2009 Sterling Bullet problems, complaints & recalls

Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet 4500 and 5500 cab chassis vehicles manufactured November 1, 2007, to November 7, 2008. The affected vehicles have a 220 amp alternator that may develop a short circuit.

Risk: If the alternator develops a short circuit, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and DTNA dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-729.

Defect: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet 4500 and 5500 trucks manufactured October 15, 2007, to November 10, 2008. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the driver or other occupants.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2015. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-745-8000. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-684.

Defect: Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet trucks manufactured October 15, 2007, through November 10, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the left outer tie rod ball stud may fracture.

Risk: A failure of the tie rod assembly may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tie rod assembly with a redesigned assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 24, 2015. Customers may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-655.

Defect: DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 STERLING BULLET VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 15, 2007, THROUGH NOVEMBER 10, 2008. THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END MAY FRACTURE DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT CONDITION. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE MISALIGNMENT MAY LEAD TO A WEAKENING AND EVENTUAL FRACTURE OF THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD BALL STUD.

Risk: A FRACTURED TIE ROD END COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL STEERING STABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS WITH A TWO PART LETTER REGARDING THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN AND TO INFORM OWNERS THAT THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END WILL BE REPLACED WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 26, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.