Recall 16V880 affects 235 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet vehicles with 220-amp alternators that can short and raise fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Sterling dealer.
Sterling is recalling 235 2008-2009 Bullet cab chassis vehicles because the 220 amp alternator can develop a short circuit. A shorted alternator increases the risk of fire, and Sterling dealers will complete the free recall repair.
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What's wrong?
The alternator on the 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet is the engine-driven electrical generator. It charges the battery and supplies power for the truck's electrical system while the engine is running. These cab chassis vehicles were built with a 220 amp alternator, a high-output unit used to support heavier electrical loads.
On affected Bullet trucks, that alternator can develop a short circuit. A short circuit means electrical current takes an unintended path instead of moving through the designed windings and controls. The available recall information does not name a separate root cause, only the failure mode: the alternator itself is the part that shorts.
Because the short is inside the charging system, the issue is not something an owner can reliably inspect from the driver's seat. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2008 and 2009 Bullet model years with the same alternator/generator/regulator component.
| 2008 Sterling Bullet | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2009 Sterling Bullet | electrical system |
| Units affected | 235 |
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 short circuit in the alternator increases the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair soon and follow any dealer instructions about continued use. Repair is free at any franchised Sterling dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Sterling dealer to schedule the free alternator replacement that fixes the short-circuit fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Sterling mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V880 when you call.
- Drive only as needed until the repair is complete because a shorted alternator increases fire risk.
- Call Sterling customer service at 1-800-745-8000 with questions before your dealer visit.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Sterling technician replaces the 220 amp alternator covered by recall 16V880. The work addresses the alternator short circuit condition identified for 2008-2009 Bullet cab chassis vehicles. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered at a Sterling dealer or Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facility. Ask the service desk to confirm the VIN is included before the truck enters the repair lane.
Timeline
| December 7, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 1, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 3, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| February 3, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 3, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V880?
Recall 16V880 covers 235 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet 4500 and 5500 cab chassis vehicles with a 220 amp alternator that can short circuit and increase fire risk. Sterling dealers replace the alternator for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V880. If it is, contact a franchised Sterling service dealer to schedule the alternator replacement. Reference recall number 16V880 and Sterling recall number FL-729 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and the remedy for recall 16V880 is a free alternator replacement. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Sterling service dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The recalled 220 amp alternator can develop a short circuit, which increases the risk of a vehicle fire. If your VIN is included, arrange the free alternator replacement before continuing normal use.
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 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet is included, then reference recall 16V880 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V880000 |
|---|---|
| Sterling customer service | 1-800-745-8000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V880 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V880000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →