Recall 13V605 affects 2,564 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet trucks for a tie rod ball stud fracture. Repair is free at any franchised Sterling dealer.
Sterling is recalling 2,564 2008-2009 Bullet trucks under recall 13V605 because the left outer tie rod ball stud can fracture. If the tie rod assembly fails, the driver can lose steering control and crash risk increases; the Sterling dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The left outer tie rod on the 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet is part of the steering linkage. It connects the steering system to the front wheel area so the wheel turns when you move the steering wheel. The ball stud is the pivot point inside that outer tie rod end, allowing the linkage to move while still holding the steering connection together.
On affected Bullet trucks, that left outer tie rod ball stud can fracture. A fracture means the pivot point breaks instead of carrying steering load through the linkage. Once that happens, the steering linkage no longer keeps its normal connection at that wheel, and the truck no longer responds to steering input the way it was designed to.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall filing does not identify a noise, warning light, or steering feel change that appears before the ball stud breaks.
Who's affected?
Both model years use the same tie rod steering linkage in this scope.
| 2009 Sterling Bullet | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2008 Sterling Bullet | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 2,564 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A tie rod assembly failure can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Schedule the recall repair soon, and ask the dealer whether the vehicle is safe to drive until it is inspected. 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.
- Check for the owner notice Sterling mailed on July 24, 2015, or ask Sterling customer service for a copy.
- Contact a franchised Sterling dealer and ask about the free redesigned tie-rod assembly replacement that fixes the fracture risk in the steering linkage.
- Reference recall number 13V605 when you call the dealer or Sterling customer service.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if steering feels loose or abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Sterling technician replaces the tie rod assembly with a redesigned assembly. The affected part is the left outer tie rod ball stud, which is part of the steering linkage. The dealer repair will be free once available for your VIN. Before you bring the truck in, call the service desk with recall 13V605 and ask whether the redesigned tie rod assembly is ready for your specific 2008-2009 Bullet.
Timeline
| November 29, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 24, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V605?
Recall 13V605 covers 2,564 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet trucks with a left outer tie rod ball stud that can fracture. A tie rod assembly failure can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. Dealers will replace the tie rod assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V605. If it is, contact a franchised Sterling dealer to schedule the tie rod assembly replacement. Reference recall number 13V605 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the covered defect at no cost, and the remedy says dealers will replace the tie rod assembly free of charge. The recall repair began on July 24, 2015.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. In affected Sterling Bullet trucks, the left outer tie rod ball stud can fracture, and tie rod assembly failure can increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair if your truck is included.
What if I bought my Sterling Bullet used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet still qualifies if its VIN is included. Check your VIN and reference recall number 13V605 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V605000 |
|---|---|
| Sterling customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V605 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V605000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →