NHTSA vehicle safety data
2005 Sterling L-Line Recalls & Complaints
The 2005 Sterling L-Line has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Sterling dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Sterling L-Line. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2005 Sterling L-Line owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2005 Sterling L-Line, describing incidents dated September 9, 2007.
Most-cited components
- Suspension 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #10206738 · Filed
STERLING TRUCKS WITH TUFF-TRAC REAR SUSPENSION, THE SPRING MOUNTS ON THE AXLES ARE HITTING THE TRUCK FRAME. *TR
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2005 Sterling L-Line in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Preliminary Evaluation PE11-002: Fuel Leak
Closed March 17, 2011
DIESEL FUEL LEAK/DETROIT DIESEL
NHTSA #11V478000 · Fuel System, Diesel · NHTSA notice
Reported September 16, 2011 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Potentially affected: 73,500 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 11C-2 · Owners notified February 21, 2012 · Vehicles built starting July 11, 2003 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINE
NHTSA #11V136000 · Fuel System, Other · NHTSA notice
Reported February 25, 2011 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Potentially affected: 2,013 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 11C1 · Owners notified November 1, 2011 · Vehicles built September 13, 2004 – October 10, 2007 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
FUEL LEAK ONTO THE ROADWAY COULD CAUSE A SLIPPERY ROAD SURFACE THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
DAIMLER SAFETY RECALL NO. 11C1.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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION OIL LINE/CATERPILLAR
NHTSA #09V366000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice
Reported September 23, 2009 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Potentially affected: 25,362 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign FL-558 · Owners notified May 5, 2009 · Vehicles built April 1, 2003 – June 30, 2009 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
AN OIL LEAK MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Manufacturer 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.
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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
FRACTURED FUEL LINES OR TRANSFER TUBES/FIRE
NHTSA #08V668000 · Fuel System, Other — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice
Reported December 17, 2008 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Potentially affected: 24,650 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign FL-542 · Owners notified March 9, 2009 · Vehicles built March 9, 2004 – August 18, 2006 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
DTNA'S RECALL NO. FL-452.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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINES
NHTSA #08V113000 · Fuel System, Diesel · NHTSA notice
Reported March 11, 2008 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Potentially affected: 62,000 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign FL-526 · Owners notified July 9, 2008 · Vehicles built April 1, 2004 – April 30, 2007 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
DAIMLER TRUCK RECALL NO. FL-526.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.
SR-7 SPRING BRAKE VALVE ASSEMBLY/BENDIX/PARKER
NHTSA #07V302000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Check Valve · NHTSA notice
Reported July 16, 2007 · FREIGHTLINER LLC
Potentially affected: 75,000 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign FL-504 · Owners notified January 11, 2008 · Vehicles built July 1, 2002 – July 3, 2007 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer 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.
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.
VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION OIL LINE/OIL LEAK
NHTSA #06V030000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice
Reported February 8, 2006 · FREIGHTLINER LLC
Potentially affected: 5,771 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign FL-471 · Owners notified April 17, 2006 · Vehicles built April 9, 2004 – October 7, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
THE OIL LINE MAY BE CUT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSING AN OIL LEAK AND A POSSIBLE FIRE.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-471.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.
REAR AXLE WHEEL ENDS
NHTSA #05V125000 · Suspension — Rear — Axle — Spindle · NHTSA notice
Reported March 30, 2005 · FREIGHTLINER LLC
Potentially affected: 1,564 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign FL-442 · Owners notified April 7, 2005 · Vehicles built November 26, 2004 – March 9, 2005 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS THE REAR HUB BEARINGS MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED.
Safety consequence
THE REAR AXLE WHEEL ENDS WITH EXCESSIVE BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT WILL OVERHEAT AND MAY CAUSE A FIRE.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-442.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.
Other Sterling L-Line model years
Check your 2005 Sterling L-Line VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Sterling L-Line at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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