What does a Western Star 49X VIN start with?

Western Star 49X trucks are built under the manufacturer prefix 5KJ, depending on the assembly location.

Where is the model year in a Western Star 49X VIN?

The 10th character of the VIN is the model year. For example, "R" is 2024, "S" is 2025 and "T" is 2026. The year code repeats every 30 years.

Where is the VIN on a Western Star 49X?

Look for the VIN plate on the driver-side door jamb or certification label, and on the frame rail. The same 17 characters appear on the title and registration.

Western Star 49X VIN Decoder

Western Star 49X trucks are built by DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA LLC.

VIN decoder

Decode a Western Star 49X VIN

Specs come live from the NHTSA vPIC registry. Results include year, engine, GVWR and brake system.

Western Star 49X VIN prefix and year code

Manufacturer prefix (VIN characters 1 to 3): 5KJ; DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA LLC
Model-year codes (character 10): J = 2018, K = 2019, L = 2020, M = 2021, N = 2022, P = 2023, R = 2024, S = 2025, T = 2026

Browse by model year: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

How to read a Western Star 49X VIN

VIN position guide
1 to 3	World Manufacturer IdentifierWho built the truck and where.
4 to 8	Vehicle descriptorModel line, GVWR class, engine and brake system (set by the manufacturer).
9	Check digitCalculated from the other 16 characters to catch typos and fakes.
10	Model yearOne letter or digit that repeats every 30 years.
11	Assembly plantThe plant that built the truck.
12 to 17	Serial numberUnique production sequence.

Layout defined by 49 CFR Part 565.

Running this truck at gross weight? Check axle limits with the bridge formula calculator, or plan an oversize move with the state oversize permit guides.

Western Star 49X VIN FAQs

What does a Western Star 49X VIN start with?: Western Star 49X trucks are built under the manufacturer prefix 5KJ, depending on the assembly location.
Where is the model year in a Western Star 49X VIN?: The 10th character of the VIN is the model year. For example, "R" is 2024, "S" is 2025 and "T" is 2026. The year code repeats every 30 years.
Where is the VIN on a Western Star 49X?: Look for the VIN plate on the driver-side door jamb or certification label, and on the frame rail. The same 17 characters appear on the title and registration.