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2003 Sterling ActerraProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2003 Sterling Acterra, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage119kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 21, 2011. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Sterling Acterra has problems

2 complaints 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
Suspension20

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

4 recalls

2003 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

Supply: check valve

Recall 07V-302 · Jul 16, 2007 · 75,000 vehicles

Risk. THESE CONDITIONS COULD EITHER RESULT IN LEAKAGE AND CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKE WITHOUT WARNING OR POSSIBLY LEAD TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–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 →

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

2003 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 2003 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 suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 STERLING ACTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND DESTROYED A NEARBY FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V272000…
Complaint 10413970 · Jul 21, 2011 · 119,000 miles
DT: CONTACT RECEIVED MANUFACTURER RECALL FL-424 SAYING TO TAKE THE TRUCK TO A DEALER. WHEN SHE CALLED DEALER TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT DEALER SAID HE NEEDED TO ORDER THE RECALL PART. WHEN SHE CALLED BACK HE SAID THAT PART WASN'T IN YET. THE THIRD TIME SHE CALLED DEALER SAID HE HAD NOT ORDERED THE PART…
Complaint 10126502 · Jun 24, 2005

Own a 2003 Acterra?

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