Hino recalls conventional truck models for battery cable issue

One in five vehicles may not restart after being turned off

Hino Trucks is recalling 13,700 trucks because of a negative battery cable issue (Photo Credit: Hino Trucks)

Hino Trucks is recalling 13,700 conventional body trucks because the ground cable between the negative battery terminal and frame may be too short, preventing one in five trucks from restarting after being turned off.

If a truck is unable to restart, it cannot be moved to a safe area. That increases the risk of an accident or collision, according to Hino’s report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Toyota Motor subsidiary reported no crashes or injuries due to the issue, which was discovered by a dealer who found a broken ground cable connecting the negative battery terminal to the frame terminal.

All Class 6-7 conventional 2020-21 models built between January 2019 and April this year in Mineral Wells, West Virginia, are included in the recall. Hino expects 20% of the recalled trucks to have the issue.

Hino eliminated an extension bracket between the negative battery terminal and the ground cable without increasing the cable length.That may cause the frame side terminal to break due to fatigue during bending stress when tightened in an upward direction. 

Hino said it did not consider the effects of eliminating the extension bracket during 2020 model year vehicle development. The extension bracket will be added to future builds when Hino resumes production following a suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dealers will add an extension bracket to the negative battery terminal on all recalled trucks. They also will inspect the ground cable terminal for damage, replacing the cable if necessary. Hino will send an interim recall letter to owners in mid-June. The exact timing of the recall is pending the availability of parts.

The NHTSA recall number is 20V-244.

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Alan Adler

Alan Adler is an award-winning journalist who worked for The Associated Press and the Detroit Free Press. He also spent two decades in domestic and international media relations and executive communications with General Motors.