NHTSA Recalls

2021 International LT

3 open or recent recalls

3 open recalls

Open recalls

Units affected

Trucks in our DB

Carriers in DB

What this means

3 open or recent NHTSA recalls affect the 2021 International LT. Recall repairs are free at OEM dealers — but only if you take the truck in. If you operate this model, verify recall service status by submitting the VIN at the OEM dealer or via NHTSA.gov. Insurance underwriters and freight brokers increasingly ask carriers to confirm recall service is current before contract loads.

All 3 recalls for this vehicle

NHTSA Campaign

23V220000

0 affected

Issue: Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2021-2024 International LT and RH trucks. The engine control module (ECM) may be unresponsive to throttle pedal application, which can cause the vehicle to unexpectedly slow to idle speed on the road.

Fix: Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 23509.

NHTSA Campaign

21V226000

0 affected

Issue: Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2021 International LT and International RH vehicles. The spring inside the spring brake chamber may allow the pressure plate to shift and wear a hole through the diaphragm.

Fix: Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the spring brake chambers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 21502.

NHTSA Campaign

21V112000

0 affected

Issue: Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2021 International LT vehicles equipped with a Cummins X15 engine. The capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may have been improperly torqued, allowing the flywheel to detach.

Fix: Navistar will work with the engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. to notify owners, and Cummins dealers will properly tighten the capscrews and inspect for possible damage, repairing any damage found, free of charge. The recall began on March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an open recall fail a DOT inspection on a 2021 International LT?

An open recall does NOT automatically fail a Level 1, 2, or 3 DOT roadside inspection — those focus on brake, tire, light, HOS, and driver-fitness items. However, if the recall affects a safety-critical component that is showing visible defect (cracked brake line, leaking fuel line, etc.) and the inspector identifies the defect itself, it can result in an out-of-service violation. Best practice: complete recall service promptly to avoid the question entirely. Recall completion is free at the dealer.

How do I check if my specific VIN has open recalls?

Three ways: (1) Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls — free, instant. (2) Call any International dealer and provide your VIN — they'll look up open campaigns. (3) Use our VIN decoder tool at /vin/ which cross-references against our recall database. The fastest is the NHTSA site; the most useful for fleet operators is the dealer call (they can also schedule the repair on the spot).

Who pays for recall repairs?

The manufacturer pays. Recall service is free at any authorized OEM dealer regardless of the truck's age, mileage, or who owns it now. The exception: if recall service is more than 10 years old, some manufacturers can decline (rare on commercial trucks). International/LT recall service typically takes 1–4 hours of dealer shop time depending on the campaign — usually no charge for parts or labor.

What's the difference between a recall and a TSB on a International?

A recall (NHTSA campaign) is a manufacturer-mandated safety repair — free and required. A TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) is the manufacturer telling dealers about a known issue and the recommended fix, but TSB repairs are typically NOT free — owners pay parts and labor. Recalls fix safety risks; TSBs fix quality/reliability issues that aren't safety-related. If you're seeing a problem that ISN'T on the recall list, search TSBs for International LT 2021 — there may be a documented fix.

Can I keep operating a 2021 International LT with an open recall?

Legally yes (no federal law prohibits operating a vehicle with open recalls on a commercial truck — only some passenger-vehicle resale rules apply). Practically: depends on the specific recall. Safety-critical recalls (brakes, steering, fuel system) should be addressed immediately — both for safety and because insurance carriers and shippers increasingly track this. Less-critical recalls (lighting, infotainment) can wait until your next dealer visit. Always review the specific recall summary to understand severity.

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2021 International LT

What this means

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Frequently Asked Questions

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