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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2007 Sterling L-Line Recalls & Complaints

The 2007 Sterling L-Line has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Sterling dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2007 Sterling L-Line. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2007 Sterling L-Line owner complaints

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 Sterling L-Line, describing incidents dated January 1, 2006 to September 28, 2010.

Most-cited components

  • Fuel/Propulsion System 2 complaints
  • Steering 1 complaint
  • Tires 1 complaint

Together, the 3 complaints on file report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10372103 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 STERLING L-LINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIESEL FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRUCK WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V113000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL)…

  • ODI #10365389 · Filed

    BLOWN MICHELIN STEER TIRE THAT WAS 3 MONTHS OLD. HAD ABOUT 35,000 MILES ON THIS TIRE. I STILL HAVE TIRE. HEARD OF ALOT OF MISHAPS WITH THIS SAME TYPE AND SIZE OF TIRE. I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA DIE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. HAPPENED ON SEPT 28 2010. *TR

  • ODI #10239882 · Filed

    WE HAVE 6 STERLING TRUCKS AFFECTED BY RECALL #08V-113. WE HAVE HAD TWO OF OUR TRUCKS EXPERIENCE A FAILURE IN THE FUEL LINES, SPRAYING DIESEL FUEL ALL OVER THE ROAD BEHIND US, PAYING FOR SEVERAL CAR WASHES FOR CARS FOLLOWING US AND PAYING FOR AFTER HOURS ROAD SIDE REPAIRS. DETROIT DIESELS RECALL…

Read all 3 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2007 Sterling L-Line in 4 investigations. 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.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

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> .

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.

FIFTH WHEEL LEVER PIVOT BOLTS/HOLLAND SIMPLEX

NHTSA #07V530000 · Trailer Hitches — Fifth Wheel Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported November 13, 2007 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 38,000 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-514 · Owners notified January 3, 2008 · Vehicles built January 1, 2006 – May 31, 2007 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-514.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 WHEEL SPINDLE NUTS/AXILOK

NHTSA #07V333000 · Wheels — Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · NHTSA notice

Reported August 1, 2007 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 1,042 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-507 · Owners notified August 10, 2007 · Vehicles built April 2, 2007 – June 20, 2007 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

STEERING ARM/TIE ROD ARM

NHTSA #07V306000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported July 18, 2007 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 18,000 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-501 · Owners notified December 21, 2007 · Vehicles built January 5, 2007 – May 17, 2007 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED STEERING ARM FASTENERS MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

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.

Other Sterling L-Line model years

Check your 2007 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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