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2002 Sterling ActerraProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2002 Sterling Acterra, most often about the exterior lighting. It is covered by 6 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls6Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage10kExterior lighting, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 25, 2008. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Sterling Acterra 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
Exterior lighting10
Latches/locks/linkages10
Suspension10
Visibility10

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

6 recalls

2002 Sterling Acterra 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

Front: wheel bearing

Recall 04V-272 · Jun 7, 2004 · 9,602 vehicles

Risk. IF ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Power train: driveline

Recall 02V-336 · Dec 13, 2002 · 145 vehicles

Risk. IF PIECES OF THE YOKE SEPARATE, THE DEBRIS CAN REPRESENT A POTENTIAL HZARD TO PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE VHEICLE AND TO OTHER PASSING VEHICLES.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
–no report yet

Mechanical: linkage and cable

Recall 02V-108 · Apr 10, 2002 · 548 vehicles

Risk. IMPROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARKING BRAKE COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2002 vs. every other Acterra 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 Acterra median. How we score

'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2002 Sterling Acterra, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FRONT WHEEL SEPARATIONRQ07003 · closed Mar 26, 2008
    Led to recall 08V-137
In owners' words

What Acterra owners report

Recent exterior lighting complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHEN DRIVING WITH THE LIGHTS ON, AFTER 15 MINUTES TO 1 HOUR, THE TAIL LIGHTS AND THE BOX LIGHTS WENT OFF. THE HEADLIGHTS STAYED ON, WHEN TURNED OFF, THEY WOULD COME ON AGAIN AND WOULD STAY ON FOR 10 MINUTES AND THE TAIL LIGHTS WOULD GO OFF AGAIN AND THE HEAD LIGHTS WOULD STAY ON. THE WINDSHIELD…
Complaint 10079824 · Sep 14, 2004 · 10,000 miles

Own a 2002 Acterra?

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