Recall 21V281 affects 10,038 2019-2021 International Lt and Rh trucks for wrist-pin cracking. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 10,038 2019-2021 Lt and Rh trucks under recall 21V281 because a cracked wrist pin can lead to connecting rod failure. That failure can stall the truck and increase crash risk, and International dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The connecting rod in an A26 engine links each piston to the crankshaft. The wrist pin is the hardened pin that lets the piston and connecting rod pivot together as the engine turns. In 2019-2021 International Lt and Rh trucks covered by NHTSA campaign 21V281, that small pin is part of a high-load path inside the engine.
On affected trucks, the bore in the connecting rod was machined outside the required straightness tolerance. That misalignment puts stress through the wrist pin and the rod instead of letting the parts move cleanly. Over time, the wrist pin can crack and lead to connecting rod failure.
An operator can hear a knocking noise, see an engine warning light, or feel the engine running rough at idle. Those are warning signs that the engine needs attention before the damage progresses.
Who's affected?
Covers the Lt and Rh across the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years, all tied to the same engine connecting rod.
| 2019 International Lt | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2019 International Rh | Engine |
| 2020 International Lt | Engine |
| 2020 International Rh | Engine |
| 2021 International Lt | Engine |
| 2021 International Rh | Engine |
| Units affected | 10,038 |
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?
Connecting rod failure can stall the engine and increase the risk of a crash. If you hear knocking, see an engine warning light, or feel rough idle, slow down, move out of traffic, and contact an International dealer. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 International Lt or Rh truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the free detection-system software installation and any needed connecting-rod repair that addresses wrist-pin cracking and engine stall risk.
- Tell the dealer if the truck was previously repaired under recall 20V255, because trucks that received only the software update need the new remedy.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V281 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the engine stalls or loses power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician installs detection system software that warns the driver before an engine connecting rod failure. If the engine has a defective connecting rod, the dealer repairs the engine under the recall. Vehicles repaired under the earlier recall with only the software update still need the new remedy. Parts and labor are free. The manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan applies to covered repairs paid before the recall notice, and the customer notification includes the reimbursement instructions. Bring any repair paperwork tied to the connecting rod issue when you discuss the claim with the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 22, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 11, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 8, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 8, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 8, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V281?
Recall 21V281 covers 10,038 2019-2021 International Lt and Rh trucks with an engine wrist pin that can crack and lead to connecting rod failure. That failure can stall the truck and increase crash risk. International dealers will install detection system software and repair engines with a defective connecting rod for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 International Lt or Rh is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V281. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the detection system software installation and any needed engine repair. Reference recall number 21V281 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and International dealers will complete the recall remedy free of charge. The remedy includes detection system software to warn before connecting rod failure and repair of engines with a defective connecting rod.
Is it safe to drive my International Lt or Rh before the recall repair?
The recall does not include a stop-driving order. The safety risk is engine connecting rod failure, which can stall the truck and increase crash risk. Check your VIN, schedule the free dealer remedy if included, and ask the dealer for guidance if the truck shows engine problems.
What if my truck was already repaired under recall 20V255?
Some trucks repaired under recall 20V255 still need this recall remedy. International says vehicles that received only a software update under recall 20V255 must return to the dealer for the new remedy under recall 21V281. Check your VIN and reference both recall numbers when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V281000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V281 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V281000 |
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 →