Recall 12V576 affects 1,601 2007 Sterling 360 trucks for fuel-line cracks and loose flare nuts. Repair is free at any franchised Sterling dealer.
Sterling is recalling 1,601 2007 360 trucks equipped with EPA04 4M50 engines because fuel lines can crack and fuel pipe flare nuts were not tightened enough. Leaking fuel near an ignition source can start a vehicle fire, and the Sterling dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The fuel delivery lines on the 2007 Sterling 360 with the EPA04 4M50 engine carry diesel fuel from the tank and supply system to the engine. Those lines and their fittings have to stay sealed while the engine vibrates, heats up, and cools down. A flare nut is the threaded fitting that clamps a fuel pipe connection tight.
On affected trucks, the fuel lines were made with an improper manufacturing process, so the line material can crack instead of holding a sealed path for fuel. The recall also covers fuel pipe flare nuts that were not tightened enough. A cracked line or loose fitting leaves the fuel system with a path for fuel to escape.
There is no warning sign before failure. If fuel starts escaping, an owner or driver can notice a fuel smell or visible wetness around a fuel line or fitting.
Who's affected?
| 2007 Sterling 360 | fuel system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,601 |
Not every 2007 Sterling 360 truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A cracked fuel pipe or loose fuel pipe flare nut can leak fuel. Fuel near an ignition source can result in a vehicle fire. Confirm whether your VIN is included and arrange dealer service promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Sterling dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007 Sterling 360 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Sterling dealer to ask about the free fuel-line inspection and tightening or replacement.
- Bring the recall notice if Sterling mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V576 when you call.
- Avoid driving if you smell fuel or see a fuel leak, and ask the dealer how to move the truck safely.
- Call Sterling customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with recall questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Sterling technician inspects the fuel lines, checks the fuel pipe flare nuts, and tightens or replaces the affected fuel line parts when the inspection finds a problem. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. The work focuses on securing the fuel line connections and replacing fuel lines that show cracking, so the fuel system is sealed correctly before the truck goes back into service.
Timeline
| December 11, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 5, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V576?
Recall 12V576 covers 1,601 2007 Sterling 360 trucks with EPA04 4M50 engines. The fuel lines can crack, and fuel pipe flare nuts can be loose. Fuel leaking near an ignition source increases fire risk. Dealers inspect, tighten, or replace the fuel lines for free.
What should I do if my 2007 Sterling 360 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V576. If it is, contact a franchised Sterling dealer to schedule the fuel-line inspection and repair. Reference recall number 12V576 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. For recall 12V576, the dealer inspects the fuel lines, then tightens or replaces them as needed, with parts and labor covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fuel leaking from cracked fuel pipes or loose fuel pipe flare nuts. If leaked fuel reaches an ignition source, the truck has an increased risk of fire. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free dealer inspection and repair.
What if I bought this Sterling 360 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2007 Sterling 360 is included, then give recall number 12V576 to the dealer service desk when you schedule the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V576000 |
|---|---|
| Sterling customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V576 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V576000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →