2007 Sterling L Line: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2007 Sterling L Line
Only 4 defect reports have been filed with NHTSA about the 2007 Sterling L Line, which is too few to compute mileage percentiles or a risk score. The reports reported fuel injector failure.
When each failure gets reported
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 3 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel injector failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 219k | — | 0.4 | $450–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 17k | — | 0.4 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 345k | — | 0.4 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 1 | 1 | — | 345k | — | 0.4 | $200–$1,500 | High |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Fuel injector failure
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). The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the fuel line was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 219,212. The consumer stated initially the fuel leaks were predominately from cracked high pressure steel lines leading to the fuel injector. The consumer stated he first experienced the problem shortly after purchasing the trucks by detroit diesel in 2005. Updated evoq 01/31/11 updated 02/17/11*lj updated 05/09/11
Other fuel system problem
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 notice states to contact them to be re-imbursed. When we called the number listed, the recording states they will not re-imburse for these repairs. *tr
Other steering problem
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
Recalls on the 2007 model year
NHTSA has issued 8 recall campaigns covering the 2007 Sterling L Line, affecting an estimated 7,611 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover fuel system, diesel, fuel system, other and engine and engine cooling. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
73,500 vehicles 2011-09-16- Defect
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2,013 vehicles 2011-02-25- Defect
- 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…
- Consequence
- Fuel leak onto the roadway could cause a slippery road surface that could result in a crash.
- 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
25,362 vehicles 2009-09-23- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- An oil leak may result in a fire.
- 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
62,000 vehicles 2008-03-11- Defect
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY
38,000 vehicles 2007-11-13- Defect
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
1,042 vehicles 2007-08-01- Defect
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
STEERING
18,000 vehicles 2007-07-18- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- Incorrectly tightened steering arm fasteners may fatigue and fracture which could cause a crash without warning.
- 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
75,000 vehicles 2007-07-16- Defect
- 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…
- 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.
- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
Every year of the Sterling L Line
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
What the reports on file say
The complaints recorded against the 2007 Sterling L Line are fuel injector failure (1 report, around 219k miles), other fuel system problem (1 report, around 17k miles), other steering problem (1 report, around 345k miles) and other wheel or tire problem (1 report, around 345k miles). With a sample this size these are anecdotes rather than a pattern, and they are shown because somebody looking at this exact car would rather see them than nothing.
Why this page is short
A model year needs about 8 reports before percentiles mean anything, and this one does not have them. Complaint volume tracks how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so a thin page usually means a rare car, a new car, or a car whose owners do not file.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed