Recall 13V042 affects 811 2011-2013 Fontaine-modified International trucks for loose steering retaining clips. Repair is free at any franchised Fontaine dealer.
Fontaine is recalling 811 2011-2013 Int'L 4300 W/Dual Steerin, Int'L 4400 W/Dual Steerin, Int'L 7300 W/Dual Steerin, Int'L 7400 W/Dual Steerin, and Int'L 7500 W/Dual Steerin trucks because steering assembly retaining clips were not fully engaged after dual-steering modifications. A missing clip can leave the steering loose and unresponsive, raise steering difficulty, and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once 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 steering assembly on these 2011-2013 Fontaine trucks was modified so the truck can be steered from either front seat. Retaining clips are small fasteners that keep parts of that steering assembly locked in position, so the driver's input reaches the steering gear without unwanted movement.
On the affected Int'L 4300 W/Dual Steerin, Int'L 4400 W/Dual Steerin, Int'L 7300 W/Dual Steerin, Int'L 7400 W/Dual Steerin, and Int'L 7500 W/Dual Steerin trucks, certain retaining clips were not fully engaged during the dual steering modification. A clip that is not seated all the way can work loose during use. Once that happens, the steering assembly no longer has the same secure mechanical connection it was designed to have.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on a dashboard light, noise, or steering feel to tell you that a retaining clip has started to come loose.
Who's affected?
Covers five dual-steering truck classes across the 2011-2013 model years, all tied to the same steering system.
| 2011 Fontaine Int'L 7400 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Fontaine Int'L 4300 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2011 Fontaine Int'L 4300 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2013 Fontaine Int'L 4300 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2011 Fontaine Int'L 4400 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2013 Fontaine Int'L 4400 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2011 Fontaine Int'L 7500 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2012 Fontaine Int'L 7500 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2012 Fontaine Int'L 7300 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2011 Fontaine Int'L 7300 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2012 Fontaine Int'L 7400 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2013 Fontaine Int'L 7500 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2013 Fontaine Int'L 7300 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2012 Fontaine Int'L 4400 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| 2013 Fontaine Int'L 7400 W/Dual Steerin | steering system |
| Units affected | 811 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A missing retaining clip can leave the steering feeling loose and unresponsive. That makes the truck harder to steer and increases the likelihood of a crash. If the steering feels loose, pull over when safe and schedule inspection soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Fontaine dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Fontaine Int'L 4300 W/Dual Steerin, Int'L 4400 W/Dual Steerin, Int'L 7300 W/Dual Steerin, Int'L 7400 W/Dual Steerin, or Int'L 7500 W/Dual Steerin truck is included in this recall.
- Contact Fontaine customer service at 1-800-366-8246 to confirm the repair path for your truck.
- Schedule the steering cross shaft assembly inspection that checks for loose retaining clips and fixes loose or unresponsive steering.
- Reference recall number 13V042 when you call, and bring the recall notice if you have it.
- Avoid driving if the steering feels loose or unresponsive, and arrange service before using the truck again.
What happens at the repair
Fontaine's remedy calls for dealer inspection of each truck's steering cross shaft assembly. At the dealer, a Fontaine technician checks the assembly and retaining clips for the defect described in recall 13V042. If the inspection finds a defective steering cross shaft assembly, the technician replaces the full assembly. The dealer repair will be free once available for the vehicle, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| February 8, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 12, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V042?
Recall 13V042 covers 811 2011-2013 Fontaine Int'L 4300, 4400, 7300, 7400, and 7500 W/Dual Steerin trucks modified for steering from either front seat. Steering assembly retaining clips can come loose, causing loose or unresponsive steering and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Fontaine Int'L 4300, 4400, 7300, 7400, or 7500 W/Dual Steerin is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V042. If it is, contact Fontaine at 1-800-366-8246 or a Fontaine-authorized service contact to arrange inspection of the steering cross shaft assembly. Reference recall 13V042 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Fontaine's remedy says dealers will inspect the steering cross shaft assembly and replace the complete assembly free of charge if it is defective.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loose or unresponsive steering. If a retaining clip is missing, the steering can require more effort and increase crash risk. Until your VIN is checked and the assembly is inspected, treat steering looseness as a service issue that needs prompt attention.
When did the recall repair begin?
The recall repair began on April 12, 2013. Fontaine's remedy says dealers inspect each truck's steering cross shaft assembly and replace the complete assembly free of charge when a defect is found.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V042000 |
|---|---|
| Fontaine customer service | 1-800-366-8246 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V042 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V042000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →