Recall 22V546 affects 8,483 2016-2021 International Lt and Lonestar trucks for overheated battery ground cables. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 8,483 2016-2021 Lt and Lonestar vehicles because battery ground cables can overheat and, in some cases, separate a battery post. Hot cables can injure someone during battery maintenance, and a separated battery post can stall the engine without warning, raising crash risk; International dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The battery ground cables on 2016-2021 International Lt and Lonestar trucks complete the electrical path between the batteries and the vehicle frame. That ground path lets charging current return safely while the alternator replenishes the batteries. The cables need to carry current without building excessive heat at the battery posts.
On affected trucks, the charging system wiring sends most of the alternator output through the battery-to-frame ground cables. That load heats the cables beyond their intended duty. In some cases, the heat leads to battery post separation, which means the connection at the battery can physically come apart.
The filing lists no owner warning before the problem happens. There is no warning sign before failure. If the battery connection separates, the truck needs dealer attention under recall 22V546.
Who's affected?
Covers Lt trucks from 2016-2021 and Lonestar trucks from 2018-2021, all tied to the battery-cable component.
| 2016 International Lt | battery |
|---|---|
| 2017 International Lt | battery |
| 2018 International Lt | battery |
| 2018 International Lonestar | battery |
| 2019 International Lt | battery |
| 2019 International Lonestar | battery |
| 2020 International Lt | battery |
| 2020 International Lonestar | battery |
| 2021 International Lonestar | battery |
| 2021 International Lt | battery |
| Units affected | 8,483 |
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?
Overheated battery ground cables can injure someone during battery maintenance. If a battery post separates, the engine can stall without warning and increase the risk of a crash. Avoid battery maintenance work until the repair is complete, and schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2021 International Lt or Lonestar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the free alternator positive cable and ground cable replacement that prevents overheated battery cables and battery post separation.
- Bring the recall notice if International mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V546 when you call.
- Avoid battery maintenance until the repair is complete because overheated ground cables create an injury risk during service.
- Call International customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with questions, and reference International recall 22516.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician replaces the alternator positive cable and ground cable, then moves the alternator ground connection to the starter. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. The manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan also applies to qualifying repairs completed before the owner notice. If you already paid for related cable or alternator ground work, keep your invoices and follow the reimbursement instructions included in the customer notification.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 28, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 26, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 26, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| September 26, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 26, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 26, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V546?
Recall 22V546 covers 8,483 2016-2021 International Lt and Lonestar vehicles with battery cables that can overheat. Hot ground cables can injure someone during battery maintenance, and a separated battery post can cause an engine stall without warning, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2016-2021 International Lt or Lonestar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V546. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the cable replacement and alternator ground relocation. Reference recall number 22516 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. International dealers will replace the alternator positive and ground cables, then relocate the alternator ground to the starter, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is heat and stalling. The battery ground cables can become excessively hot and injure someone during battery maintenance. If a battery post separates from the battery, the engine can stall without warning, increasing crash risk.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning sign before the engine stall described in recall 22V546. The filing says a separated battery post can result in an engine stall without warning. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before relying on the vehicle for regular service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V546000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V546 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V546000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →