2021 International LT problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 International LT, most often about fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion. There are 13 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 13
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Median mileage
- — at time of problem
Key facts
- Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 1 of 2 complaints (50%).
- Engine (1) and fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion (1) follow.
- Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries.
- The 2021 International LT has 13 recalls on file.
- It has the most serious complaint record of all 8 International LT model years we track.
2021 International LT problems by category
- Brakes · 1 crash1 complaints
- Engine1 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion1 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash1 complaints
- Body & Structure1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 |
| Service brakes | 1 |
| Structure:body | 1 |
2021 International LT recalls (13)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
International Motors, LLC (International) is recalling certain 2016 7600, 2016-2023 Lonestar, 2018 8600, 2018-2023 LT, 2021-2026 MV, 2022-2023 RH, 2023-2026 HX, and 2025-2026 HV vehicles. Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop working.
Risk: Safety systems that depend on the ECU, such as Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System, may have diminished or lost functionality, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: International will work with Bendix to reprogram the ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2026. Owners may contact International's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. International's number for this recall is 25525. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 12, 2026.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
International Motors, LLC (International) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Lonestar, 2021-2025 RH, HV, MV, LT, HX, and 2022 PROSTAR vehicles, equipped with Bendix EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECU). Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier may cause the ECU to incorrectly process commands or stop working.
Risk: Safety systems that depend on the ECU (Automatic Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Active Cruise Control, and Collison Mitigation System) may have diminished or lost functionality, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: International will work with Bendix to reprogram the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2024. Owners may contact International customer service at 1-800-448-7825. International's number for this recall is 24515.
- SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2021-2024 International HV, HX, LoneStar, LT, MV, eMV, and RH trucks, and IC Bus CE, 2021-2023 IC Bus RE, and 2022-2023 IC Bus TC Commercial Buses. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) indicator light does not remain illuminated when a malfunction exists, and when the vehicle's ignition switch is on, and the vehicle is in motion. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Risk: An ABS indicator light that fails to remain illuminated will not alert the driver of an ABS malfunction, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Towing variant vehicles under this campaign will not be repaired under recall 24V-8918. Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 23515.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2000-2003 International 8100, 2001-2003 International 9100i, 2001-2007 International 9400i, 2001-2010 International 9200i, 2002-2007, 2009 International 8500, 2003-2007, 2013 International 9900i, 2003-2018 International 8600, 2004, 2007 International 9900iX, 2008-2018 International ProStar, 2010-2011, 2013, 2016 International LoneStar, 2011-2012, 2016 International 4400, 2017-2024 International LT, 2018-2024 International RH, 2019-2021 International LS, 2019-2024 International MV vehicles. The back-up lights offer low visibility when the vehicle is in reverse and bobtail mode. Also, the vehicles have not been equipped with additional unobstructed back-up lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Low visibility or obstructed back up lights may not alert other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing rear stop/turn signal lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 06, 2024. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 23514.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2021-2024 International LT and RH trucks. The engine control module (ECM) may be unresponsive to throttle pedal application, which can cause the vehicle to unexpectedly slow to idle speed on the road.
Risk: A vehicle that unexpectedly slows to idle speed on the roadway can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 23509.
- ENGINE
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2018-2021 International HV, 2018-2020 International HX, 2018-2021 International LT and International RH vehicles. The connecting rod wrist pin may crack, resulting in connecting rod failure.
Risk: Connecting rod failure can cause an engine shutdown, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new knock detection software to warn the driver prior to engine connecting rod failure, and replace connecting rods as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 22518.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2018-2021 International LoneStar and 2016-2021 International LT vehicles. The cables that connect the batteries to the vehicle frame may become excessively hot, and in some cases, cause battery post separation.
Risk: Excessively hot battery ground cables may cause personal injury during battery maintenance repairs. In addition, a battery post that separates from the battery can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the alternator positive and ground cables, and relocate the alternator ground to the starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 22516.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2018-2023 International LT vehicles equipped with a 1500W Purkeys inverter system. The positive battery cable may be incorrectly routed, causing it to chafe on the side skirt frame and become damaged.
Risk: A damaged battery cable can cause an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace any damaged battery cables and install new inverter cable brackets and saddles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2022. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 22507.
- ENGINE
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2019-2021 International LT and RH trucks. The wrist pin may crack and cause connecting rod failure.
Risk: Connecting rod failure may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Navistar will notify owners and dealers will install a detection system software to warn the driver prior to engine connecting rod failure and engines with a defective connecting rod will be repaired, free of charge. Vehicles previously repaired under Recall 20V255 that received only a software update will need to return to the dealer for the new remedy. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 21505.
- SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2021 International LT, RH, MV, and HV vehicles equipped with Bendix pressure switches. A retainer was not properly seated in the SC-3 single check valve and may not provide source air isolation when pressure is applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Risk: Unintended spring brake application may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SC-3 check valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 21503.
- PARKING BRAKE
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2021 International LT and International RH vehicles. The spring inside the spring brake chamber may allow the pressure plate to shift and wear a hole through the diaphragm.
Risk: A hole in the diaphragm may cause an air leak, causing the parking brake to engage and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the spring brake chambers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 28, 2021. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 21502.
- ENGINE
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2021 International LT vehicles equipped with a Cummins X15 engine. The capscrews that attach the flywheel to the crankshaft may have been improperly torqued, allowing the flywheel to detach.
Risk: A detached flywheel can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, driveline pieces may be ejected from the engine compartment, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Navistar will work with the engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. to notify owners, and Cummins dealers will properly tighten the capscrews and inspect for possible damage, repairing any damage found, free of charge. The recall began on March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES · ENGINE
Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2018-2021 International LoneStar and 2017-2021 International LT vehicles. The battery ground cable ring terminal at the frame connecting point may break, resulting in a loss of electrical power and unintended engine shutdown without warning.
Risk: An unexpected engine shutdown can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the battery ground cable, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 21501.
Recent 2021 International LT complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Mar 30, 2023ARCrash1 injuredTowedBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
The brake assist malfunctioned causing the brakes to abruptly stop without cause or warning. When the braking system abruptly stopped it caused a jack knife and lost of a trailer on a congested highway with vehicles in all lanes, I was able to finally get control of the tractor with out causing contact or injury with other vehicles and the rear trailer broke free and rolled back and landed in the grass that divided the highways. I injured myself and had to have surgery. The…
NHTSA complaint #11514699 · source - Filed Dec 3, 2021PA1 injuredBody & StructureEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
I drive tractor trailer for JB Hunt. Over the last 4 Years, the three trucks I have been assigned to have had exhaust leaks that vented into the cab. One was a Freightliner (approx 2017 model), and two have been Internationals. These exhaust leaks caused me medical problems, requiring that I take off time unscheduled. The last three trucks I have been assigned to have had exhaust leaks into the cab. Some leaks I only found with a thermal camera. The exhaust leaks are not the…
NHTSA complaint #11442614 · source
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Other 2021 International models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology