Recall 20V554 affects 4,352 2018-2021 Isuzu Ftr and Chevrolet 6500XD trucks for a starter ground-cable defect. Repair is free at any franchised Isuzu dealer.
Isuzu is recalling 4,352 2018-2021 Ftr and 6500XD vehicles because the starter ground cable can break at the starter-side eyelet and leave the engine unable to start. Repeated start attempts can route current through the power steering hose braiding, heat the hose, and raise fire risk; Isuzu dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The starter ground cable on 2018-2021 Isuzu Ftr and 6500XD trucks completes the electrical path between the starter motor and the vehicle frame. When the driver turns the key, that ground path lets the starter draw enough current to crank the engine. The cable attaches at the starter with an eyelet, a ring-shaped metal end held in place by a fastener.
On affected trucks, engine movement puts too much stress on that starter-side eyelet. The recalled cable is shorter and lacks the L-shaped retainers used on the replacement part, so the bend at the eyelet takes more movement than designed. Over time, the eyelet can break, leaving the starter with a weak or open ground path. That leads to a slow crank or a no-crank condition, and the truck does not start.
The warning sign is a slow-crank or no-start condition. If the driver keeps trying to start the engine after the cable fails, smoke or leaking power steering fluid near a hot surface can appear.
Who's affected?
Across the 2018-2021 Isuzu Ftr and Chevrolet 6500XD truck lines, the shared part is the starter-to-chassis ground cable.
| 2019 Isuzu Ftr | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet 6500XD | electrical system |
| 2019 Chevrolet 6500XD | electrical system |
| 2020 Chevrolet 6500XD | electrical system |
| 2020 Isuzu Ftr | electrical system |
| 2021 Isuzu Ftr | electrical system |
| 2021 Chevrolet 6500XD | electrical system |
| 2018 Isuzu Ftr | electrical system |
| Units affected | 4,352 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 19 field incidents 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?
A broken ground cable can route starter current through the power steering hose braiding after repeated start attempts. The hose can overheat, rupture, leak fluid onto hot parts, and increase the risk of fire. If the vehicle will not start or you see smoke, stop trying to start it and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Isuzu dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2021 Isuzu Ftr or Chevrolet 6500XD is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Isuzu dealer, or a Chevrolet medium-duty dealer if you own the Chevrolet 6500XD, to schedule the free repair.
- Schedule the ground-cable replacement and power-steering-hose inspection that fixes the no-crank or slow-crank condition tied to the starter ground path.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V554 when you call.
- Avoid repeated start attempts if the truck will not crank or cranks slowly, and ask the dealer for guidance before trying to move it.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Isuzu technician replaces the starter ground cable that connects the starter motor to the vehicle frame. The technician also inspects the power steering hose and replaces it if damage is found. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid for a related starter ground cable repair before the recall notice, Isuzu provides reimbursement under its policy. Bring any prior repair invoices or payment records to the service desk so the dealer can explain how that reimbursement policy applies.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 11, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 11, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 11, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 9, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 16, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 16, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V554?
Recall 20V554 covers 4,352 2018-2021 Isuzu Ftr and Chevrolet 6500XD trucks with a starter ground cable that can break at the starter-side eyelet. Repeated start attempts with a broken cable can heat the power steering hose and increase fire risk. Dealers will replace the ground cable for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2021 Isuzu Ftr or Chevrolet 6500XD is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V554. If it is, contact the franchised dealer for your truck brand to schedule the ground cable replacement and power steering hose inspection. Reference recall 20V554 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 20V554, dealers will replace the ground cable and inspect the power steering hose, then replace that hose if damage exists, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the starter ground cable breaks and the owner keeps trying to start the truck, the starter can ground through the steel braiding of the power steering hose. That hose can heat up and rupture, increasing fire risk.
What warning signs should I watch for?
A no-crank or slow-crank start condition is the key warning sign in recall 20V554. If the truck will not start normally, stop repeated start attempts and contact the dealer for recall repair guidance. The ground cable and power steering hose inspection are part of the free dealer repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V554000 |
|---|---|
| Isuzu customer service | 1-866-441-9638 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V554 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V554000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →