How many recalls does the 2003 Sterling L-Line have?

The 2003 Sterling L-Line has 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 2003 Sterling L-Line 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 2003 Sterling L-Line?

Of 1 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is steering.

2003 Sterling L-Line Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2003 Sterling L-Line has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 78,698 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA, most often about the steering. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 07V302000 2007-07-16 75,000 affected

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…

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 05V126000 2005-03-30 3,568 affected

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN FAN BREAKAGE, RESULTING IN VEHICLE DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 05V128000 2005-03-30 130 affected

Defect

ON CERTAIN CAR HAULERS EQUIPPED WITH MBE4000 ENGINES, THE CLUTCH CONTROL CABLE MAY WEAR A HOLE INTO THE FUEL LINE, CREATING A FUEL LEAK.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

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.

Complaints by component

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

Total complaints1

What owners report

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

“Dt: steering box; the northeast has a problem there are 3 towns in this county who had these same problems. Salt from the roads got into the steering box, and the vehicle was completely disassembled. *ak”

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) · reported 2005-05-14

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 2003 Sterling L-Line as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.