2004 Sterling L-Line recalls and problems
The 2004 Sterling L-Line has 8 safety recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Sterling dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2004 Sterling L-Line vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2004 Sterling L-Line recalls
Recall 11V-478: Fuel System, Diesel
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 09V-366: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: An oil leak may result in a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 08V-668: Fuel System, Other
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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 06V-030: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.
Fix: 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.
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-125: Suspension
Problem: On certain trucks the rear hub bearings may have been incorrectly adjusted.
Risk: The rear axle wheel ends with excessive bearing preload adjustment will overheat and may cause a fire.
Fix: 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.
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.
Other Sterling L-Line years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Sterling L-Line have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2004 Sterling L-Line: 11V-478 (fuel system, diesel), 09V-366 (engine and engine cooling), 08V-668 (fuel system, other), 07V-302 (service brakes, air), 06V-030 (engine and engine cooling) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.