Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Freightliner Sterling Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2000 Freightliner Sterling is the most problematic year, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

7 model years analyzed