Recall 12V170 affects 234 2012 International Terrastar trucks for Pitman arm fastener failure. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 234 2012 Terrastar trucks because an overtightened fastener on the Sheppard M83 steering gear can fail. If the bolt breaks, the pitman arm can separate, causing loss of steering control and raising crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The pitman arm on the 2012 International Terrastar is the steering link mounted to the steering gear shaft. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the steering gear converts that input into movement at the pitman arm, which starts the mechanical motion that turns the front wheels. The joint depends on its fastener holding the arm tightly to the gear shaft.
On affected Terrastar trucks equipped with the Sheppard M83 steering gear, the fastener attaching the pitman arm to the steering gear shaft was over tightened. That extra clamp load can damage or overstress the securing bolt. Once the bolt fails, the pitman arm can separate from the steering gear, leaving the steering gear unable to pass the driver's input to the steering linkage.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not count on looseness, noise, or a steering change to appear before the pitman arm separates.
Who's affected?
| 2012 International Terrastar | steering gear |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 234 |
Not every 2012 International Terrastar truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A pitman arm fastener problem can lead to loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash with property damage, personal injury, or death. Because the issue involves steering control, schedule the recall repair promptly and limit driving until the dealer confirms the fix. Repair will be free at any franchised International dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 International Terrastar is included in this recall.
- Wait for the International owner notice or VIN confirmation before booking the repair.
- Contact a franchised International dealer about the free Pitman arm fastener replacement that re-secures the steering gear connection.
- Bring the recall notice if International mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V170 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until the dealer confirms your truck is not included or completes the repair.
What happens at the repair
Once the dealer repair is open, an International technician replaces the Pitman arm fasteners that secure the Pitman arm to the steering gear. The recall covers the repair, so parts and labor are free. This work addresses the over-tightened fastener condition described in recall 12V170, where the securing bolt can fail and let the Pitman arm separate from the steering gear. Ask the service desk to confirm the recall by VIN before authorizing any related steering work.
Timeline
| April 17, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 12, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V170?
Recall 12V170 covers 234 2012 International Terrastar trucks with Sheppard M83 steering gear. The pitman arm fastener was overtightened, and the securing bolt can fail. If the pitman arm separates from the steering gear, steering control is lost. International dealers replace the pitman arm fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2012 International Terrastar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V170. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer and ask for the pitman arm fastener replacement. Reference recall number 12V170 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers replace the pitman arm fasteners free of charge. Use a franchised International dealer for the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. If the pitman arm separates from the steering gear, the driver loses the steering connection needed to control the truck. The official consequence lists increased crash risk, with property damage, personal injury, or death as possible outcomes.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V170000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V170 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V170000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →