VehicleVerdict

2001 Freightliner Sterling problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2001 Freightliner Sterling — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Sterling years?

Sterling NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted1 complaint1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 1 complaints2004: 0 complaints
Sterling NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sterling years to avoid →

Does the 2001 Freightliner Sterling have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V189001BrakesJune 14, 2001 · 4,400 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CERTAIN HALDEX BRAKE SYSTEM TWO AND FOUR PORT RELAY VALVES. THE VALVE MAY STICK OPEN WHEN A HIGH-PRESSURE APPLICATION IS RELEASED.

Consequence

WHEN THE VALVE STICKS OPEN, IT CAN RESULT IN A TOTAL LOSS OF AIR FROM EITHER THE SERVICE OR THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DRIVER MAY LOSE BRAKING ABILITY UNDER A SERVICE APPLICATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE VALVES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

2001 Freightliner Sterling — common questions

Is the 2001 Freightliner Sterling reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2001 Freightliner Sterling have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Freightliner Sterling. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Freightliner Sterling under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.