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2009 Sterling 8500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2009 Sterling 8500, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 31, 2011. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2009 Sterling 8500 has problems

1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling10
Fuel system, gasoline10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

2009 Sterling 8500 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 11V-455 · Aug 31, 2011 · 43 vehicles

Risk. A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 10V-341 · Jul 27, 2010 · 5,743 vehicles

Risk. A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 09V-400 · Oct 8, 2009 · 18,067 vehicles

Risk. A SHORT-CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 09V-391 · Oct 6, 2009 · 10,185 vehicles

Risk. IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS FUEL MAY IGNITE ON A HOT ENGINE SURFACE AND/OR FUEL MAY SPILL ON THE ROAD INCREASING THE…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Sterling.

Best & worst years

2009 vs. every other 8500 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 8500 median. How we score

'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 8500 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THESE THREE TYPES OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 2009 STERLING LNG, 2010 FREIGHTLINER LNG AND KENWORTH LNG 2010 ARE DESIGN TO TRANSPORT LOADS IN AND OUT FROM THE PORT OF LONG BEACH. THESE THREE VEHICLES HAS A TENDENCY TO BE MECHANICALLY PROBLEMATIC BY CONSTANTLY BREAKING DOWN BUT THE MOST CONCERN ISSUE IS…
Complaint 10379141 · Jan 24, 2011

Own a 2009 8500?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.