Recall 20V494 affects 80 2020-2021 International Hx vehicles for lift-axle suspension screws that are too short. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 80 2020-2021 Hx vehicles equipped with SL2065 steerable lift axle suspension systems because lower rear pivot cap screws are too short to fully engage the locking nuts. If the hardware separates, it can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash or injury; International dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The lift axle pivot cap screw on 2020-2021 International Hx trucks is the bolt that helps hold the trailing arm to the steerable auxiliary lift axle. That lift axle carries extra load when it is lowered, then steers with the truck so the tires do not scrub through turns. The cap screw and lock nut keep the pivot joint clamped tight while the axle moves.
On affected trucks, the lower rear pivot cap screws are too short to fully engage the locking feature inside the matching nuts. The design did not provide the required thread count through the lock nut. Without enough thread engagement, the joint does not hold clamp load as intended, so the trailing arm connection can loosen at the steerable lift axle.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall repair uses longer cap screws that keep the proper clamp load, replacing the short bolts that were installed on the recalled lift axle assemblies.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2020 and 2021 Hx, both tied to the lift axle pivot cap screw in the suspension.
| 2020 International Hx | suspension component |
|---|---|
| 2021 International Hx | suspension component |
| Units affected | 80 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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?
Short pivot cap screws can let suspension hardware separate from the suspension system and fall into the roadway. That loose hardware creates a road hazard for other drivers and increases the risk of a crash or injury. Confirm your VIN and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 International Hx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the free lower rear pivot cap screw, nut, and washer replacement that secures the trailing arm to the steerable lift axle.
- Bring the recall notice if International mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V494 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete because separated suspension hardware can become a road hazard.
- Call International customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician replaces the lower rear pivot cap screws that connect the trailing arm to the steerable auxiliary lift axle. The technician also replaces the associated nuts and washers, so the fasteners can engage the locking feature correctly. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you already paid for a related repair before the recall notice, the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan applies. Follow the reimbursement instructions in the customer notification and keep repair documentation for the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 20, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 8, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 12, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 12, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 23, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V494?
Recall 20V494 covers 80 2020-2021 International Hx vehicles with SL2065 steerable lift axle suspension systems. Short lower rear pivot cap screws can let hardware separate from the suspension and become road hazards, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 International Hx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V494. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule replacement of the lower rear pivot cap screws, nuts, and washers. Reference recall number 20V494 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and International dealers will replace the lower rear pivot cap screws and associated nuts and washers free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my International Hx before the repair?
Use caution until the repair is complete. The recall involves suspension hardware that can separate and become a road hazard, increasing crash or injury risk. If you notice suspension noise, looseness, or handling changes, stop using the vehicle and call an International dealer for guidance.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V494000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V494 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V494000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →