Recall 18V178 affects 45 2018-2019 Hino NJ8J, NV8J, and NE8J trucks for loose valve-train lock nuts. Repair is free at any franchised Hino dealer.
Hino is recalling 45 2018-2019 NJ8J, NV8J, and NE8J trucks because engine valve train adjustment screw lock nuts can loosen inside the engine. Loose lock nuts can damage the engine and shut it off, increasing the risk of a crash; Hino dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The valve train in 2018-2019 Hino NJ8J, NV8J, and NE8J trucks controls how the engine breathes. Adjustment screws help set the clearance in that valve train, and the lock nuts hold those screws in place after the setting is made. When they stay tight, the engine valve parts move in the intended range.
On affected trucks, the automatic tightening equipment used the wrong control program. That allowed some valve train adjustment screw lock nuts to leave the engine plant with too little tightening torque. A loose lock nut can back off the adjustment screw, separate inside the engine, and damage engine parts as the truck runs.
The warning sign listed for this recall is abnormal engine noise. If the engine starts making a new knocking, rattling, or unusual mechanical sound, treat it as a warning that the valve train hardware is not staying where it belongs.
Who's affected?
Covers the NJ8J, NV8J, and NE8J truck models across the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to the engine component.
| 2019 Hino NJ8J | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2019 Hino NV8J | Engine |
| 2019 Hino NE8J | Engine |
| 2018 Hino NE8J | Engine |
| 2018 Hino NJ8J | Engine |
| 2018 Hino NV8J | Engine |
| Units affected | 45 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Engine damage can shut the engine off while driving and increase the risk of a crash. Abnormal engine noise is the warning sign named for this recall, so treat new or unusual noise as a reason to pull over and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Hino dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Hino NJ8J, NV8J, or NE8J truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hino dealer to schedule the free valve-train lock-nut inspection that checks for loose adjustment screw lock nuts before they damage the engine.
- Bring the recall notice if Hino has sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V178 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete, and stop in a safe place if the engine shuts off.
- Call Hino customer service at 1-248-699-9390 with questions about the recall or dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hino technician inspects the torque on the valve train adjustment screw lock nuts. If a lock nut is missing, Hino replaces the engine under the recall. The inspection and any covered engine replacement are free at a Hino dealer. Hino's reimbursement plan covers paid repairs directly related to this defect, including parts, labor, and related costs. Send reimbursement requests with paid receipts to Hino Motors Sales at 41280 Bridge Street, Novi, MI 48375.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 15, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 15, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 14, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 14, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V178?
Recall 18V178 covers 45 2018-2019 Hino NJ8J, NV8J, and NE8J trucks with engine valve train adjustment screw lock nuts that were not properly tightened. In recall 18V178, Hino says loose nuts can damage the engine and cause it to shut off, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Hino NJ8J, NV8J, or NE8J is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V178. If it is, contact a franchised Hino dealer for the valve train lock nut torque inspection. Reference recall number 18V178 and Hino recall number AA9Q0 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Hino dealers will inspect the valve train adjustment screw lock nut torque for free. If a nut is missing, Hino will replace the engine free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V178?
The safety risk is engine damage that can cause the engine to shut off while driving. In recall 18V178, Hino ties that failure to increased crash risk. If your truck has engine trouble before the inspection, call a Hino dealer or Hino customer service at 1-248-699-9390 before driving it.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V178000 |
|---|---|
| Hino customer service | 1-248-699-9390 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V178 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V178000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →