Recall 18V644 affects 607 2018-2019 International Hv and Mv trucks for a trailer brake-light wiring defect. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 607 2018-2019 Hv and Mv trucks equipped for combined trailer stop and turn lights because trailer brake lights can stay dark when the truck brakes are applied. That leaves drivers behind without a clear slowing warning and raises crash risk, and International dealers will repair the lighting issue free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The affected wiring controls the trailer stop light circuit on 2018-2019 International Hv and Mv trucks equipped for combined trailer stop and turn lights. In normal operation, the truck sends a brake signal through that circuit so the trailer brake lamps illuminate when the driver presses the brake pedal.
On these trucks, the trailer stop light wiring was tied into the trailer turn signal circuits instead of the vehicle brake light circuits. That incorrect routing prevents the trailer brake lights from turning on when the truck service brakes are applied. The repair moves the trailer brake light circuits to the correct vehicle brake light circuits.
There is no warning sign before failure. From the driver seat, the truck brakes still apply, but the trailer brake lights stay dark when a trailer is connected and the truck brakes are used.
Who's affected?
Covers Hv and Mv trucks across the 2018-2019 model years, with brake lights as the shared component.
| 2018 International Hv | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2019 International Mv | Brake lights |
| 2019 International Hv | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 607 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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?
When trailer brake lights fail, drivers behind the vehicle lose the warning that it is slowing, which increases crash risk. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 International Hv or Mv truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the free trailer brake-light circuit relocation that separates the trailer brake lights from the trailer turn signal circuits.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V644 and International recall 18514 when you call.
- Drive with extra spacing until the repair is complete, and confirm the trailer brake lights illuminate before towing a trailer.
- Call International customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician rewires the trailer lighting circuit so the trailer brake lights connect to the vehicle brake light circuits instead of the trailer turn signal circuits. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. International's standard reimbursement plan applies to related repairs paid before the owner notification. Reimbursement instructions were included with the customer notification, so bring any prior repair paperwork to the service desk or contact International customer service if you already paid for this brake light circuit repair.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 23, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 16, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 16, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 16, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 16, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V644?
Recall 18V644 covers 607 2018-2019 International Hv and Mv trucks equipped with combined trailer stop and turn lights. The trailer brake lights fail to illuminate when the truck brakes are used. International dealers relocate the trailer brake light circuits for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 International Hv or Mv is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V644. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the trailer brake-light circuit repair. Reference International recall number 18514 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 18V644, International dealers relocate the trailer brake light circuits from the trailer turn signal circuits to the vehicle brake light circuits free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that other drivers do not see the trailer brake lights when the truck slows. That increases crash risk, especially when towing in traffic or at highway speeds. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair before using the affected trailer-light setup.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V644000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V644 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V644000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →