Recall 21V079 affects 27,457 2017-2021 International Lt and Lonestar vehicles for battery ground cable failure. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 27,457 2017-2021 Lt and Lonestar trucks because the battery ground cable ring terminal at the frame connection can break. That failure can cut electrical power and shut the engine down without warning, which increases crash risk, and International dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The battery ground cable on 2017-2021 International Lt and Lonestar trucks completes the electrical path between the battery and the frame. It gives the starter, engine controls, lights, and other electrical systems a stable return path. That connection has to stay tight and intact while the truck vibrates and the frame moves under load.
On affected trucks, the ring terminal at the frame connection is the weak point. The original cable is shorter and uses an angled terminal, which can place stress on the terminal in certain truck configurations and applications. Over time, that stress can break the terminal. When the ground path opens, the truck can lose electrical power and the engine can shut down unintentionally.
Before a full shutdown, an owner can notice intermittent or brief loss of electrical power. Lights, gauges, or other powered systems can cut out and come back. Treat that as a warning sign and have the ground cable connection checked.
Who's affected?
The listed vehicles span Lt and Lonestar trucks across 2017-2021, with engine and battery-cable components tied to each included year and model.
| 2021 International Lt | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2021 International Lt | battery |
| 2021 International Lonestar | Engine |
| 2021 International Lonestar | battery |
| 2020 International Lonestar | Engine |
| 2020 International Lonestar | battery |
| 2020 International Lt | Engine |
| 2020 International Lt | battery |
| 2019 International Lonestar | Engine |
| 2019 International Lonestar | battery |
| 2019 International Lt | Engine |
| 2019 International Lt | battery |
| 2018 International Lonestar | Engine |
| 2018 International Lonestar | battery |
| 2018 International Lt | Engine |
| 2018 International Lt | battery |
| 2017 International Lt | Engine |
| 2017 International Lt | battery |
| Units affected | 27,457 |
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?
An unexpected engine shutdown can leave you without engine power while driving and increase the risk of a crash. Intermittent or brief loss of electrical power is the warning sign named for this recall; treat it as a reason to pull over safely and arrange service soon. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2021 International Lt or Lonestar is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised International dealer to schedule the free battery ground cable replacement that fixes the ring terminal connection behind loss of electrical power and engine shutdown.
- Bring the recall notice if International has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V079 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the truck is safe to drive before the appointment if it has lost electrical power or shut down.
- Call International customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with questions and reference International recall 21501.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician replaces the battery ground cable, including the frame connection that uses the ring terminal called out in the recall. Parts and labor are free under recall 21V079. The manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan covers qualifying battery ground cable repairs paid before the recall notice. Follow the reimbursement instructions in the customer notification and keep repair documentation ready if you already paid for a related repair.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 17, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 16, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 19, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 19, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 19, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 19, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V079?
Recall 21V079 covers 27,457 2017-2021 International Lt and Lonestar trucks with a battery ground cable ring terminal that can break at the frame connection. That break can cut electrical power and shut the engine down without warning. International dealers replace the battery ground cable for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2021 International Lt or Lonestar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V079. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the battery ground cable replacement. Reference recall number 21V079000 or International recall number 21501 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, and International dealers will replace the battery ground cable free of charge. The recall repair became available on April 16, 2021.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected engine shutdown. If the battery ground cable ring terminal breaks, the truck can lose electrical power and the engine can shut down without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair if your truck is included.
What if I bought my International truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2017-2021 International Lt or Lonestar can still qualify. Check your VIN, then call a franchised International dealer with recall number 21V079000 if your truck is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V079000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V079 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V079000 |
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 Recall Report (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 →