Latest Truck Recalls 2025: What Truckers Need to Know

Recent Truck Recalls Raise Safety Concerns for Class 8 Drivers

Overview of Current Truck Recalls

A series of new truck recalls announced in August 2025 highlight safety risks for heavy-duty Class 8 vehicles, including models from Volvo, Mack, International, Freightliner, and Heil. These recalls, published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), focus on steering, braking, and structural defects that could impact drivers on the road. In total, thousands of tractors and vocational trucks are affected, with repairs ranging from software updates to component replacements.

Volvo Recall: Steering Risks in New VN Models

Volvo Trucks North America has recalled 2,487 trucks from the 2025–2026 New VN lineup. The issue centers on the dynamic steering system’s oversteer guidance feature. In certain conditions, the system may overcorrect, then continue to correct in the opposite direction, creating steering oscillations that require driver intervention.

If the driver does not react quickly, the system malfunction could result in a loss of steering control. Volvo plans to disable the feature through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer service at no cost. Owner notifications will begin on October 5, 2025.

Mack Truck Recalls: Anthem and Pioneer Models Affected

Mack Trucks issued a similar recall for its 2025 Anthem (AN) and 2025–2026 Pioneer (PR) models. Only 32 trucks are affected, but the defect mirrors the Volvo recall. Mack’s command steering system may also cause oversteer oscillations, creating a risk of steering loss.

The recall will be addressed with an OTA update or by dealer service, and like Volvo, notifications will start in early October.

International Truck Recalls: Brake System Problems

International Motors announced two separate recalls impacting thousands of trucks.

• Recall 25V501 (LT and RH models): About 1,129 units of the 2024–2026 International LT and 2025 International RH may experience clogged Hill Start Assist exhaust ports. The blockage can keep the service brakes engaged, leading to dragging brakes or difficulty moving the truck out of traffic. Dealers will reroute the exhaust to fix the issue, with notices scheduled for September 29, 2025.
• Recall 25V502 (MV, 4000 Series 4300, and 1300FBC): More than 4,700 vehicles are at risk due to brake pressure switch leaks. Brake fluid can seep into electrical components, causing shorts and potentially leading to a fire while driving or parked. A “service brake system” warning light may appear before failure. Dealers will install a redesigned jumper harness to resolve the problem.

Freightliner Truck Recall: Steering Shaft Weld Defect

Freightliner’s Business Class M2 trucks (2022–2024), modified by Fontaine Modification Co., are being recalled due to defective welds in the intermediate steering shaft. The welds could crack and fail, causing the shaft to detach from the steering column.

A total of 176 trucks are affected. Fontaine will replace the intermediate shaft with a redesigned version that includes a roll pin for added safety.

Heil Garbage Truck Recalls: Vocational Hazards

Two separate truck recalls involve Heil front-end loader garbage trucks:

• Recall 25V523 (2024 models): A faulty fuel shutoff solenoid could close after startup, stalling the engine. This raised the risk of a stall during intersection maneuvers. The solenoid has been removed from the design, and all affected trucks were repaired in 2024.
• Recall 25V524 (2021–2022 models): Missing welds on loader arms created the risk of arms cracking and falling onto the cab. Heil identified the issue through a compliance audit, and all affected units were repaired by late 2024.

While both recalls have already been resolved, they remain part of the official NHTSA recall record.

What Drivers and Fleets Should Know About Truck Recalls

The latest truck recalls demonstrate that both mechanical and software-based systems can pose safety risks. The most urgent issues involve steering failures in Volvo, Mack, and Freightliner trucks, as well as fire risks linked to International’s braking system.

Truck drivers and fleet managers should:

• Check VINs through the NHTSA recall lookup tool.
• Watch for mailed owner notifications starting in late September and early October 2025.
• Schedule dealer service or accept OTA updates promptly to avoid downtime.
• Park vehicles outside if advised, especially for trucks with potential brake fire risks.

Outlook on Truck Recalls

As truck technology evolves, recalls are increasingly tied to both mechanical components and advanced driver-assist features. While the number of units varies — from a few dozen Mack tractors to several thousand International models — the safety stakes remain high. Addressing these truck recalls quickly will help ensure safer highways for truck drivers, fleets, and the public.

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