International Trucks Recall: More Defects Due to the Bendix EC80

Major International Trucks Recall Due to ECU Defect Risks

International Motors, LLC has announced a big recall for several truck models due to a problem with the EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Units (ECUs). These units, made by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC, are in trucks built between 2021 and 2025. Over 105,000 trucks could be affected, impacting critical safety systems. This International trucks recall, registered as NHTSA Recall No. 24V-818, addresses an issue that could lead to faulty or complete loss of safety functions like anti-lock brakes.

Affected Truck Models

The recall includes multiple International truck models across different years. These models are:

• 2021-2024 International Lonestar
• 2021-2025 International RH
• 2021-2025 International HV
• 2021-2025 International HX
• 2021-2025 International MV
• 2021-2025 International LT
• 2022 International ProStar

These trucks are equipped with Bendix’s 6 Channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and are built to tow air-braked trailers. The defect affects how the ECU communicates with the trailer, which may lead to safety risks.

Details of the Defect

The problem stems from the Power Line Carrier (PLC) system used by the EC80 ECU. This system allows the truck to communicate with the trailer, especially for warning lights on the trailer’s ABS. However, electrical noise or a weak signal may cause the ECU to fail at reading signals correctly. In extreme cases, the ECU may stop working, affecting ABS, Automatic Traction Control (ATC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Active Cruise Control (ACC), and Collision Mitigation Systems (CMS).

The defect is more likely to occur in trucks towing multiple trailers or those with extra devices, such as tracking systems, connected to the power line. These additional connections may disrupt the signal, leading to ECU faults or complete failure and raising the risk of crashes.

Safety Concerns

This malfunction could lead to dangerous situations if it happens while driving. The ABS or ESC may fail when needed, which could cause the truck to respond improperly during a braking or stability event. An ABS warning light will show when there’s an issue. This defect makes the trucks more likely to crash in high-demand driving situations.

The International Trucks Recall and Fix

International Motors will fix the problem by updating the ECU software. This fix, developed with Bendix, will be free of charge. The new software eliminates the defective part of the PLC function. Production of ECUs with the corrected software began in mid-October 2024, and deliveries of the old units were stopped earlier in October.

Timeline of Actions

The recall began after reports of error codes in trucks pulling double trailers. Here’s the timeline of steps taken:

• May 2024: Bendix shares customer complaints and asks for more data.
• October 10, 2024: Bendix informs International Motors of the PLC issue in ECUs.
• October 12, 2024: International Motors stops truck assembly with the faulty ECUs and quarantines affected parts.
• October 24, 2024: The recall is officially issued.

What Truck Owners Need to Know

Owners of affected trucks will get notification letters by December 23, 2024, with steps on how to get the repairs done. Dealers will be notified by December 16, 2024. Truck owners with questions can contact International Motors’ customer service at 1-800-448-7825.

For further help, owners can also call the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit http://www.nhtsa.gov.