Recall 25V326 affects 22,271 2020-2026 Western Star 47X and 49X trucks for a battery-starter short circuit. Repair will be free at any franchised Western Star dealer once available.
Western Star is recalling 22,271 2020-2026 Western Star 47X and 49X trucks because the battery-to-starter stud at the frame rail has an installation defect that can cause a short circuit. A short circuit increases the risk of a fire, and the Western Star dealer repair will be free once Western Star opens the remedy.
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What's wrong?
The positive junction point stud on the 2020-2026 Western Star 47X and 49X is an electrical connection mounted at the frame rail. It links battery power and auxiliary power distribution to the starter so the truck can crank and start.
The problem is incorrect installation of that stud or the cable lug attached to it. A poor connection at the frame rail can let corrosion build around the stud. As resistance rises, the connection can overheat, melt cables or nearby parts, and create a short circuit. DTNA reported thermal events ranging from melted components to isolated vehicle fires in NHTSA campaign 25V326.
Drivers can notice a slow crank or no crank when trying to start the truck. A pre-trip or post-trip inspection can also show corrosion around the stud or cable lug.
Who's affected?
The 47X appears for 2021-2026, while the 49X appears for 2020-2026. Every listed model-year involves the battery component.
| 2026 Western Star 47X | battery |
|---|---|
| 2023 Western Star 47X | battery |
| 2024 Western Star 47X | battery |
| 2021 Western Star 47X | battery |
| 2022 Western Star 47X | battery |
| 2025 Western Star 47X | battery |
| 2020 Western Star 49X | battery |
| 2021 Western Star 49X | battery |
| 2022 Western Star 49X | battery |
| 2023 Western Star 49X | battery |
| 2024 Western Star 49X | battery |
| 2025 Western Star 49X | battery |
| 2026 Western Star 49X | battery |
| Units affected | 22,271 |
| 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?
A short circuit increases the risk of fire. Watch for slow cranking, no crank, or visible corrosion around the stud or cable lug, and contact a Western Star dealer if you see those signs. Schedule the recall work once the remedy is open. Repair will be free at any franchised Western Star dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2026 Western Star 47X or 49X is included in this recall.
- Wait for Western Star's updated repair instructions before scheduling the new remedy.
- Contact a franchised Western Star dealer and ask whether replacement recall 26V079 applies to your truck before booking work.
- Reference recall number 25V326 when you call, and ask the dealer to inspect the battery-to-starter stud connection tied to the short-circuit fire risk.
- Bring the owner letter if Western Star mailed one, plus any paperwork from an earlier repair under this recall.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair is still under development, so do not treat the current service path as the finished remedy. Once the remedy opens, a Western Star technician will inspect the battery to starter cable connection at the frame rail, replace damaged cables and loose hardware, tighten the related hardware, and install dielectric tape where required. Parts and labor will be free once available. This campaign was replaced by recall 26V079, and trucks already repaired under 25V326 still need the new remedy completed. If you already paid for a related repair, DTNA uses its standard reimbursement plan. Contact DTNA customer service with documentation for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 23, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V326?
Recall 25V326 covers 22,271 2020-2026 Western Star 47X and 49X trucks with a battery-to-starter stud at the frame rail that was installed incorrectly. That condition can create a short circuit and increase fire risk.
What should I do if my 2020-2026 Western Star 47X or 49X is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 25V326. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer and reference recall 25V326 and DTNA recall F1020. The filing says this recall was replaced by recall 26V079, so ask whether the new remedy is required.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and DTNA says the inspection, cable replacement, hardware tightening, and dielectric tape installation are free as needed at a franchised Western Star dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The listed safety risk is fire. The incorrectly installed battery-to-starter stud can cause a short circuit at the frame rail. If your VIN is included, arrange dealer service and ask DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 about the current remedy path.
When were owners notified about recall 25V326?
DTNA mailed owner notification letters on July 1, 2025. Used-truck owners and fleet operators still need to check the VIN, because the filing says trucks repaired under this campaign need the new remedy completed under the replacement recall.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V326000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V326 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V326000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →