Recall on record for this model family
- NHTSA 11V207000 (ENGINE): Cat C15 combustion-tube weld may burn through — fire risk (MY2008–2010) confirmed: official notice
- NHTSA 11V287000 / 10V339000 (FUEL PUMP): Bosch high-pressure fuel pump crack on DD13/DD15 — fuel leak confirmed: official notice
- NHTSA 11V146000 (ENGINE): MBE4000 EPA07 intake air grid heater short — fire risk confirmed: official notice
- NHTSA 17V761000 (BRAKE LIGHTS): brake lights may not activate on light pedal (2008–2018) confirmed: official notice
Verify the unit's serial number against the official notice before purchase.
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 11, 2026.
$24,950–$105,900 observed used (6 real listings; ~$45k typical). The classic 4900 runs pre-2010 Cat C15 / MBE4000 / early Detroit power, which is a California-registration risk (DPF retrofit $15k–$25k on 2007–2009 units) and the source of confirmed engine-fire recalls. Inspect the powertrain and check the VIN against NHTSA before buying.
Confidence 55%6 observed comparables
As of Sep 11, 2026What can make the cheap machine expensive?
| Component | Severity | Documented repair cost |
|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar C15 fuel injectors | high | $4,000–$6,000 |
| Meritor rear axle bearing | medium | not yet verified |
Contaminated fuel destroys C15 injectors, a set of eight injectors costs $4,000–$6,000. Check fuel-system service history and injector condition.
$4,000–$6,000Overheating a Cat C15 or C13 can crack cylinder heads or warp the block, repairs that cost $15,000–$25,000. Verify the cooling system and look for coolant leaks or white smoke at startup.
$15,000–$25,000The transmission pops out of 9th or 10th gear under load; rebuild runs $3,500–$4,500. Road-test under load through the upper gears.
$3,500–$4,500Whining or growling sound that gets worse under load signals rear-axle bearing wear. Listen under load on a road test.
Cost not yet verifiedCommon questions
How much does a used Western Star 4900 cost?
Observed listings range roughly $24,950 to $105,900 depending on age, condition, and configuration (as of 2026-09-11).
What fails on the Western Star 4900?
The most cited concerns in our evidence record: Caterpillar C15 fuel injectors, Meritor rear axle bearing. See the risk breakdown above for details and sources.
Is the Western Star 4900 under recall?
A safety recall exists for this model family. Verify the unit's serial number against the official notice linked on this page before buying.
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From the research record
- PRICE (SECONDARY, soarr.com, as-of 2026-09-11; 34 listings, 6 with real prices): 2014 $24,950 (146,476 mi); 2012 SA $27,999 (31,177 mi); 2007 $42,900 (312,755 mi); 2014 $49,900 (118,044 mi); 2013 $72,900 (716 mi); 2015 $105,900 (520,628 mi). https://www.soarr.com/for-sale/trucks/0/Western%20Star/4900/all-for-sale
- RECALL (PRIMARY, NHTSA, verbatim): 11V207000 — "CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 WESTERN STAR 4900 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C15 ENGINES... DEGRADATION OF A COMBUSTION TUBE WELD... MAY BURN THROUGH CERTAIN BODIES USED ON C15 ENGINES." Consequence: fire. MY2010 query returned Count=14. https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=western%20star&model=4900&modelYear=2010
- CARB (SECONDARY): "Model year 2010 and newer trucks generally comply"; 2007-2009 "Need diesel particulate filter retrofit ($15,000-$25,000)"; 2004-2006 "Need DPF plus possible engine replacement ($25,000-$40,000)." The cheap high-mileage 4900s skew 2007-2015 — a 2007-2009 unit is a California-registration risk. https://www.skylinerrepaircenter.com/blog/carb-regulations-for-trucks-even-if-you-don-t-drive-in-california
Sources
- Western Star 4900 used listingsweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-09-11
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle: Western Star 4900official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-11
- Caterpillar Truck Engines Legacy Maintenance Guideweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-09-11
- Eaton Fuller Transmission Problems and Solutionsweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-09-11
- Meritor Axle Maintenance and Common Failuresweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-09-11
- CARB Regulations for Trucksweb · research-cited · accessed 2026-09-11
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