Navistar Inc. recalled over 31,000 trucks and buses because improper heat treatment on hex flange lock nuts could cause the fasteners to break, resulting in unstable steering and increased crash risk.
The truck manufacturer, owned by Germany’s Traton Group, stated that it was unaware of any field failures, crashes, or injuries caused by the condition. Nonconforming hex flange lock nuts are used on the recalled vehicles. Parts from similar vehicles are interchangeable.
The nonconforming hex flange lock nuts used between January and August 2022 did not fail during vehicle assembly. On August 26, Navistar quarantined vehicles in its plants until it was certain that clean parts were being used in production.
Navistar issued two recall notices. The first involved 25,822 vehicles, all suspected of having faulty parts. Certain International CV (2021-22) and HV (2022-23) models were included, as well as 2023 models of the HX, Lonestar, LT, MV, and RH. A second recall covered 5,645 units of three 2023 IC bus models: CV, EV, and RE.
Navistar dealers will replace all suspect hex flange lock nuts with those made to its design specifications for form and surface hardness. Beginning Jan. 20, dealers and owners of affected vehicles will be notified via first-class mail.
The recall numbers issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are 22V-869 and 22V-870.
