Recall 21V481 covers 122,056 2019-2022 Western Star 49X, Cascadia, WH126, and WJ121 trucks for battery terminal breakage. Free repair at a franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star is recalling 122,056 2019-2022 49X, WH126, WJ121, and Cascadia vehicles under recall 21V481 because the battery cable terminal can break and cut electrical power. That loss of power can stall the engine and increase crash risk; Western Star dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The positive and negative power cables on affected 2019-2022 49X, Cascadia, WH126, and WJ121 vehicles carry battery power to the truck's electrical system. The terminal at the frame connection is the contact point where that cable transfers power into the vehicle. It has to stay tight, sealed, and electrically stable while the truck vibrates and works under load.
In this recall, the battery cable terminal can break at the joint. The problem starts with the way aluminum and brass materials were joined and sealed. If debris gets into that area, it can damage the weld joint over time. The wrap process also lacked preheating before application, so the surface bond did not seal the joint as intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the terminal separates while driving, the truck can lose electrical power and the engine can stall without warning.
Who's affected?
Covers 4 truck models across the 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, all tied to positive and negative battery power cables.
| 2022 Western Star 49X | battery |
|---|---|
| 2021 Western Star 49X | battery |
| 2022 Freightliner Cascadia | battery |
| 2021 Western Star WH126 | battery |
| 2020 Western Star WJ121 | battery |
| 2019 Freightliner Cascadia | battery |
| 2020 Freightliner Cascadia | battery |
| 2021 Freightliner Cascadia | battery |
| Units affected | 122,056 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, especially because it happens without warning. If the engine cuts out, pull over as safely as traffic allows and arrange service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2022 Western Star 49X, Cascadia, WH126, or WJ121 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the free battery-cable repair that fixes the terminal breakage tied to electrical power loss and engine stall.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V481 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the truck loses electrical power or stalls.
- Call Western Star customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
On affected trucks, the service visit centers on the battery cable terminals that can break and interrupt electrical power. At the dealer, a Western Star technician inspects the battery cables, then repairs or replaces the cables covered by the recall. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm the VIN is included before the work order is opened, especially if the truck is a Freightliner Cascadia or one of the Western Star models listed for this campaign.
Timeline
| June 25, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 23, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 23, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 23, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 7, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V481?
Recall 21V481 covers 122,056 2019-2022 Western Star 49X, Cascadia, WH126, and WJ121 vehicles with a battery cable terminal that can break, causing loss of electrical power and unintended engine stall. An engine stall increases crash risk. Dealers will repair or replace the battery cables for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2022 Western Star 49X, Cascadia, WH126, or WJ121 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V481. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the battery cable repair or replacement. Reference recall number 21V481 or DTNA recall FL-893 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and DTNA says dealers will repair or replace the battery cables free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Western Star dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unintended engine stall. In recall 21V481, the battery cable terminal can break, causing loss of electrical power. DTNA reported that an engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
When were owner letters mailed for this recall?
DTNA mailed owner notification letters on January 7, 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN check decides whether your specific vehicle is included, and the dealer can confirm the repair status.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V481000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V481 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V481000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →