International Motors, LLC has issued a safety recall for approximately 678 heavy-duty vehicles due to a software defect affecting the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The issue involves high electrical interference and low signal strength within the Power Line Carrier (PLC) system, which can cause the EC80 ECU to malfunction. This recall is an expansion of a previous equipment recall involving Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems.
Highlights
- Affected Population: The recall impacts 678 vehicles across multiple International Motors model lines, including the LT, MV, and HV series.
- Technical Defect: Electrical noise and low PLC signal strength may cause the Bendix EC80 ECU to process signals incorrectly or cease operation.
- Safety Risk: Malfunctions can disable critical safety systems such as Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
- Remedy Program: Dealers will reprogram the ECU with updated software to resolve the defect free of charge.
Technical Analysis of the Defect
The defect originates in the EC80 Advanced Electronic Control Unit, a component manufactured by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems. This unit utilizes a Power Line Carrier (PLC) to communicate between the tractor and trailer, specifically to control the cab-mounted trailer ABS indicator lamp.
According to the defect report, the system may fail in the presence of high electrical interference, or “noise,” on the vehicle power line combined with low PLC signal strength. Under these conditions, the EC80 ECU may incorrectly process signals, set a fault, or stop operating entirely.
This scenario is more likely to occur in vehicles towing multiple trailers or those equipped with optional devices, such as trailer-based tracking systems, which can reduce signal strength.
Impact on Safety Systems
The malfunction of the EC80 ECU presents a significant safety risk by compromising several vehicle control systems. If the ECU faults, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Traction Control (ATC), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may stop operating.
Furthermore, advanced driver assistance systems that interact heavily with the ABS, including Active Cruise Control (ACC) and Collision Mitigation Systems (CMS), may also experience faults. In rare instances involving a stability event or automated braking request, the system may respond incorrectly before faulting, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
Affected Vehicle Models
The recall encompasses a range of International Motors trucks and tractors manufactured between March 2015 and April 2025. The specific models and model years involved are:
- 2022-2023 International RH: 3 potential units.
- 2021-2026 International MV: 106 potential units.
- 2018-2023 International LT: 15 potential units.
- 2016-2023 International Lonestar: 3 potential units.
- 2023-2026 International HX: 192 potential units.
- 2025-2026 International HV: 356 potential units.
- 2018 International 8600: 2 potential units.
- 2016 International 7600: 1 potential unit.
The suspect population was identified based on vehicles equipped with Bendix 6 Channel ABS or ABS with ATC/ESP and specific trailer connections or air brake feature codes.
Remedy and Recall Schedule
International Motors will address the defect through a software update. The remedy involves reprogramming the EC80 ECU with software that eliminates the defective PLC functionality. The updated software has been assigned unique identification numbers to distinguish it from the defective versions.
Dealers and owners will be notified according to the following schedule:
- Planned Dealer Notification: January 12, 2026.
- Planned Owner Notification: January 19, 2026.
- VIN Search Availability: January 12, 2026.
Owners may contact International Motors customer service for further information regarding recall number 25525.
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