Sterling A-line 2008
Model A-line made in 2008 by Sterling got 1 consumer complain, 1 investigation there are 11 recalls as well as 24 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference to steering. . Technical service bulletines regarding electrical system, engine and engine cooling and equipment adaptive. The car had one investigation (trailer hitches). There were some recalls concerningelectrical system, electronic stability control and engine and engine cooling.
Model 2008
Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY - CABLES | ||||||||||||||||
| 11V330000 | DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA | from 01/14/2008 to 06/15/2011 | V (Vehicle) | 53847 | MFR | DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA | 06/21/2011 | 06/21/2011 | ||||||||
| Defect Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | A short circuit between an un-fused battery cable and chassis ground could result in a vehicle fire. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will install a new bolt and isolator and repair the recreational vehicles free of charge. the safety recall is expected to begin on or before august 19, 2011. owners may contact dtna at 1-800-547-0712. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Daimler safety recall no. fl-609.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL | ||||||||||||||||
| 11V465000 | DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA | from 09/15/2005 to 09/01/2011 | V (Vehicle) | 4444 | 03/28/2012 | MFR | DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA | 09/08/2011 | 09/08/2011 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 freightliner business class m2, cascadia, century, columbia, coronado and sterling a-line vehicles built with meritor wabco electronic stability control (esc) system manufactured from september 15, 2005 through september 1, 2011. under certain road and driving conditions, vehicle body roll and road inclination characteristics may adversely affect the slip angle calculation of the electronic stability control (esc) system. this might cause the esc to perceive an over steering situation and therefore apply the outer wheel brake on the front axle until the vehicle is perceived to be stable. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | If the driver is slow to react during this esc intervention, the vehicle may deviate from the intended line of travel increasing the risk of a crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Daimler trucks will notify owners, and dealers will replace the esc module with the appropriate software version as necessary, free of charge. an interim owner notification will be mailed on or about november 21, 2011. the date for availability of the final remedy is subject to validation testing and parts availability. the safety recall began on march 28, 2012. owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1-800-547-0712. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Daimler safety recall number is fl-612.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | ||||||||||||||||
| 09V366000 | DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA | from 04/01/2003 to 06/30/2009 | V (Vehicle) | 25362 | 05/05/2009 | MFR | DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA | 09/23/2009 | 09/25/2009 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | An oil leak may result in a fire. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Daimler trucks recall no. fl-558. owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - DIESEL | ||||||||||||||||
| 09V087000 | DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA | from 02/18/2008 to 11/26/2008 | V (Vehicle) | 14 | 01/30/2009 | MFR | DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA | 03/13/2009 | 03/13/2009 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | This condition could result in a fire. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Daimler trucks recall no. fl-549.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
| FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | ||||||||||||||||
| 11V478000 | DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA | from 07/11/2003 | V (Vehicle) | 73500 | 02/21/2012 | MFR | DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA | 09/16/2011 | 09/21/2011 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Daimler trucks' campaign number is 11c-2.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - SUPPLY - CHECK VALVE | ||||||||||||||||
| 07V302000 | FREIGHTLINER LLC | from 07/01/2002 to 07/03/2007 | V (Vehicle) | 75000 | 01/11/2008 | MFR | FREIGHTLINER LLC | 07/16/2007 | 07/16/2007 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Freightliner recall no. fl-504.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov. | |||||||||||||||
| STEERING | ||||||||||||||||
| 07V306000 | FREIGHTLINER LLC | from 01/05/2007 to 05/17/2007 | V (Vehicle) | 18000 | 12/21/2007 | MFR | FREIGHTLINER LLC | 07/18/2007 | 07/18/2007 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Incorrectly tightened steering arm fasteners may fatigue and fracture which could cause a crash without warning. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Freightliner recall no. fl-501.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov. | |||||||||||||||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR | ||||||||||||||||
| 07V592000 | FREIGHTLINER LLC | from 05/01/2007 to 11/30/2007 | V (Vehicle) | 220 | 04/18/2008 | MFR | FREIGHTLINER LLC | 12/21/2007 | 12/21/2007 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Freightliner fl-519.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration | |||||||||||||||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | ||||||||||||||||
| 07V316000 | FREIGHTLINER LLC | from 11/01/2006 to 11/30/2007 | V (Vehicle) | 1200 | 12/12/2007 | MFR | FREIGHTLINER LLC | 07/24/2007 | 07/24/2007 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain trucks equipped with tuftrac rear suspensions, the center casting brackets may be out of specification. an out of square casting may have unacceptable stress in the bracket when it is installed and may cause it to crack in service. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | The drive axle may not be held in position if a cracked bracket fractures completely. this will affect vehicle control and may cause a crash without warning. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will inspect and castings that are out of specification will be replaced free of charge. the recall began on december 12, 2007. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Freightliner recall no. fl-502.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. | |||||||||||||||
| TRAILER HITCHES - FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY | ||||||||||||||||
| 07V530000 | FREIGHTLINER LLC | from 01/01/2006 to 05/31/2007 | V (Vehicle) | 38000 | 01/03/2008 | ODI | FREIGHTLINER LLC | 11/13/2007 | 11/19/2007 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Freightliner recall no. fl-514.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration | |||||||||||||||
| WHEELS - LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS | ||||||||||||||||
| 07V333000 | FREIGHTLINER LLC | from 04/02/2007 to 06/20/2007 | V (Vehicle) | 1042 | 08/10/2007 | MFR | FREIGHTLINER LLC | 08/01/2007 | 08/01/2007 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Freightliner recall no. fl-507.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||||
| SB-54-66 | 05/01/2011 | 10039617 | Ready | 08/05/2011 | |
| SB-54-66 | 05/01/2011 | 10039617 | Freightliner: instructions to replace the mega fuse junction block with a service version of the power net distribution box. *rm | 08/05/2011 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY | |||||
| RC-FL-609A | 12/01/2011 | 10043146 | Daimler trucks: see document search button for owner letter. on certain trucks, a defect regarding the rubber isolator, with a bolt attachment, the support bracket may loosen and back out, causing short circuit between chassis and un f | 02/27/2012 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - HOSE | |||||
| SB-09-8 | 04/01/2009 | 10029564 | Sterling truck: charge air cooler tube and convoluted hose replacement. hoses may have a reduced service life due to the length of the charge air cooler (cac) inlet and outlet air piping. model years unknown. *pe | 07/10/2009 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| SB-49-13 | 03/01/2011 | 10038247 | Daimler trucks: there are new cgi bellows, because the current ones are prone to failure. *rm | 06/14/2011 | |
| SB-49-13 | 03/01/2011 | 10038247 | Ready | 06/14/2011 | |
| SF-398A-F | 11/01/2008 | 10029207 | Freightliner: some vehicles may have been built with clamps used to connect the clean gas induction (cgi) plumbing that may not provide an adequate seal, allowing unfilter air into the system. the clamps will be replaced. *pe | 06/26/2009 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - DIESEL | |||||
| SF-408A-C | 07/01/2009 | 10030853 | Daimler: sterling mbe 4000/series 60 exhaust bellows brackets. high cycle fatigue in the exhaust connection from the engine to the chassis, at the end of the turbo outlet pipe, is causing premature failures of certain engine exhaust bello | 12/09/2009 | |
| SB-09-8 | 04/01/2009 | 10029564 | Sterling truck: charge air cooler tube and convoluted hose replacement. hoses may have a reduced service life due to the length of the charge air cooler (cac) inlet and outlet air piping. model years unknown. *pe | 07/10/2009 | |
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE | |||||
| SB-32-16 | 02/01/2009 | 10028710 | Sterling: some barksdale height control valves have been returned for warranty because four bolts in the valve housing were overtightened, often, enough to crack the valve housing. model years unknown. *pe | 05/18/2009 | |
| EQUIPMENT - OTHER - OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | |||||
| SB-32-16 | 02/01/2009 | 10028710 | Sterling: some barksdale height control valves have been returned for warranty because four bolts in the valve housing were overtightened, often, enough to crack the valve housing. model years unknown. *pe | 05/18/2009 | |
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HOOD | |||||
| SSB-88-10 | 08/01/2011 | 10041426 | Sterling: aftermarket hood with pivot bracket mounting modification changes. *pe | 10/03/2011 | |
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HOOD - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | |||||
| SSB-88-10 | 08/01/2011 | 10041426 | Sterling: aftermarket hood with pivot bracket mounting modification changes. *pe | 10/03/2011 | |
| SB-88-7 | 06/01/2009 | 10030485 | Sterling truck: on some trucks, clearance between the lower grille fascia and the hood hinge crossbar might not be adequate, causing paint to be worn away and rust to form. no model years listed. *pe | 10/14/2009 | |
| SUSPENSION | |||||
| SB-31-4 | 09/01/2009 | 10031704 | Sterling truck: airliner suspension six piece bolted service crossmember. six piece bolted service cross members are an improved, more durable service replacement for five piece welded cross members, or bolted five piece service cross mem | 01/13/2010 | |
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM | |||||
| SB-60-22 | 06/01/2009 | 10030467 | Sterling: new medium bias air springs (18-52651-000) superseded low bias air springs (18-40977-000) in production on 12/15/08. if replacing one air spring, do not match a low bias air spring with a medium bias one. the two types of air sp | 10/07/2009 | |
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING | |||||
| SB-35-10 | 05/01/2011 | 10039615 | Freightliner: instructions on how to lubricate the wheel bearings. *rm | 08/05/2011 | |
| SB-35-10 | 05/01/2011 | 10039615 | Ready | 08/05/2011 | |
| SUSPENSION - MULTIPLE AXLE | |||||
| SB-31-04 | 06/01/2009 | 10030459 | Sterling: six piece bolted service crossmembers are an improved,more durable service replacement for five-piece welded crossmembers, or bolted five -piece service crossmembers, to be used with steel frame rails. no model years listed. | 10/07/2009 | |
| SUSPENSION - REAR - AXLE - NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY | |||||
| SB-35-09 | 05/01/2011 | 10039614 | Freightliner llc: instructions to remove, inspect and/or reseal the lower pinion of the rear axles. *rm | 08/05/2011 | |
| SB-35-09 | 05/01/2011 | 10039614 | Ready | 08/05/2011 | |
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM | |||||
| SB-60-22 | 06/01/2009 | 10030467 | Sterling: new medium bias air springs (18-52651-000) superseded low bias air springs (18-40977-000) in production on 12/15/08. if replacing one air spring, do not match a low bias air spring with a medium bias one. the two types of air sp | 10/07/2009 | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | |||||
| SB-32-16 | 02/01/2009 | 10028710 | Sterling: some barksdale height control valves have been returned for warranty because four bolts in the valve housing were overtightened, often, enough to crack the valve housing. model years unknown. *pe | 05/18/2009 | |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - CRUISE CONTROL | |||||
| 54-56 | 04/01/2008 | 10025545 | Cruise control inoperative when the hazard warning lights are activated. affects certain sterling a-line, l-line and acterra vehicles built after february 23, 2001. *pe | 08/19/2008 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRAILER HITCHES - FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY | ||||||
| PE07047 | FREIGHTLINER LLC | 09/14/2007 | 11/19/2007 | INSECURE FIFTH WHEEL LATCHING | 07V530000 | |
| On november 19, 2007, freightliner filed defect report 07v-530 which outlines a safety recall program to notify the affected owners and correct the affected vehicles. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 03/24/2008 | 1900 | 10 | |
| Three weeks ago our company purchased two sterling bulliets from jenkins diesel in springfield mo when our drivers brought the trucks in they stated the trucks were hard to handle, as these were cab and chassis units the dealer said when we put the beds on they would be fine. we outfitted a bed on the first truck and made a trip (1900) miles these two driver's were exhausted when they returned. the truck was extremely hard to keep on the road. we called the dealer and he picked the truck that day, they have now had it for ten days and the there response is we have made some improvement to the way it handles but no near enough. these trucks are brand new on the market. the dealer has agreed to refund our money , but as an individual i think these trucks need to be pulled off the market until the handling problem can be addressed in the proper manner. the dealer refunding our money and saying that the improvement is minimal make me think there are going to be accidents piling up. thank you john weiser *tr | |||
Car dealers selling
| State | City | Zip | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MO | SPRINGFIELD | 65803 | JENKINS DIESEL | 800-299-2990 |