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Sterling L-Line recalls

There are 27 safety recalls on record for the Sterling L-Line, covering 421,509 vehicles in total across all the models in each campaign. Newest first.

Sterling L-Line recalls by model year

2010 22009 52008 112007 82006 92005 82004 82003 32002 22001 22000 31999 51998 5

All recalls

Fuel system, dieselReported September 16, 2011 · 73,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2008 heavy trucks manufactured from july 11, 2003, through september 28, 2007, equipped with epa04 model mbe4000 engines built with plastic low pressure fuel lines and fuel filters mounted near the center of the engine on the left-hand side. The plastic low pressure fuel line between engine mounted fuel filter and engine block may develop a substantial diesel fuel leak.
Risk
This could create a road hazard increasing the risk of a crash. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Daimler trucks will notify owners and the remedy will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities. Vehicles will be inspected and the plastic low pressure fuel line will be replaced with a steel low pressure fuel line. This service will be performed free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on october 28, 2011. The safety recall began on february 21, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V478000 · Recall details

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported June 21, 2011 · 48,170 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Dtna is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 freightliner; cascadia, century class, columbia, and coronado, certain model year 2008-2009 sterling; a-line and l-line and certain model year 2009-2012 western star constellation vehicles, manufactured from january 14, 2008, through june 15, 2011, built with detroit diesel 15 or 16 engines. The bolt attaching a rubber isolator to a support bracket may become loose and back out, potentially contacting an un-fused starter cable and creating a short circuit.
Risk
A short circuit between an un-fused battery cable and chassis ground could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new bolt and isolator and repair the recreational vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on december 21, 2011. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V330000 · Recall details

Fuel system, otherReported February 25, 2011 · 2,013 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 sterling l-line vehicles configured with car hauler bodies and chassis, and equipped with epa04 mbe4000 engines with a fuel filter mounted at the rear of the engine, manufactured from september 13, 2004, through october 10, 2007. The lower low pressure fuel lines between the primary fuel pump and the engine mounted fuel filter, and the upper low pressure fuel line between the engine mounted fuel filter and the engine block may develop a substantial diesel fuel leak from cracking, or from abrasion due to contact with other components.
Risk
Fuel leak onto the roadway could cause a slippery road surface that could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the upper and lower low pressure fuel lines with a more robust fuel lines. This service will be performed free of charge. Dtna will notify owners of the recall during april 2011. The safety recall began on november 1, 2011. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V136000 · Recall details

Steering: columnReported July 13, 2010 · 6,325 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 freightliner business class m2, sterling acterra, a-line, and l-line heavy trucks manufactured from september 8, 2008 through april 20, 2009 equipped with trw igen3 intermediate steering columns. The weld around the igen3 steering shaft tube that secures the spline tube to the intermediate tube may be mislocated (I.e., not fully over the seam created when the tubes are pressed together.)
Risk
Mislocated welds may result in torsional and axial strength falling below acceptable levels. This condition could result in separation of the steering column, loss of steering control and a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Dtna will notify owners and the buses will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on december 23, 2010. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 10V322000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported September 23, 2009 · 25,362 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks is recalling model year 2004-2010 trucks equipped with caterpillar c15 engine. The variable valve actuation oil line may rub against the p-clips retaining the oil line, causing an oil leak.
Risk
An oil leak may result in a fire.
Remedy
Daimler trucks is working with caterpillar to remedy these vehicles. Please see caterpillar's defect report 09e-020. Caterpillar will inspect and repair the necessary components free of charge. The recall began on may 5, 2009. Owners may contact caterpillar toll-free at 1‑800‑447‑4986 or daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V366000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported March 13, 2009 · 14 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Caterpillar is recalling 14 my 2008-2009 sterling a-line & l-line trucks equipped with caterpillar engine. The aftertreatment regeneration device (ard) may develop a hole and heat and flame may escape during a regeneration of the diesel particular filter.
Risk
This condition could result in a fire.
Remedy
Daimler trucks is working with caterpillar (please see 08e-069). Owners may contact caterpillar at-1‑800‑447‑4986 or daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V087000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported March 13, 2009 · 2 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks is recalling 2 my 2008-2009 freightliner columbia and sterling l-line trucks equipped with caterpillar c7, c9, c13 and c15 diesel engines. Inadequate stiffness of the diesel particulate filter (dpf) bracket could result in separation of the dpf from the chassis.
Risk
A vehicle crash could occur if another vehicle strikes the dpf on the roadway.
Remedy
Daimler trucks is working with caterpillar (please see 08e041). Owners may contact caterpillar at-1‑800‑447‑4986 or daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V086000 · Recall details

Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported December 17, 2008 · 24,650 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks north america (dtna) is recalling 24,650 school and non-school buses, motor home chassis, and trucks manufactured from march 9, 2004 through august 18, 2006, equipped with epa04 certified mbe900 engines, manufactured by detroit diesel between march 1, 2004, and july 31, 2006. The high pressure fuel lines and transfer tubes may fatigue and fracture.
Risk
A fractured fuel line may leak diesel fuel possibly resulting in a fire or fuel may be spilled on the road causing a slippery surface, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Detroit diesel will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired with more robust lines and vibration dampers free of charge. Repairs will be performed by authorized detroit diesel distributorships. The recall began on march 9, 2009. Owners may contact detroit diesel 1‑313‑592‑3708 or dtna toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712 for more information.

Recall number 08V668000 · Recall details

Parking brake: conventional: airReported April 9, 2008 · 900 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks is recalling 900 my 2008 freightliner argosy, argosy rhd, cascadia, columbia, century st, coronado, sterling acterra, l-line and western star 4900 trucks equipped with bendix mv-3 dash control valves. The molded valve body has an incorrect core pin in the injection mold causing the valve body to be oversized in the double check valve area. This condition can allow the rubber double check valve to become lodged in the body opening under certain circumstances.
Risk
If the double check valve becomes lodged, in the event of a primary reservoir failure, air pressure can leak past the lodged double check valve thereby depleting the secondary reservoir, causing reduced ability for modulating the service emergency brakes increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the mv-3 dash valve for the production date code. Valves in the affected production lots will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on october 9, 2008. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 08V159000 · Recall details

Fuel system, dieselReported March 11, 2008 · 62,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Daimler trucks is recalling 62,000 my 2005-2007 freightliner business class, century class, columbia, coronado, fld, classic, sterling a-line, l-line, and western star 4900 trucks. A fractured fuel line could leak diesel fuel.
Risk
If a leak continues undetected under certain conditions, fuel may ignite at a hot engine surface and/or fuel may be spilled on the road surface.
Remedy
High pressure fuel lines and transfer tubes will be inspected and replaced free of charged. The recall began on july 9, 2008. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 08V113000 · Recall details

Steering: gear box: shaft sectorReported December 21, 2007 · 220 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks equipped with trw steering gears, models tas85 and rcs85, these steering gears contain potentially defective sector shafts with an incorrect gear tooth which may interfere with the rack-piston teeth, resulting in a stick or bind condition.
Risk
This condition has the potential to cause the steering gear to stall and restrict the steering turning angle of the vehicle which could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Freightliner is working with trw to replace the defective steering gear (please see 07e101). The recall began on april 18, 2008. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V592000 · Recall details

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assemblyReported November 13, 2007 · 38,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain truck-tractors equipped with holland simplex se or se ii fifth wheels, the latch lever pivot bolt assembly may have been over-tightened which could distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve. Corrosion or contaminates in the pivot may cause it to bind and prevent the fifth wheel jaw from latching securely around the trailer king pin.
Risk
There is a possibility that the fifth wheel may fail to latch without the driver's knowledge. When the occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the pivot bolt and sleeve with a hex head shoulder bolt and washer. The recall began on january 3, 2008. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V530000 · Recall details

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studsReported August 1, 2007 · 1,042 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks built with axilok rear wheel spindle nuts, the nuts may have been improperly installed, with one or both locking clip tabs not properly engaged or damaged.
Risk
This may reduce the nut's ability to resist rotation, potentially allowing the nut to back off and the dual wheel set to separate from the vehicle, resulting in a crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the axilok nuts for locking clip engagement or damage. They will be adjusted or replaced free of charge. The recall began on august 10, 2007. Owners may contact freightliner at 800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V333000 · Recall details

SteeringReported July 18, 2007 · 18,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Freightliner is recalling certain school bus chassis, heavy trucks, van chassis, rv motorhome chassis manufactured from january 5 to may 17, 2007, equipped with axle alliance company (aac) front axles. During the front axle assembly, the fasteners that attach the steering arm or tie rod arms to the spindle may be over or under tightened.
Risk
Incorrectly tightened steering arm fasteners may fatigue and fracture which could cause a crash without warning.
Remedy
Thomas built will notify owners, inspect the fasteners, and replace the steering arm if necessary. The recall began on december 21, 2007. Owners can contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V306000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: supply: check valveReported July 16, 2007 · 75,000 vehicles affected
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 coolingReported February 8, 2006 · 5,771 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks equipped with caterpillar diesel engines, the variable valve actuation oil line may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not positioned correctly.
Risk
The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.
Remedy
Caterpillar, in conjunction with freightliner, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309‑675‑6496, or freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 06V030000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motorReported December 6, 2005 · 1,819 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks equipped with visteon windshield wipers, the motor may have been produced without grease applied to the output shaft gear.
Risk
After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause the gear teeth to distort or fracture during operation resulting in the loss of wiper function. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on february 13, 2006. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 05V550000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported March 30, 2005 · 130 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain car haulers equipped with mbe4000 engines, the clutch control cable may wear a hole into the fuel line, creating a fuel leak.
Risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel line and replace it if necessary free of charge. The recall began on december 8, 2005. Owners should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 05V128000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported March 30, 2005 · 3,568 vehicles affected
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

Suspension: rear: axle: spindleReported March 30, 2005 · 1,564 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks the rear hub bearings may have been incorrectly adjusted.
Risk
The rear axle wheel ends with excessive bearing preload adjustment will overheat and may cause a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will check the rear wheel end installation to verity bearing adjustment and repair trucks with damaged bearings. The recall began on april 7, 2005 owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 05V125000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: hubReported March 21, 2003 · 5,716 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.
Risk
Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both front hubs. Owner notification is expected to begin on or before september 20, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 03V112000 · Recall details

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assemblyReported December 17, 2002 · 733 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain truck-tractor model vehicles equipped with conmet simplex stationary or sliding fifth-wheel, the clinch pins that retain the fifth-wheel pivot pins may not be fully installed.
Risk
The fifth wheel could separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fifth wheel to verify the correct installation of the clinch pin and pivot pin. Missing pins will be replaced. Owner notification began november 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 02V337000 · Recall details

Steering: linkages: tie rod assemblyReported February 21, 2001 · 16,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: trucks, school bus and motor home chassis, and transit buses equipped with tie rod assemblies manufactured by trw. The suspect tie rods contain 24-dl model ball sockets. Certain of the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below-specification case depth and/or hardness, which can lead to premature wear of the socket.
Risk
If this condition occurs, the driver can lose partial control of the right front wheel, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the defective ball sockets and/or drag links. Owner notification began may 22, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712 or trw customer service at 1‑866‑280‑3287.

Recall number 01V044002 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: turn signal: switchReported November 29, 2000 · 671 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks. A loss of the turn signal function can occur due to a turn signal flasher that is not compatible with the turn signal switches that allow the brake lights to override the hazard warning lights. If the hazard warning lights are on and the brake lights are activated, the turn signal flasher senses an overload condition and becomes disabled until all electric loads are removed.
Risk
Following drivers may not be aware of the truck's turning intentions increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a turn signal flasher that is compatible with turn signal switches that allow the brake lights to override the hazard warning lights.

Recall number 00V397000 · Recall details

Steering: linkagesReported April 7, 2000 · 144 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: conventional heavy duty trucks. The tie rod cross tubes could fracture due to fatigue caused by a system resonance.
Risk
Loss of steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will remove and replace the 1 1/2 inch tie rod cross tubes with a 1 3/4" tube.

Recall number 00V108000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported March 17, 2000 · 9,875 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: heavy duty truck models with 111", 113", and 122" cabs. The fuel tank steps can develop fatigue cracks due to excessive overhang.
Risk
The steps could fail.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the step assembly for overhang and add an end support of the trailing edge of the fuel tank step, if necessary. Owner notification began november 2, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 00V080000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignition: moduleReported July 27, 1999 · 320 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with caterpillar engines and eaton autoshift transmissions. The engines can stall because of software problems.
Risk
Increased steering effort can occur.
Remedy
Caterpillar is conducting the owner notification and remedy of this recall. Dealers will update these engines with software changes.

Recall number 99V181002 · Recall details

Questions about the Sterling L-Line recalls

How do I check if my Sterling L-Line has an open recall?

Enter your VIN in the VIN decoder on this page to see the recalls for your exact model and year, then confirm with any dealer of the brand or the manufacturer, who can tell you whether the repair was already done on your car.

Do I have to pay for a recall repair?

No. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer of the brand, even if the car is out of warranty or you are not the first owner.

How many recalls does the Sterling L-Line have?

27, covering fuel system, diesel, electrical system and fuel system, other.

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