2018 Western Star 6900: common problems
The maker issued 142 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 142
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 74 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 31 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Technical Service Bulletin for StarNet Manuals Moving to Technical Literature
- CX Advocate for CARB tightening the Readiness Criteria applied to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test…
CX Advocate for CARB tightening the Readiness Criteria applied to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test submissions for the Clean Truck Check.
- Warranty Information letter for Detroit Line or Line Seal, High Pressure Fuel Injector Standard Repair…
- Service Solution for Detroit Successful Regen Reference for GHG17 DD Engines
- Important Campaign Information letter for DDC D23M3 - Campaign Reactivated and Extended
Field Service Campaign D23M3 - GHG17 DETROITTM DD16® Vibration Damper Replacement has been extended for an additional 6 months.
- Service Solution for DEF Pump Wiring for Cummins CM2450 Engine Controller
- Updated Western Star Service Bulletin for HVAC Actuator Replacement
- Western Star Service Bulletin for DEF Connector Reinforcement Caps
- SF626 Western Star Window Replacement Inspection Notification
This letter is to inform you that Field Service Campaign SF626 Western Star Window Replacement Inspection Notification campaign was released.
- Western Star Service Bulletin for Key Fob ID Retention
Key fobs for remote keyless entry on Western Star vehicles are delivered in packages that include a unique ID for the fob. The ID is required when pairing the key fob with a vehicle.
- Service Solution SS 1033094 KUS Float Tube Fuel Level Sensor Inform
- Portland Truck Plant Paint Changes
NHTSA lists 142 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Western Star 6900?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 142 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2018 Western Star 6900?
NHTSA lists 142 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2018 Western Star 6900 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2018 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.