Recall 20V255 affects 5,277 2018-2020 International Lt and Rh trucks for connecting rod bushing failure. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 5,277 2018-2020 Lt and Rh trucks because the wrist pin bushing in the engine connecting rod can fail. A connecting rod failure can cause an unexpected engine shutdown and increase crash risk, and International dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The connecting rod in the A26 engine links each piston to the crankshaft, turning the piston's up-and-down motion into rotation that moves the truck. The wrist pin bushing is the sleeve at the piston end of that rod. It lets the wrist pin pivot smoothly while keeping the rod aligned under combustion load.
On affected 2018-2020 International Lt and Rh trucks, the wrist pin bore in certain connecting rods was machined outside the straightness tolerance. That means the bushing is not supported in the exact alignment the engine design requires. As the engine runs, the bushing can wear or fail, and the rod connection loses the smooth movement it needs.
International says warning signs include a knocking noise, an engine warning light, or rough idle. Those signs point to abnormal movement inside the engine, so tell the International dealer exactly what you noticed when you call.
Who's affected?
Covers the Lt and Rh truck lines across 2018, 2019, and 2020, all tied to the same engine connecting rod.
| 2018 International Lt | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2019 International Lt | Engine |
| 2019 International Rh | Engine |
| 2020 International Lt | Engine |
| 2020 International Rh | Engine |
| Units affected | 5,277 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
Connecting rod failure can cause an unexpected engine shutdown, increasing the risk of a crash. If you hear knocking, see an engine warning light, or feel rough idle, pull over where safe and contact the dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 International Lt or Rh truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the free engine connecting-rod detection-system installation and any required connecting-rod repair that addresses the unexpected engine shutdown risk.
- Bring the recall notice if International sent one. If not, reference recall number 20V255 and International recall 20504 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete, and contact the dealer right away if the engine shuts down or the new warning system alerts.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a International technician installs a detection system that warns the driver before engine connecting rod failure. If the system or inspection identifies a defective connecting rod, the engine repair is completed free under the recall. Parts and labor are covered. International's reimbursement plan covers eligible out of pocket repairs paid before the owner notice. Follow the reimbursement instructions included with the customer notification, and keep repair documentation for the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 7, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 8, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| July 8, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 8, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 8, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 8, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V255?
Recall 20V255 covers 5,277 2018-2020 International Lt and Rh trucks with engine connecting rod wrist pin bushings that can fail. A connecting rod failure can shut the engine down unexpectedly and increase crash risk. International dealers install a detection system and repair engines with a defective connecting rod for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 International Lt or Rh is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V255. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the detection system installation and any needed engine connecting rod repair. Reference recall 20V255 or Navistar recall number 20504 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 20V255, International dealers install the warning detection system and repair engines with a defective connecting rod free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected engine shutdown. If the engine connecting rod fails while the truck is moving, the shutdown can increase crash risk. The dealer remedy adds a detection system to warn the driver before engine connecting rod failure and includes repair for engines with a defective connecting rod.
What if I bought this International truck used?
The recall follows the truck, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2018-2020 International Lt or Rh is included in recall 20V255. If it is, a franchised International dealer must complete the recall repair for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V255000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V255 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V255000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →