How many recalls does the 2004 Sterling Hx have?

The 2004 Sterling Hx has 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign on record.

How do I check if my 2004 Sterling Hx has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 2004 Sterling Hx?

Of 1 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is service brakes, air.

2004 Sterling Hx Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2004 Sterling Hx has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 14,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes, air. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

POWER TRAIN 04V205000 2004-05-04 14,000 affected

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, THE TAPERED JOINT THAT ATTACHES THE SHIFTER TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY BECOME LOOSE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO GEAR.

Consequence

IF SHIFT LEVER DETACHMENT OCCURS, THA ABILITY RO ACCELERATE OT MAINTAIN SPEED WILL BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RE-SECURE THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE TRANSMISSION USING THREADLOCK AND RE-TORQUING THE FASTENING BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Complaints by component

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Total complaints1

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“I own 10 2004 sterling tractors. The brake pedal is mounted on the floor. The connecting parts are made of unsimilar metals and after a period of time the parts bind up making the pedal freeze, what could cause an accident. Thanks *tr”

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR · reported 2009-07-09

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2004 Sterling Hx as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.