Recall 18V306 affects 149 2019 International Lt trucks for brake drums that can overheat and separate. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 149 2019 Lt heavy diesel trucks because lightweight brake drums with slack adjusters can drag against the brakes and overheat. The drum can crack, separate from the truck, or leave the brakes inoperative, which can increase the risk of a crash; International dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The drive axle brake drums on the 2019 International Lt are part of the air brake system. A brake drum is the round metal surface that the brake shoes press against when the driver applies the brakes. Slack adjusters help keep the shoe-to-drum clearance correct as the brakes wear, so the brakes apply and release cleanly.
On affected trucks, a specific brake drum and slack adjuster feature-code combination was not checked for compatibility before it was offered in production. That combination can let the brakes drag early in service and keep rubbing over a long period. The extra heat can overheat the lightweight drums, leading to cracks, drum separation from the vehicle, or brakes that stop working.
During a pre-trip inspection, the operator can see cracking in the drive axle brake drums. That visible cracking is the warning sign the operator is looking for before the next trip.
Who's affected?
The brake-system scope includes both the air-brake assembly and the drum shoe and lining area.
| 2019 International Lt | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2019 International Lt | brake system |
| Units affected | 149 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
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?
If a brake drum separates or the brakes become inoperative, crash risk increases. During pre-trip inspection, cracking in the drive axle brake drums is a warning sign. Schedule the recall repair promptly and have the vehicle inspected before service if cracking is found. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 International Lt is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the free brake drum, slack adjuster, and brake lining repair that fixes the brake overheating and cracking risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V306 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and watch for brake overheating or reduced braking power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician replaces the brake drums, slack adjusters, and brake linings covered by the recall. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Navistar's reimbursement plan applies to eligible brake repair costs paid before the owner notice. Reimbursement instructions were included in the customer notification, so bring any prior repair paperwork and ask the service desk how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 11, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 23, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 31, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 31, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 31, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 31, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V306?
Recall 18V306 covers 149 2019 International Lt heavy diesel trucks with lightweight brake drums and slack adjusters that can drag, overheat, crack, separate from the truck, or leave the brakes inoperative. International dealers replace the affected brake parts for free.
What should I do if my 2019 International Lt is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V306. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule replacement of the brake drums, slack adjusters, and brake linings. Reference recall number 18V306 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V306, International dealers replace the brake drums and slack adjusters and replace the brake linings free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of braking from the affected drum brake parts. Recall 18V306 says the brake drum can separate from the truck or the brakes can become inoperative, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began on May 23, 2018. International notified owners, and franchised dealers were instructed to replace the brake drums, slack adjusters, and brake linings free of charge. Call International customer service at 1-800-448-7825 if the dealer needs recall details.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V306000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V306 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V306000 |
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 →