Recall 15V438 covers 63 2013-2015 International Transtar trucks with a crankcase vent elbow oil-leak fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 63 2013-2015 Transtar trucks because excessive engine crankcase pressure can detach the 90-degree elbow from the crankcase ventilation breather. If engine oil reaches hot surfaces, there is an increased risk of fire, and International dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The crankcase ventilation breather on 2013-2015 International Transtar trucks lets pressure and vapor leave the engine crankcase in a controlled path. A 90-degree elbow connects the vent tube assembly to the breather exit tube, keeping oil vapor routed away from hot engine surfaces.
On affected trucks, excessive crankcase pressure can push that elbow loose. The breather tube barbs do not hold the connection tightly enough under that pressure, and known pressure problems were tied mainly to a cracked piston. Once the elbow detaches, engine oil can escape the intended path and reach hot surfaces in the engine compartment.
Owners can notice a loss of engine power, amber or red engine diagnostic lamps on the instrument cluster, or erratic engine operation. Those signs mean the engine is not operating normally and the ventilation system needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years for the same engine component.
| 2015 International Transtar | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2014 International Transtar | Engine |
| 2013 International Transtar | Engine |
| Units affected | 63 |
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?
High crankcase pressure can push engine oil where it contacts a hot surface, raising fire risk. Warning signs include loss of engine power, amber or red engine diagnostic lamps, or erratic engine operation. Schedule the repair soon and stop driving if those signs appear. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 International Transtar is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised International dealer to schedule the free repair that secures the 90-degree vent tube elbow and updates the ECM software to limit crankcase pressure under misfire conditions.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 15V438 when you call.
- Avoid delaying the repair; oil from a detached vent tube elbow can reach hot surfaces and increase fire risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician secures the ends of the 90-degree elbow on the vent tube assembly. The technician also reprograms the electronic control module with software that adjusts engine output during misfire conditions to limit crankcase pressure. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, and the repair is available now. Cummins is administering the campaign for International, so reimbursement for repairs paid before the recall remedy goes through Cummins. Contact Cummins customer service with prior repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 16, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| July 8, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V438?
Recall 15V438 covers 63 2013-2015 International Transtar vehicles with crankcase pressure that can detach the 90-degree vent-tube elbow and let engine oil reach hot surfaces. That oil contact increases fire risk. Dealers will secure the elbow and reprogram the ECM for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 International Transtar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V438. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the vent-tube elbow repair and ECM software reprogramming. Reference recall number 15V438 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will secure the 90-degree elbow and reprogram the ECM free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Excessive crankcase pressure can separate the 90-degree vent-tube elbow from the crankcase ventilation breather, letting engine oil reach hot engine surfaces. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair so the elbow is secured and the ECM is reprogrammed.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began on June 16, 2015. That means the dealer remedy is available now for included vehicles. A franchised International dealer can secure the vent-tube elbow and reprogram the ECM at no cost.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V438000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V438 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V438000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →