Recall 21V946 affects 21 2021-2022 Western Star 4900 trucks for a loose steering shaft pinch bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star is recalling 21 2021-2022 4900 trucks because the steering shaft pinch bolt was not tightened properly, allowing the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear. Separation can cause a loss of steering control and raise crash risk; Western Star dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering pinch bolt on the 2021-2022 Western Star 4900 is the fastener that clamps part of the steering shaft to the steering gear. The steering shaft carries your steering-wheel movement down to the gear box, and the gear box turns that movement into steering action at the front wheels.
On affected trucks, that pinch bolt was not tightened to the required torque during a post-production installation step. If the bolt is loose, the joint between the steering shaft and steering gear does not stay clamped. The shaft can separate from the steering gear, leaving the steering wheel disconnected from the part that turns the wheels.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is the bolt's clamp load, not a wear item that gives a normal driver a clear noise, light, or gradual steering change before separation.
Who's affected?
The same steering gear pinch bolt is listed for both model years.
| 2021 Western Star 4900 | steering gear |
|---|---|
| 2022 Western Star 4900 | steering gear |
| Units affected | 21 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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?
Steering shaft separation can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Schedule the dealer inspection promptly, and stop using the vehicle if steering control feels abnormal before the appointment. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Western Star 4900 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the free pinch-bolt inspection and replacement that secures the steering shaft to the steering gear.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. Reference recall number 21V946 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary trips until the dealer completes the inspection and any needed repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Western Star technician inspects the steering shaft pinch bolt and replaces it if the inspection shows it is not properly secured. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. The technician checks the steering shaft connection to the steering gear, then installs the replacement pinch bolt where needed before confirming the shaft is secured.
Timeline
| December 8, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 5, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| February 5, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 5, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 28, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V946?
Recall 21V946 covers 21 2021-2022 Western Star 4900 vehicles with a steering shaft pinch bolt that was not properly tightened. If the steering shaft separates from the steering gear, the driver can lose steering control. Western Star dealers will inspect and replace the pinch bolt for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Western Star 4900 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V946. If it is included, contact a franchised Western Star dealer and ask for recall 21V946 or DTNA recall FL-914. The dealer will inspect the steering shaft pinch bolt and replace it if needed.
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 and replace the steering shaft pinch bolt as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. The recall report says the steering shaft can separate from the steering gear if the pinch bolt was not properly tightened, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer inspection if your vehicle is included.
When were owners notified about this recall?
Owner notification letters were mailed on February 28, 2022. If you did not receive a letter, check your VIN because ownership changes, address changes, and used-vehicle purchases can prevent a notice from reaching the current owner.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V946000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V946 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V946000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →