Model year record

2008 STERLING Acterra

13 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1 owner complaint on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 11V455000

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Component
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Manufacturer
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Vehicles affected
43
Reported to NHTSA
2011-08-31
Owners notified
2011-09-12

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2012 FREIGHTLINER M2, STERLING ACTERRA, 7500 & 8500, AND THOMAS BUILT HDX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 23, 2004, THROUGH MARCH 15, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC MBE900 EPA04 AND EPA07 MODEL ENGINES. THE INTAKE AIR GRID HEATER MAY SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.

Safety risk

A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Manufacturer remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS RECALL, CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V-341.

Recall campaignNHTSA 11V173000

Engine and engine cooling

Component
Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Vehicles affected
50
Reported to NHTSA
2011-03-15
Owners notified
2011-03-25

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 AND STERLING ACTERRA EMERGENCY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 18, 2006, THROUGH JULY 7, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH EPA 2007 MBE 900 DETROIT DIESEL ENGINES. ENGINE SOFTWARE MAY NOT REACT PROPERLY TO CERTAIN AFTERMARKET TREATMENT DEVICE FAULT CODES. THE SOFTWARE MAY UNNECESSARILY SHUTDOWN A VEHICLE OR MAY FAIL TO SHUTDOWN A VEHICLE WITH AN AFTERMARKET DEVICE OVER-TEMP FAULT.

Safety risk

UNEXPECTED SHUTDOWN OF A VEHICLE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. OVERHEATING OF THE AFTERTREATMENT DEVICE WITHOUT ENGINE SHUTDOWN MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712. THIS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 10V-472).

Recall campaignNHTSA 10V472000

Engine and engine cooling

Component
Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Vehicles affected
58
Reported to NHTSA
2010-10-08
Owners notified
2010-12-30

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2010 FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2, CUSTOM CHASSIS MT45, S2 CHASSIS, AND STERING ACTERRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 5, 2006, THROUGH MAY 24, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH EPA 2007 MBE 900 DETROIT DIESEL ENGINES. ENGINE SOFTWARE MAY NOT REACT PROPERLY TO CERTAIN AFTERMARKET TREATMENT DEVICE FAULT CODES. THE SOFTWARE MAY UNNECESSARILY SHUTDOWN A VEHICLE OR MAY FAIL TO SHUTDOWN A VEHICLE WITH AN AFTERMARKET DEVICE OVER-TEMP FAULT.

Safety risk

UNEXPECTED SHUTDOWN OF A VEHICLE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. OVERHEATING OF THE AFTERTREATMENT DEVICE WITHOUT ENGINE SHUTDOWN MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

Recall campaignNHTSA 10V341000

Engine and engine cooling

Component
Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Vehicles affected
5,743
Reported to NHTSA
2010-07-27
Owners notified
2011-07-29

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2011 FREIGHTLINER, FCCC, STERLING, AND WESTERN STAR HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC MBE900 EPA04 AND EPA07 MODEL ENGINES. THE INTAKE AIR GRID HEATER MAY SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.

Safety risk

A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Manufacturer remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 29, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V451000

Engine and engine cooling

Component
Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Vehicles affected
101
Reported to NHTSA
2009-11-24
Owners notified
2009-09-04

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 FREIGHTLINER M2, CUSTOM CHASSIS MT55, AND STERLING ACTERRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 4, 2007 AND JULY 15, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS ISC CM2150 AND ISL CM2150 MODEL DIESEL ENGINES. THE VEHICLES MAY BE DESIGNED WITH A HARD WIRED, DASH-MOUNTED SWITCH THAT ENABLES THE VEHICLE OPERATOR TO INHIBIT AFTERTREATMENT DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER REGENERATION IN ENVIRONMENTS WHERE THE OPERATOR BELIEVES IT MAY BE UNSAFE FOR ELEVATED EXHAUST TEMPERATURES. DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH THE LOGIC IN THE ECM SOFTWARE IN THESE ENGINES, THE SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY, LEADING THE OPERATOR TO BELIEVE THAT THE SWITCH IS IN "INHIBIT" MODE WHEN IT IS NOT.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION WILL PERMIT HOT EXHAUST GASES TO EXIT THE VEHICLE TAILPIPE, INCREASING THE RISK OF MELTING OR BURNING OF NEARBY SURFACES, OR A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO REPAIR THE ENGINES FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE CUMMINS' DEFECT REPORT 09E-046. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-800-DIESELS (1-800-343-7357) OR DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V456000

Equipment: appliance: air conditioner

Component
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner
Manufacturer
CUES, INC.
Vehicles affected
269
Reported to NHTSA
2009-11-19
Owners notified
2010-01-05

Defect description

CUES, INC. IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 SERVICE VEHICLES BUILT ON VARIOUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER AIRV CEILING UNITS, MODEL NOS. 68RV0010BA, 68RV0012CA, AND 68RV0010EA. THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THESE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE DEFECTIVE WHICH COULD CAUSE THE UNIT TO CREATE SMOKE OR SPARKS.

Safety risk

THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

CUES IS WORKING WITH CARRIER TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE BY CARRIER FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE CARRIER'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-053. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-877-584-7059 OR CUES AT 1-407-849-0190.

Recall campaignNHTSA 08V159000

Parking brake: conventional: air

Component
Parking brake: conventional: air
Manufacturer
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Vehicles affected
900
Reported to NHTSA
2008-04-09
Owners notified
2008-10-09

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 08V137000

Power train: axle assembly

Component
Power train: axle assembly
Manufacturer
DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA
Vehicles affected
28,764
Reported to NHTSA
2008-03-25
Owners notified
2009-01-08

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 28,764 MY 2001 THROUGH 2008 FCCC B2 AND FS65 SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, FCCC FB65 CONVENTIONAL BUSES, AND STERLING ACTERRA, FREIGHTLINER FLN, AND BUSINESS CLASS M2 HEAVY TRUCKS, BUILT FROM JANUARY 26, 2000, THROUGH MARCH 24, 2008, MANUFACTURED WITH ARVINMERITOR OR AXLE ALLIANCE COMPANY 6,000 THROUGH 8,000 POUND FRONT AXLES UTILIZING A FOUR PIECE SPINDLE-NUT SET. THESE AXLE ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH A THIN SPINDLE NUT WHICH MAY LEAD TO INCORRECT END PLAY, CONE SPIN, EXCESSIVE HEAT, DEGRADATION OF LUBRICATION, WEAR OF THE SPINDLE NUT AND BEARING JOURNAL, OIL CONTAMINATION WITH METAL SHAVINGS, AND PREMATURE BEARING FAILURE.

Safety risk

CONTINUED OPERATION MAY LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION AND POSSIBLY A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 8, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V530000

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly

Component
Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly
Manufacturer
FREIGHTLINER LLC
Vehicles affected
38,000
Reported to NHTSA
2007-11-13
Owners notified
2008-01-03

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 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.

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V333000

Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Component
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Manufacturer
FREIGHTLINER LLC
Vehicles affected
1,042
Reported to NHTSA
2007-08-01
Owners notified
2007-08-10

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 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.

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V316000

Suspension: rear

Component
Suspension: rear
Manufacturer
FREIGHTLINER LLC
Vehicles affected
1,200
Reported to NHTSA
2007-07-24
Owners notified
2007-12-12

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V306000

Steering

Component
Steering
Manufacturer
FREIGHTLINER LLC
Vehicles affected
18,000
Reported to NHTSA
2007-07-18
Owners notified
2007-12-21

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 risk

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V302000

Service brakes, air: supply: check valve

Component
Service brakes, air: supply: check valve
Manufacturer
FREIGHTLINER LLC
Vehicles affected
75,000
Reported to NHTSA
2007-07-16
Owners notified
2008-01-11

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 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.

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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling13,500 mi

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.