2003 Sterling Acterra recalls and problems
The 2003 Sterling Acterra has 4 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Sterling dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Sterling Acterra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Sterling Acterra recalls
Recall 08V-137: Power Train
Problem: 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.
Risk: Continued operation may lead to wheel separation and possibly a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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 07V-302: Service Brakes, Air
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 05V-126: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 04V-272: Suspension
Problem: On certain trucks built with 8,000 or 6,000 pound front axles and four-piece spindle nut sets, premature front ,wheel bearing wear may be caused by inconsistent bearing endplay adjustment.
Risk: If allowed to progress, the front wheel assembly may separate from the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Fix: The dealers will replace the front axle oil seals and hub cap gaskets on both sides. The recall began september 7, 2004. Owners should contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
2003 Sterling Acterra problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 1
- Suspension › Front — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 119,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Sterling Acterra complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Sterling Acterra years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Sterling Acterra have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Sterling Acterra: 08V-137 (power train), 07V-302 (service brakes, air), 05V-126 (engine and engine cooling), 04V-272 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Sterling Acterra?
Owners report suspension problems most often (2 reports). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 119,000 miles.
Are Sterling recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Sterling dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.