Recall 12V196 covers 19,264 2010-2013 International Paystar, Workstar, Transtar, Prostar, and Lonestar trucks for alternator cable chafing. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 19,264 2010-2013 Paystar, Workstar, Transtar, Prostar, and Lonestar commercial trucks because the alternator cable can rub against the high-pressure power steering hose and chafe its insulation. An electrical short can start a vehicle fire, and the dealer repair will be free once International makes it available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The recalled 2010-2013 International Paystar, Workstar, Transtar, Prostar, and Lonestar trucks use an alternator cable to carry electrical current from the alternator, which keeps the truck's batteries charged and electrical systems powered. The same engine area also carries a high pressure power steering hose, which moves pressurized fluid for steering assist.
On trucks covered by recall 12V196, the alternator cable is close enough to the power steering hose that it can rub against it during normal operation. That rubbing can wear through the cable's insulation. Once the insulation is chafed, the exposed cable can create an electrical short.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or technician should treat damaged cable insulation, visible rubbing near the steering hose, or electrical trouble around the alternator area as a reason to have the truck inspected under the recall.
Who's affected?
The scope spans Paystar, Workstar, Transtar, Prostar, and Lonestar trucks across the listed model years, all tied to the electrical system.
| 2011 International Paystar | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2010 International Workstar | electrical system |
| 2010 International Paystar | electrical system |
| 2013 International Paystar | electrical system |
| 2010 International Transtar | electrical system |
| 2012 International Paystar | electrical system |
| 2010 International Prostar | electrical system |
| 2011 International Prostar | electrical system |
| 2012 International Workstar | electrical system |
| 2011 International Workstar | electrical system |
| 2012 International Transtar | electrical system |
| 2011 International Transtar | electrical system |
| 2012 International Lonestar | electrical system |
| 2012 International Prostar | electrical system |
| 2013 International Workstar | electrical system |
| 2013 International Transtar | electrical system |
| 2013 International Lonestar | electrical system |
| 2013 International Prostar | electrical system |
| Units affected | 19,264 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short can start a vehicle fire, with risk of property damage, personal injury, or death. Because no warning sign is listed, treat this as a recall to address promptly, not a repair to put off. Repair will be free at any franchised International dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2013 International Paystar, Workstar, Transtar, Prostar, or Lonestar is included in this recall.
- Wait for International's owner notice if your VIN is included and your dealer says the repair is not open for your truck.
- Contact a franchised International dealer to ask about the free standoff-bracket installation and harness-routing repair that moves alternator wiring away from the power steering hose.
- Reference recall number 12V196 when you call International customer service or the dealer.
- Bring the owner notice mailed July 16, 2012, if you have it.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician installs a standoff bracket and reroutes the alternator wiring so the cable sits farther from the high pressure power steering hose. That work is meant to stop the alternator cable from rubbing the hose, chafing its insulation, and creating an electrical short. The dealer repair will be free once available. The safety recall began on July 16, 2012, according to the remedy record. Ask the International service desk to confirm the remedy status for your VIN before arranging service.
Timeline
| May 2, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 16, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V196?
Recall 12V196 covers 19,264 2010-2013 International Paystar, Workstar, Transtar, Prostar, and Lonestar trucks with MaxxForce 11 or 13 engines and specific Bosch alternators. The alternator cable can rub the power steering hose, damage insulation, and create an electrical short.
What should I do if my 2010-2013 International Paystar, Workstar, Transtar, Prostar, or Lonestar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V196. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the standoff bracket installation and harness routing repair. Reference recall number 12V196 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. International dealers install a standoff bracket and improve the alternator wire routing free of charge, so the cable stays away from the high pressure power steering hose.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V196?
The safety risk is fire from an electrical short. If the alternator cable insulation is damaged by contact with the power steering hose, the short can cause a vehicle fire, with risk of property damage, injury, or death.
What if I bought my International truck used?
The recall still applies by VIN, not by the original owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific International truck is included, then call a franchised International dealer with recall number 12V196. The free repair follows the vehicle.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V196000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V196 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V196000 |
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 →