose parts can enter the clutch pressure plate assembly, cause clutch disengagement, and increase crash risk. Dealers replace the clutch for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Western Star 4700 or Freightliner Cascadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V209. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the clutch replacement. Reference recall number 21V209 or Western Star recall FL-881 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Western Star dealers replace the clutch on affected vehicles free of charge. The recall repair became available when the recall began on May 7, 2021.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is clutch disengagement while the vehicle is in use. NHTSA campaign 21V209 says a broken clutch flange can send loose parts into the clutch pressure plate assembly, resulting in clutch disengagement and increasing crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V209000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V209 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V209000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →