Recall 21V227 covers 845 2021 International Rh, Lt, Hv, and Mv trucks for faulty SC-3 check valves. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 845 2021 Rh, Lt, Hv, and Mv vehicles because the SC-3 single check valve retainer was not properly seated, leaving the air brake system without required source air isolation. Unintended spring brake application can occur and increase crash risk; International dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The SC-3 single check valve in these 2021 International Rh, Lt, Hv, and Mv trucks is part of the air brake system. It sits within the SR-7 valve and acts like a one-way gate for compressed air. Its normal job is to help keep air pressure where it belongs so one brake-air source does not feed back into another circuit.
On the recalled trucks, a supplier setup error left the retainer inside the SC-3 valve pressed to the wrong depth. The retainer is the small part that holds the valve assembly in position. When pressure is applied, the misseated retainer prevents the check valve from fully isolating the incoming air supply, so the system does not meet the required air brake standard.
The warning sign is tied to a secondary reservoir circuit failure. If that circuit fails, the truck can trigger a low pressure warning, which tells the driver that brake air pressure needs immediate attention.
Who's affected?
The Rh, Lt, Hv, and Mv share the SC-3 single check valve issue in the brake system.
| 2021 International Rh | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2021 International Lt | brake system |
| 2021 International Hv | brake system |
| 2021 International Mv | brake system |
| Units affected | 845 |
| 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 your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Spring brake application while driving increases crash risk. If a low pressure warning appears, stop in a safe place and call the dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 International Rh, Lt, Hv, or Mv is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised International dealer to schedule the free SC-3 check valve replacement that restores source air isolation in the air brake system.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V227 and International recall 21503 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance because unintended spring brake application increases crash risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician replaces the SC-3 check valves covered by recall 21V227. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available now. If you already paid out of pocket for a related SC-3 check valve repair before the owner letter, International's standard reimbursement plan applies. Follow the reimbursement instructions in the customer notification and bring repair documentation to the service desk.
| 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 21V227?
Recall 21V227 covers 845 2021 International Rh, Lt, Hv, and Mv vehicles equipped with Bendix pressure switches. The SC-3 single check valve retainer was not properly seated, so the valve can fail to isolate source air. International dealers will replace the SC-3 check valves for free.
What should I do if my 2021 International Rh, Lt, Hv, or Mv is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V227. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule replacement of the SC-3 check valves. Reference recall number 21V227 or International recall 21503 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 affected SC-3 check valves free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 21V227.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V227?
The safety risk is unintended spring brake application, which increases crash risk. The defect involves the SC-3 single check valve in the air brake system. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair and ask the service desk whether the vehicle is safe to operate before the appointment.
When were owners notified about recall 21V227?
International mailed owner notification letters on May 28, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received the letter, the recall still applies to included VINs. Check your VIN, then contact a franchised International dealer and reference recall 21V227 or International recall 21503.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V227000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V227 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V227000 |
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)
- 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 →