Recall 21V226 affects 615 2021 International Rh and Lt vehicles for spring brake chamber diaphragm leaks. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 615 2021 International Rh and Lt vehicles because the spring inside the spring brake chamber can shift the pressure plate and wear a hole through the diaphragm. An air leak can engage the parking brake and increase crash risk; International dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The spring brake chamber on 2021 International Rh and Lt trucks is part of the air-brake parking brake system. Air pressure holds a heavy internal spring back while the truck is moving, and the spring applies parking brake force when the system releases that air. The diaphragm inside the chamber helps keep the air side sealed from the spring side.
On these trucks, the spring inside the chamber was not shaped within the proper specification after a supplier hardening process. Because the spring end was out of position, the pressure plate shifts instead of staying square. That movement wears a hole through the diaphragm, which lets air leak from the chamber.
The truck's low-air warning system activates a warning light and an audible buzzer long before the parking brake begins to apply slowly. If that warning appears, treat it as a brake-system warning and arrange service before continuing to operate the truck.
Who's affected?
Covers both International Rh and Lt trucks from the 2021 model year; both use the same Meritor spring brake chamber.
| 2021 International Rh | Parking brake |
|---|---|
| 2021 International Lt | Parking brake |
| Units affected | 615 |
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?
A diaphragm hole can leak air, let the parking brake engage, and increase crash risk. The low air warning light and audible buzzer activate long before the parking brake slowly applies. If that warning appears or sounds, slow down safely, stop in a safe place, and contact an International dealer. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 International Rh or Lt is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the free spring brake chamber inspection and replacement that prevents an air leak from engaging the parking brake.
- Bring the recall notice if International mailed one, or reference recall number 21V226 when you call.
- Use extra caution until the repair is complete, because an air leak can engage the parking brake.
- Call International customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with questions about recall number 21V226.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician inspects the spring brake chambers and replaces any chamber covered by the recall that does not pass inspection. The repair is free, including parts and labor. If you paid out of pocket for the same spring brake chamber repair before the owner letter, International's reimbursement plan applies. Follow the reimbursement instructions included with the customer notification, and bring repair paperwork to the service desk so the dealer can match it to the recall.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 1, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 28, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 31, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| May 31, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 31, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 31, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V226?
Recall 21V226 covers 615 2021 International Rh and Lt vehicles with spring brake chambers that can wear a hole through the diaphragm. That air leak can engage the parking brake and increase crash risk. International dealers will inspect and replace affected spring brake chambers for free.
What should I do if my 2021 International Rh or Lt is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V226. If it is included, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the spring brake chamber inspection. Reference recall 21V226 and Navistar recall 21502 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 inspect the spring brake chambers and replace them if needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is unintended parking brake engagement. A hole in the spring brake chamber diaphragm can create an air leak, which can cause the parking brake to engage and increase the risk of a crash. The free dealer inspection identifies whether replacement is needed.
When were owners notified about recall 21V226?
Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2021 International Rh or Lt is included, then call an International dealer with recall 21V226.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V226000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V226 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V226000 |
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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →