Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the fuel line assembly burst without warning spraying diesel fuel onto the vehicle and the highway. The contact managed to park the vehicle on the side of the highway without further incident. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined the fuel lines were fractured into and needed replaced. A the federal safety agency recall, #05v469000 remedy repair to the engine by emc recalibration and replacement of the fuel lift pump was performed which pertained to the fuel system. However, the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership would not offer an additional repair without charge under the recall. The manufacturer was alerted.
The worst 2003 Sterling A-Line problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system1
Recalls 2
Service brakes, air: supply: check valve
- What is wrong
- Certain freightliner school bus chassis, heavy trucks, and thomas built school buses manufactured between july 2002 and july 3, 2007, equipped with bendix sr-7 spring brake control valves. The parker scv brass 90 degree single check valves (scv) which attach to the supply port of a bendix sr-7 spring brake modulating valve can break apart. Pieces of the parker scv can become lodged inside the sr-7 spring brake modulating valve, potentially causing either leakage out of the sr-7 valve or preventing air from properly exhausting from the sr-7 valve. Also, due to a manufacturing defect in the internal rubber check valve inside the sr-7 spring brake modulating valves, the valves can become deformed and not seat properly.
- Risk
- These conditions could either result in leakage and cause a delay in the application of the spring brake without warning or possibly lead to unintended vehicle rollaway or brake drag which could result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or death.
- Remedy
- Freightliner will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on january 11, 2008 to freightliner, sterling, and freightliner custom chassis owners; to thomas built bus owners on february 1, 2008. Owners can contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 07V302000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks and fire trucks equipped with kys 4735-43782-02 engine cooling fans and built on caterpillar 3126, c7, mbe906, mbe926, or cummins isc engines, the steel fan insert on the cooling fans can crack.
- Risk
- This can result in fan breakage, resulting in vehicle damage or personal injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engine cooling fan free of charge. The recall began on june 8, 2005. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 05V126000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Sterling A-Line 7
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Sp54020 Strobe and Beacon Lights
- Sterling: aftermarket hood with pivot bracket mounting modification changes.
- Daimler trucks: there are new cgi bellows, because the current ones are prone to failure. rm
- Sterling truck: airliner suspension six piece bolted service crossmember. six piece bolted service cross...
- Sterling truck: charge air cooler tube and convoluted hose replacement. hoses may have a reduced service...
- Sterling: some barksdale height control valves have been returned for warranty because four bolts in the...
- Cruise control inoperative when the hazard warning lights are activated. affects certain sterling a-line,...
What 2003 Sterling A-Line owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 2003 Sterling A-Line
Is the 2003 Sterling A-Line reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2003 Sterling A-Line, close to a typical A-Line model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Sterling A-Line?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2003 Sterling A-Line have?
2 recalls, covering service brakes, air and engine and engine cooling.
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