RoadVitals

2018 International Lt

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
3
Latest Feb 2, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
17
Latest Nov 25, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 3 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 International Lt, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and steering categories. 17 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 438 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical133.3%
  • Engine133.3%
  • Steering133.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

17 campaigns cover this model year

View all 17

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
25V817000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Nov 25, 2025
678 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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.
International Motors, LLCManufacturer number 25525View on NHTSA.gov
23V353000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS

May 18, 2023
32,880 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The 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.
The 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.
Navistar, Inc.Manufacturer number 23514View on NHTSA.gov
22V691000

ENGINE

Sep 15, 2022
7,918 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Connecting rod failure can cause an engine shutdown, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Navistar, Inc.Manufacturer number 22518View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Feb 2, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11714903
Incident
Aug 20, 2025
Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2024

August 17, 2024 makes a year of when i purchased my 2018 international LTA26 6X4 . The vehicle has been to several shops (Westrux International) where i paid for service that ended up being a recall for (Velocity calibrations) which did not fix the problem. (Southwest) is the next shop i took my truck to However, the mechanics were still unable to determine the cause of failure. I have researched on NHTSA and found recalls (Connecting Rod May Crack and Cause Engine Failure) that relate to my problem i'm having with my truck.

NHTSA ID
11610070
Incident
Jul 1, 2024
Steering
Filed Feb 26, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2018 INTERNATIONAL LT A26 TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL, STEERING BOX FAILED AND CAUSED THE TRUCK TO SWERVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXTRA EFFORT WAS NEEDED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS HOWEVER, THE MECHANICS WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE NOT THE CORRECT SIZE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID
11311654
Incident
Feb 23, 2020
Mileage
130,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

IK1900198

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This article only applies to Models w/ 0016UZL Built Between 06/23/2014 – 05/11/2020 OR Models w/ 0016UZL w/ Safety Recall 14516 Completed Reference the appropriate Technician Manual for models outside of this population. Safety Recall 14516 has been issued for units built before June 23, 2014. For LT and 2018+ LoneStar: If there is a complaint of the bunk blower turning off after an auto start event, the BCM needs to be updated to Data Version 323 or higher. • The bunk blower turning off was only present in BCM Data Version 309 to Data Version 322 To properly diagnose the system, you must ensure the recall has been performed. Only the "Cold Loop" sealed refrigerant core PN # 2614669C1 is to be replaced when the refrigerant circuit fails. DO NOT REPLACE THE COMPLETE UNIT IF THE A/C IS NOT FUNCTIONING. Complete unit is not Warrantable Refer to the BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING below before replacing any components. This will help you identify which component is at fault or any electrical issues. Refer to PARTS INFORMATION to properly identify the parts that may require replacement The A/C portion of the system is listed below in the parts section. The 16UZL No-Idle HVAC system is designed to disengage when the engine is started, and can be turned on with the key in any position. This battery-powered no-idle HVAC system provides heating and cooling of the sleeper area without use of the vehicle engine. The system is comprised of the no-idle HVAC components located in the sleeper HVAC module, a separate fuel-operated coolant heater mounted under the sleeper, and four additional batteries housed in a second battery box. The no-idle HVAC system shares the air handling assembly and several major components with the truck's standard HVAC system. Most importantly, the shared evaporator core contains refrigerant circuits for both the no idle system and the truck's standard A/C system. With this configuration, some procedures required to service the no idle A/C system will require opening the refrigerant circuit of the truck's standard A/C system. Trucks equipped with the 16UZL No-Idle HVAC system have two separate HVAC systems (Standard Truck A/C and the MaxxPower unit); it is important to identify each clearly, so you are troubleshooting the correct system. Per the Operator's Manual page 10: Run the heater at least once a month during the year (for a minimum of 15 minutes).

IK0800560

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This document will guide the user through the changes of the dielectric grease/coatings used in certain areas on all International vehicles built after 1/8/2018. International's Electrical Engineering Team made this change to improve the longevity of the OEM coatings and to improve applications at the factory.

IK2600297

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

This document enables technicians to: 1. Accurately identify International® A26B engine control systems. 2. Understand the programming requirements and system behavior. 3. Perform programming tasks independently without needing technical support.

IK2600298

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

This document enables technicians to: 1. Accurately identify International® A26A engine control systems. 2. Understand the programming intricacies related to these systems. 3. Perform programming tasks independently without needing technical support.

IK0600001

POWER TRAIN

Some interaxle shafts (the driveshaft connecting 2 drive axles) utilize special phasing. This is by design to reduce torsional vibrations. See Dana/Spicer letter here & Meritor here.

IK1500109

ENGINE

This document will guide the user through supplemental fuel system diagnostics on 2017 A26 ESN 4500000 - 4599999.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

International Lt by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027010—
2026040—
20251100—
2024380—
20231120—
2022270—
20212130—
2020290—
20192180—
2018Viewing3170—
2017060—
2016050—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.