Recall 11V136 affects 2,013 2005-2007 Sterling L-Line trucks for diesel fuel-line leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Sterling dealer.
Sterling is recalling 2,013 2005-2007 L-Line vehicles configured as car haulers under recall 11V136 because low-pressure diesel fuel lines near the engine-mounted fuel filter can crack or rub against nearby components and leak fuel. Fuel on the roadway can create a slippery surface and increase crash risk; the Sterling dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2005-2007 Sterling L-Line car hauler uses low-pressure diesel fuel lines to move fuel from the primary fuel pump to the engine-mounted fuel filter, then from that filter into the engine block. These lines feed the EPA04 MBE4000 engine before the fuel reaches the high-pressure side of the system. They are supposed to stay sealed while fuel flows through them during normal operation.
On affected trucks, the lower fuel lines between the pump and filter, and the upper line between the filter and engine block, can crack or rub against nearby parts. That abrasion breaks down the line wall. Once the line opens, diesel fuel leaks from the fuel system instead of staying contained between the pump, filter, and engine.
There is no warning sign before failure. A leak can appear only after a line has cracked or rubbed through, so any visible diesel fuel or fuel smell around the rear of the engine needs prompt dealer attention.
Who's affected?
The listed L-Line years share the same fuel system component.
| 2006 Sterling L-Line | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2007 Sterling L-Line | fuel system |
| 2005 Sterling L-Line | fuel system |
| Units affected | 2,013 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Fuel leaking onto the roadway can leave a slippery surface and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair and use caution until it is completed. Repair will be free at any franchised Sterling dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2005-2007 Sterling L-Line is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Sterling dealer to ask whether the free low-pressure fuel-line repair is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 11V136 when you call so the service desk can find the Sterling fuel-line recall.
- Ask the dealer to replace the upper and lower low-pressure fuel lines that can crack, rub against other parts, and leak diesel fuel.
- Avoid driving if you see or smell diesel fuel near the truck. Ask the dealer about towing before moving it.
What happens at the repair
The listed remedy is to replace the upper and lower low pressure fuel lines. At the dealer, a Sterling technician removes the affected fuel lines around the primary fuel pump, engine mounted fuel filter, and engine block, then installs replacement lines intended to prevent cracking or abrasion against nearby components. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under recall 11V136.
Timeline
| February 25, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V136?
Recall 11V136 covers 2,013 2005-2007 Sterling L-Line car hauler vehicles with EPA04 MBE4000 engines and rear-mounted fuel filters. The upper and lower low pressure fuel lines can crack or rub against other components, causing a diesel fuel leak. Sterling dealers will replace the fuel lines for free.
What should I do if my 2005-2007 Sterling L-Line is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V136. If it is, contact a franchised Sterling dealer to schedule replacement of the upper and lower low pressure fuel lines. Reference recall number 11V136 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will replace the affected fuel lines free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Sterling dealer.
What is the safety risk?
A diesel fuel leak can leave fuel on the roadway and create a slippery surface, increasing crash risk. If you smell diesel fuel, see wetness near the rear of the engine, or notice fuel under the vehicle, arrange dealer service before normal use.
What if I bought this Sterling L-Line used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your L-Line is included, then give recall number 11V136 to the Sterling dealer when you schedule the fuel-line replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V136000 |
|---|---|
| Sterling customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V136 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V136000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →