Recall 18V597 affects 2,089 2019 International vehicles for brake chamber air leaks. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 2,089 2019 vehicles, including Lt and Hx models, equipped with long stroke brake chambers and spring actuated parking brakes because an improper crimp can cause a service brake air leak or chamber separation. That failure can increase stopping distance and crash risk, and International dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The brake chamber on these 2019 International trucks and buses is part of the air-brake system. The service brake chamber uses compressed air to apply the brakes while driving, and the spring actuated parking brake holds the vehicle when parked. These sections must stay tightly joined so air pressure goes where it is supposed to go.
On affected vehicles, the spring actuated parking brake was not fully crimped to the long stroke service brake chamber. The crimp is the mechanical squeeze that locks those brake sections together. Navistar traced the defect to a brake chamber crimping tool whose crimping bar loosened out of position, leaving the chamber assembly without a full crimp.
When that joint is not secure, air can leak from the service brake section and the spring brake chamber can separate from the service brake section. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Covers truck and bus models, all tied to the same air-brake component.
| 2019 International Lt | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2019 International Hx | brake system |
| 2019 International Workstar | brake system |
| 2019 International Durastar | brake system |
| 2019 International Hv | brake system |
| 2019 International Lonestar | brake system |
| 2019 International Mv | brake system |
| 2019 International Rh | brake system |
| 2019 Ic Bus Hc | brake system |
| 2019 Ic Bus Recb | brake system |
| 2019 Ic Bus Ce | brake system |
| Units affected | 2,089 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2019 model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
An air leak or separation in the spring brake chamber can increase the distance needed to stop and raise the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the recall repair soon and leave extra following distance until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 International Lt, Hx, Workstar, Durastar, Hv, Lonestar, Mv, Rh, Hc, Recb, or Ce is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the free brake chamber assembly replacement that fixes the air leak and chamber separation risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Navistar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V597 and International recall 18512 when you call.
- Drive with extra stopping distance until the repair is complete, and ask the dealer about towing if the air brakes leak or braking feels abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician replaces the brake chamber assemblies from the suspected lot. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Navistar's standard reimbursement plan applies to qualifying brake chamber repairs paid before the recall notice. Reimbursement instructions are included in the customer notification, so keep repair invoices, payment records, and any dealer paperwork tied to the brake chamber repair.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 7, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 23, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 6, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 6, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 6, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 6, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V597?
Recall 18V597 covers 2,089 2019 International vehicles with long-stroke brake chambers and spring-actuated parking brakes. The parking brake chamber can be improperly crimped to the service brake chamber, causing an air leak or brake chamber separation. International dealers will replace the suspected brake chamber assemblies for free.
What should I do if my 2019 International Lt, Hx, Workstar, Durastar, Hv, Lonestar, Mv, Rh, Hc, Recb, or Ce is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V597. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the brake chamber assembly replacement. Reference recall number 18V597 or International recall number 18512 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, and International dealers will replace the suspected brake chamber assemblies free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 18V597.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is longer stopping distance. An air leak or separation of the spring brake chamber can reduce brake performance, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair and ask the service desk how to handle the vehicle before the appointment.
What if I bought this International vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2019 International vehicle is included, then call a franchised International dealer with recall number 18V597 or International recall number 18512.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V597000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V597 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V597000 |
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 →