Recall 21V864 covers 2021-2022 Western Star 49X trucks for steering shaft separation. Do not drive. Free inspection and repair at a franchised Western Star dealer.
Steering shaft separation can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Do not drive the vehicle, even for short trips, until the inspection is complete. If it must move, ask the dealer about towing. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star is recalling 479 2021-2022 49X vehicles under recall 21V864 because an incorrectly installed steering shaft can separate from the steering gear. Do not drive affected trucks until a Western Star dealer completes the free repair; steering shaft separation can cause a loss of steering control and increase crash risk.
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What's wrong?
The steering shaft on the 2021-2022 Western Star 49X is the metal link between the steering wheel and the steering gear. The steering gear takes the driver's input and moves the steering linkage so the truck turns as commanded. The pinch bolt is the fastener that helps hold that shaft connection in place.
On affected 49X trucks, the steering shaft was not fully slid onto the ridged teeth, called splines, of the steering gear during assembly. Because that connection was not seated correctly, the shaft can separate from the steering gear. If it separates, the steering wheel no longer controls the steering gear the way it should.
There is no warning sign before failure. In the reported case, the shaft disconnected while the vehicle was being parked, with no crash or injury reported.
Who's affected?
The same steering pinch bolt part is named for both model years.
| 2022 Western Star 49X | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Western Star 49X | steering system |
| Units affected | 479 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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?
Steering shaft separation can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Do not drive the vehicle, even for short trips, until the inspection is complete. If it must move, ask the dealer about towing. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Western Star 49X is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the truck until the steering-shaft inspection is complete.
- Arrange a tow if the truck has to be moved to the dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the free steering-shaft inspection and repair that fixes the shaft separation risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V864 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Do not drive the truck until the dealer inspection is complete. At the dealer, a Western Star technician inspects the steering shaft to confirm it is properly attached to the steering gear. If the shaft needs work, the technician repairs it before the truck is released. The inspection and any needed steering shaft repair are free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. Call the dealer before moving the vehicle and ask how they want it brought in.
Timeline
| November 5, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 30, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 3, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| January 3, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 3, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V864?
Recall 21V864 covers 479 2021-2022 Western Star 49X vehicles with a steering shaft that was not properly installed. The shaft can separate from the steering gear, causing loss of steering control and increasing crash risk. Do not drive the truck until the inspection has been performed.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Western Star 49X is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V864. If it is, do not drive it until a franchised Western Star dealer performs the inspection. Ask the dealer about the steering-shaft repair and towing if the truck has to move.
What does do not drive mean for this recall?
Do not drive the truck until the steering-shaft inspection has been performed. This includes short trips, service runs, and driving it to the dealer. Contact a franchised Western Star dealer and ask how they want the vehicle moved for inspection and repair.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Western Star dealers will inspect the steering shaft and repair it as needed for free. Reference recall 21V864 or DTNA recall number 905 when you call.
When were owners notified about recall 21V864?
Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2022. If you bought the truck used or never received a letter, check your VIN anyway. Recall eligibility follows the vehicle, and a franchised Western Star dealer can confirm the free inspection and repair path.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V864000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V864 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V864000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →