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Western Star VIN Decoder, Lookup & DOT History

Decode a Western Star VIN free, then check its DOT roadside inspection history, violations, out-of-service events, carrier safety, and open recalls — built on official NHTSA and FMCSA public data.

Free FMCSA roadside summary. We accept exact 17-character VINs only and never silently correct a VIN.

Official NHTSA + FMCSA data Free VIN decode Exact-VIN matching No title/odometer claims

Basic facts about Western Star

Western Star Trucks, founded in 1967 and now a Daimler Truck North America brand, specializes in rugged severe-service and vocational trucks favored in construction and heavy haul.

  • Founded: 1967
  • Parent company: Daimler Truck North America
  • Common WMIs: 5KJ, 5KK

Western Star VIN decoder chart

Every Western Star VIN has 17 characters. Each position encodes specific information, following the North American FMVSS / ISO 3779 standard:

PositionMeaningWhat it tells you
1Country of originWhere the vehicle was built (e.g. 1/4/5 = United States, 2 = Canada, 3 = Mexico, J = Japan).
2ManufacturerIdentifies the manufacturer of the vehicle.
3Vehicle type / divisionManufacturer division or vehicle type. Positions 1–3 together form the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).
4–8Vehicle descriptor (VDS)Model, body style, cab type, engine, GVWR class, and brake system.
9Check digitA calculated digit (0–9 or X) that validates the VIN against transcription errors.
10Model yearThe model year — see the model-year code chart below.
11Assembly plantThe manufacturing plant where the vehicle was assembled.
12–17Serial numberThe unique production sequence number for this specific vehicle.

Common Western Star WMIs (positions 1–3)

5KJ5KK

WMIs vary by plant and era; this is a representative set, not an exhaustive list. Always rely on the full decode above for an exact VIN.

Model-year codes (position 10)

A = 2010B = 2011C = 2012D = 2013E = 2014
F = 2015G = 2016H = 2017J = 2018K = 2019
L = 2020M = 2021N = 2022P = 2023R = 2024
S = 2025T = 2026V = 2027W = 2028X = 2029

How to decode a Western Star VIN

  1. Find the 17-character VIN on the driver-door jamb, frame rail, or title.
  2. Enter it in the decoder above — we accept exact 17-character VINs only.
  3. Read the free decode: make, model, model year, body class, GVWR, and engine.
  4. Review the free FMCSA roadside summary for that exact VIN.
  5. If meaningful inspection history exists, unlock the full DOT buyer report.

Why run a Western Star VIN check

  • DOT roadside history — see FMCSA inspection records, violations, and OOS events for the exact VIN.
  • Carrier safety — safety profiles for the carriers observed operating the VIN.
  • Open recalls & complaints — NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the make/model/year.
  • Buying & selling — walk into a deal knowing what to verify and what to ask.

TruckWhere uses official public NHTSA and FMCSA records. It does not include title brands, liens, insurance claims, auction records, or complete odometer history.

Western Star models we cover

Any Western Star VIN decodes. Common model lines include:

49X57X47X470049005700XE

Other truck manufacturers

Decode a VIN and check DOT roadside history for other commercial truck brands:

Freightliner VIN decoderPeterbilt VIN decoderKenworth VIN decoderVolvo VIN decoderMack VIN decoderInternational VIN decoderHino VIN decoderIsuzu VIN decoderGMC VIN decoderFord VIN decoderSterling VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

How do I look up a Western Star truck by VIN?
Enter the exact 17-character VIN above. TruckWhere decodes it with NHTSA vPIC and checks FMCSA roadside inspection history for that Western Star VIN.
Is this a complete truck history report?
No. It is a free commercial VIN and DOT roadside inspection summary, plus a paid interpreted roadside-history buyer report. It does not include title brands, liens, insurance claims, auction records, complete odometer history, market pricing, or complete ownership history.
What does 'carriers observed operating this VIN' mean?
Carriers that appeared with this VIN in FMCSA roadside inspection records. Carrier association does not prove ownership.
No records were found — is the truck clean?
No matching FMCSA record does not mean the truck is clean. It means no exact VIN match was found in the available roadside data.
Do old violations mean the truck is still defective?
No. Historical violations do not prove current defects. They tell you what to verify before buying.