Fuel Leak

An NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation into Sterling vehicles. Closed 17 March 2011.

Investigation
PE11002
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Opened
11 January 2011
Closed
17 March 2011

What NHTSA investigated

ODI gathered information from four auto hauler fleets during its investigation.At least five of the fleets' vehicles were damaged or completely destroyed by a fire caused by a leak in low pressure fuel line.The fleets reported numerous other failures that spilled large quantities of diesel fuel on roadways and disabled tractor trailers.Daimler Trucks North America submitteda recall notice on 24 February 2011.Daimler's announcement of a safety recall on this matter addresses ODI's concerns.The 573 letter was received prior to the due date of the IR response, therefore Daimler has been relieved from having to submit an IR response.Daimler will replace the upper and lower low pressure fuel lines with a more robust line.The exact remedy and replacement parts are not yet finalized.Daimler will be submitting a supplemental report when the information is available.ODI will closely monitor the remedy to ensure it is adequate.The subject vehicles have been recalled, therefore this investigation is closed.

The recall that followed

  1. Sterling — Fuel System, Other11V13600025 February 20112,013 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
SterlingL-LINE2005–2007

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.