Use cautionVehicle recall · NHTSA · Published April 22, 2021
Navistar 2020 International LT Trucks: Engine Connecting Rod Failure Risk
Navistar recalls certain 2019-2021 International LT trucks due to potential connecting rod failure causing engine stalls and crash risks. Owners must contact dealers for free repairs.
“Navistar 2020 International LT Trucks: Engine Connecting Rod Failure Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated August 18, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/79705-navistar-2020-international-lt-trucks-engine-connecting-rod-failure-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #21V281000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V281000).
NHTSA announced on April 22, 2021, that Navistar is recalling 2019-2021 International LT and RH trucks due to a potential engine stall risk. The agency stated the hazard stems from connecting rod failure. Owners should contact Navistar for repairs.
How to tell if you have it
International LT, 2019-2021
International RH, 2019-2021
What to do
Navistar will notify owners and dealers will install a detection system software to warn the driver prior to engine connecting rod failure and engines with a defective connecting rod will be repaired, free of charge. Vehicles previously repaired under Recall 20V255 that received only a software update will need to return to the dealer for the new remedy. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825.
The hazard
According to NHTSA, the connecting rod failure may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The description notes that the wrist pin may crack and cause this connecting rod failure.
Context
GovInfoNow's records show Navistar, Inc. has 185 other recalls on record since 2008-11-24. Other recent recalls of similar products include Volvo VNL 2025 Recall: Brake System Failure Risk (2026-04-23), Volvo VNL 2026 Wheel Recall: Risk of Detachment Causing Loss of Control (2026-05-28), and Toyota 2024 Tundra Engine Recall: Risk of Crash Due to Power Loss (2026-05-20). NHTSA has received 1 crash mention and 2 injuries in complaints for the 2021 INTERNATIONAL LT as of 2026-10-13.
How to tell if you have this one
Check for 2019-2021 International LT and RH trucks. The recall was announced on June 11, 2021, and owners received notification letters.
Brand
Navistar
Category
Vehicle
Based on the official NHTSA remedy
What to do — step by step
Contact Dealer for Repair
Dealers will install a detection system software to warn drivers before connecting rod failure and repair defective engines at no cost.
Return for New Remedy
Vehicles previously repaired under Recall 20V255 that received only a software update need to return to the dealer for the new repair.
Official remedy
What NHTSA says to do
Navistar will notify owners and dealers will install a detection system software to warn the driver prior to engine connecting rod failure and engines with a defective connecting rod will be repaired, free of charge. Vehicles previously repaired under Recall 20V255 that received only a software update will need to return to the dealer for the new remedy. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 21505.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
Owners were mailed letters 50 days after NHTSA received the defect report.
1NHTSA received the defect report
2Owner letters mailed
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
Take action
Contact Navistar
We’ve drafted a message you can send Navistar to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 21V281000 — Navistar 2020 International LT Trucks: Engine Connecting Rod Failure Risk
Hello,
I own a Navistar 2020 International LT Trucks: Engine Connecting Rod Failure Risk that is covered by recall 21V281000 from Navistar.
The official recall notice states: Navistar will notify owners and dealers will install a detection system software to warn the driver prior to engine connecting rod failure and engines with a defective connecting rod will be repaired, free of charge. Vehicles previously repaired under Recall 20V255 that received only a software update will need to return to the dealer for the new remedy. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 21505.
I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this?
Thank you.
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on August 18, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.