Recall 21V861 covers 5,700 2018-2021 Isuzu Ftr and Chevrolet 6500XD trucks for loose steering knuckle hardware. Repair is free at any franchised Isuzu dealer.
Isuzu is recalling 5,700 2018-2021 Ftr and Chevrolet 6500XD vehicles because a left front steering knuckle bolt can loosen, changing the turning radius and making left turns harder. That steering change can increase crash risk, and Isuzu dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering stopper bolt assembly on 2018-2021 Isuzu Ftr and Chevrolet 6500XD trucks is part of the left front steering knuckle area. The steering knuckle helps hold the wheel assembly and lets the front wheel turn when the steering wheel is moved. The stopper bolt sets the travel limit for that turn, so the steering system stops where it is supposed to.
On affected trucks, the bolt on the left front steering knuckle can loosen. Once it moves out of position, the steering stop no longer works as designed. That changes the truck's turning behavior, increases the turning radius, and makes left turns harder to complete.
The warning sign is difficulty turning the steering wheel fully to the left. If the truck no longer reaches its normal left-turn angle, that is the symptom tied to this defect.
Who's affected?
Two medium-duty truck lines share the same steering stopper bolt assembly across the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years.
| 2018 Isuzu Ftr | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Isuzu Ftr | steering system |
| 2019 Isuzu Ftr | steering system |
| 2019 Isuzu Ftr | steering system |
| 2018 Chevrolet 6500XD | steering system |
| 2018 Chevrolet 6500XD | steering system |
| 2019 Chevrolet 6500XD | steering system |
| 2019 Chevrolet 6500XD | steering system |
| 2020 Chevrolet 6500XD | steering system |
| 2020 Chevrolet 6500XD | steering system |
| 2020 Isuzu Ftr | steering system |
| 2020 Isuzu Ftr | steering system |
| 2021 Isuzu Ftr | steering system |
| 2021 Isuzu Ftr | steering system |
| 2021 Chevrolet 6500XD | steering system |
| 2021 Chevrolet 6500XD | steering system |
| Units affected | 5,700 |
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 change in turning radius and difficulty steering increases crash risk because the truck does not respond as expected in a turn. If the steering wheel will not turn fully left, treat that as a warning sign and schedule service soon. 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 to schedule the free steering-knuckle bolt repair: replacing both stopper bolt jam nuts and cleaning or replacing the extensions.
- Bring the recall notice if Isuzu mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V861 when you call.
- Drive with extra room for turns until the repair is complete, especially when steering left.
- Stop driving and contact the dealer if the truck becomes difficult to steer left.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Isuzu technician replaces the right and left side stopper bolt jam nuts, then cleans or replaces the extensions as needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Vehicles repaired under the earlier related recall still need this newer remedy performed. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through warranty coverage or the earlier recall remedy, not through a separate reimbursement program, since Isuzu expects the affected vehicles to be covered. Ask the service desk how that coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 5, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 5, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| November 5, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 29, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 29, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 28, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V861?
Recall 21V861 covers 5,700 2018-2021 Isuzu Ftr and Chevrolet 6500XD vehicles with a left front steering knuckle stopper bolt issue. If the bolt loosens, the vehicle can have a larger turning radius and become harder to steer left, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2018-2021 Isuzu Ftr or Chevrolet 6500XD is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V861. If it is, contact a franchised Isuzu dealer to schedule the stopper bolt jam nut replacement and related cleaning or replacement work. Reference recall number 21V861 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost. Dealers will replace both right and left side stopper bolt jam nuts and clean or replace the extensions as needed, free of charge.
Is it safe to drive with recall 21V861 open?
The recall does not carry a do-not-drive order, but the steering risk is real. A loose left front steering knuckle bolt can change the turning radius and make left turns harder. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair before putting the vehicle back into regular service.
What if my vehicle was already repaired under recall 19V-467?
It still needs attention if the VIN is included in recall 21V861. Isuzu says this recall expands recall 19V-467, and vehicles previously repaired need the new remedy performed. Ask the dealer to check the VIN and complete the updated repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V861000 |
|---|---|
| Isuzu customer service | 1-866-441-9638 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V861 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V861000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →