Recall 20V229 affects 130 2019 International Workstar and Hv trucks for under-lubricated steer axles. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 130 2019 Workstar and Hv vehicles because certain steer axles have insufficient lubrication, which can damage the wheel end bearings. If the bearings are damaged, a wheel can separate and cause sudden loss of vehicle control, increasing crash risk; International dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Meritor MX-14-120 EVO steer axle on 2019 International Workstar and Hv trucks carries the front wheel ends and helps support steering loads. Each hub assembly needs lubricant around the wheel end bearings, the rollers and races that let the wheel turn smoothly while carrying weight. That lubricant controls heat and metal contact inside the hub.
On affected trucks, some steer axle hub assemblies were not filled to the proper lubricant level during assembly. Without enough lubricant, the wheel end bearings run hot and wear against each other. Bearing damage can progress until the hub no longer supports the wheel end correctly, which is why International and Meritor traced the recall to the axle hub assembly process.
Owners can notice smoke or noise from a front wheel when lubricant is missing. Treat either sign as a warning sign from the wheel end, because the hub is already running without the fluid level it needs.
Who's affected?
Covers both Workstar and Hv truck lines with the same Meritor MX-14-120 EVO steer axle.
| 2019 International Workstar | drive axle |
|---|---|
| 2019 International Hv | drive axle |
| Units affected | 130 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching 2019 International Workstar or Hv does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Smoke or noise from the front wheel is a warning sign that lube is missing. Damaged bearings can let the wheel separate and cause a sudden loss of vehicle control, increasing crash risk. If you notice smoke or noise, stop driving and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 International Workstar or Hv is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the free steer-axle wheel-hub inspection.
- Schedule the fluid-level inspection and wheel-end bearing repair that addresses insufficient axle lubrication and the risk of wheel separation.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it, and reference recall number 20V229 when you call.
- Call International customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with questions about scheduling or dealer instructions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a International technician inspects the steer axle wheel hubs for proper fluid level. The technician then repairs damaged wheel end components and spindles as needed. The recall covers the inspection, repairs, parts, and labor at no charge. If you paid for this repair before the recall notice, Navistar's standard reimbursement plan applies. Follow the instructions in the customer notification and keep your repair documentation with the service file.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 22, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 1, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| May 1, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 1, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 1, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 1, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V229?
Recall 20V229 covers 130 2019 International Workstar and Hv vehicles equipped with Meritor MX-14-120 EVO steer axles. The steer axle can have insufficient lubrication, damaging wheel end bearings. International dealers will inspect the wheel hubs and repair damaged components for free.
What should I do if my 2019 International Workstar or Hv is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V229. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the steer axle wheel hub inspection. Reference recall 20V229 or International recall number 20503 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 20V229, International dealers will inspect the steer axle wheel hubs, confirm the proper fluid level, and repair damaged wheel end components and spindles for free.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is wheel separation and sudden loss of vehicle control. If damaged wheel end bearings fail, the wheel can separate from the vehicle, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then have a franchised International dealer complete the free inspection and repair.
What if I bought this International vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you did not receive the original notice after the recall began May 1, 2020, check your VIN and call an International dealer with recall number 20V229.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V229000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V229 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V229000 |
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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →