2003 Sterling L-Line recalls and problems
The 2003 Sterling L-Line has 3 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Sterling dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Sterling L-Line vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Sterling L-Line recalls
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-128: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: On certain car haulers equipped with mbe4000 engines, the clutch control cable may wear a hole into the fuel line, creating a fuel leak.
Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel line and replace it if necessary free of charge. The recall began on december 8, 2005. Owners should 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.
2003 Sterling L-Line problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Steering › Gear Box (Other Than Rack and Pinion) — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 27,462 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 L-Line complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Sterling L-Line years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Sterling L-Line have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Sterling L-Line: 07V-302 (service brakes, air), 05V-128 (fuel system, gasoline), 05V-126 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Sterling L-Line?
Owners report steering problems most often (1 reports). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 27,462 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.