Recall 11V193 covers 2,564 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet vehicles for tie rod fracture. Repair will be free at a franchised Sterling dealer once available.
Sterling is recalling 2,564 2008-2009 Bullet vehicles because the left outer tie rod end can fracture after a misalignment weakens the ball stud. A fractured tie rod end can reduce directional steering stability and increase crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The left outer tie rod end on the 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet is part of the steering linkage that connects the steering system to the front wheel assembly. As you turn the wheel, the tie rod helps push and pull the wheel so the truck follows your steering input. The outer end uses a ball stud, a joint that lets the linkage move while staying connected.
On affected Bullet trucks, the left outer tie rod end was built or installed with a misalignment condition. That misalignment puts extra stress on the left outer tie rod ball stud during normal steering and suspension movement. Over time, that stress weakens the ball stud until it fractures. Once that joint breaks, the steering linkage no longer holds that side of the system together as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall filing does not identify a noise, warning light, or steering feel change that owners should expect before the tie rod ball stud breaks.
Who's affected?
Both model years are tied to the same tie rod in the steering linkage.
| 2009 Sterling Bullet | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2008 Sterling Bullet | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 2,564 |
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?
A fractured tie rod end can cause a loss of directional steering stability and increase the risk of a crash. Schedule the recall repair as soon as it is available, and treat any sudden steering change as a reason to stop safely and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Sterling dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet is included in this recall.
- Review the owner letter that began mailing on March 26, 2011, for the free repair instructions.
- Contact a franchised Sterling dealer after confirming your VIN, and reference recall number 11V193 when you call.
- Ask about the left outer tie rod end replacement that fixes the fracture-prone steering linkage.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if the steering feels unstable.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Sterling technician replaces the left outer tie rod end once replacement parts are available. The recall notice described a two part owner letter: first to explain the campaign, then to tell owners when replacement parts were ready. The dealer repair is free. The work addresses the left outer tie rod end ball stud and the related misalignment condition described in campaign 11V193.
Timeline
| March 23, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 26, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V193?
Recall 11V193 covers 2,564 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet vehicles with a left outer tie rod end that can fracture after misalignment weakens the ball stud. A fractured tie rod end can reduce directional steering stability and raise crash risk. The left outer tie rod end replacement is free.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Bullet is included in recall 11V193. If it is, contact a franchised Sterling service provider to schedule the left outer tie rod end replacement. Reference recall number 11V193 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 Daimler Trucks stated that the left outer tie rod end replacement for recall 11V193 will be performed free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my Sterling Bullet before the tie rod repair?
The recall warns that a fractured tie rod end can cause a loss of directional steering stability and raise crash risk. Check your VIN first. If your Bullet is included, ask the dealer service desk whether it is safe to drive to the appointment or whether towing is the better option.
What if I bought my Sterling Bullet used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Bullet is included, then give the dealer recall number 11V193 and ask for the left outer tie rod end replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V193000 |
|---|---|
| Sterling customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V193 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V193000 |
Source documents
-
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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →