AAHT0 – Insufficient Battery Ground Cable Length – 2020-2021 Hino NV8J, NJ8J, NE8J, NJ8A, NV8A, NE8A, NE8G, NJ8C, NE8C, & NV8G Trucks

April 30, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V244000

Insufficient Battery Ground Cable Length

If the ground cable breaks, the engine cannot be re-started to move the vehicle to a safe area, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V244

Manufacturer Hino Motors Sales U.S.A., Inc.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected 13,700

 

Summary

Hino Motors Sales U.S.A., Inc. (Hino) is recalling certain 2020-2021 NV8J, NJ8J, NE8J, NJ8A, NV8A, NE8A, NE8G, NJ8C, NE8C, and NV8G trucks. The ground cable that connects the negative battery terminal to the frame may be too short and may break as a result.

 

Remedy

Hino will notify owners, and dealers will install an extension bracket to the negative battery terminal and inspect the ground cable terminal for damage, replacing the cable if damage is found, free of charge. Owners will be notified of the safety risk with an interim letter Mid-June 2020. The recall began June 26, 2020. Owners may contact Hino customer service at 1-248-699-9390. Hino’s number for this recall is AAHT0.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

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SAFETY RECALL

CONVENTIONAL BATTERY TERMINAL EXTENSION

CAMPAIGN NO: AAHT0
DATE: 5-5-2020
REFERENCE: HMM-200429-N1

SUBJECT VEHICLES: Certain 2020MY-2021MY Conventional trucks equipped with a J08 engine

Note: Refer to the appropriate Vehicle Identification Number in the warranty system to determine vehicle eligibility.

 

OVERVIEW:

The length of the ground cable that connects the negative battery terminal to the frame may be insufficient and may break due to fatigue caused by bending stress generated on the cable terminal. An extension bracket shall be added to the battery negative terminal. In addition, the battery ground cable will be inspected and replaced if damage is found.

 

NEW VEHICLES IN DEALERSHIP INVENTORY As required by Federal law (49 Code of Federal Regulations §577.13), dealerships are not to deliver any new vehicles in their inventory that are involved in a Safety Recall unless the vehicle has been remedied. Refer to the appropriate Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list to determine vehicle eligibility.

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

• Read and understand all instructions and procedures before you begin the work.
• Read and follow all NOTICES and WARNINGS set forth in this publication. These alerts help to avoid damage to components, serious personal injury, or both.
• Park the vehicle on a flat, level and solid surface.
• Place the shift lever in “Neutral” or “Park”.
• Apply the parking brake firmly and confirm parking brake activation.
• Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch.
• Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
• Place wheel chocks in front of and behind all the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.

 

PARTS:

Part Number	Part Description	Quantity
SZ17809001	Nut, Flange	1
SZ98055014	Terminal, Battery	1

 

IF REQUIRED:

Part Number	Part Description	Quantity
82124EW140	Wire, Engine No. 4	1

 

Note: If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact techassist@hino.com.

 

VEHICLE PREPARATION:

1. Park the vehicle on a flat, level and solid surface.
2. Confirm the engine is stopped, the ignition switch is in the off (LOCK) position, and the key is removed.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Chock all of the wheels.

 

Repair Procedure:

This Procedure Applies to Both 2020 Model Year and 2021 Model Year Vehicles, with Certain Differences, as Indicated.

 

Both 2020 and 2021 Model Year Vehicles

1. Remove the battery cover.

 

Both 2020 and 2021 Model Year Vehicles

2. Inspect the negative battery terminal on the inner most battery for the presence of a terminal extension. If a terminal extension is present as shown in the photograph below, no repair is necessary, proceed to Final Inspection.

If a terminal extension is not present, continue to step 3.

 

Both 2020 and 2021 Model Year Vehicles

3. Remove the nut securing the battery ground cable and smaller chassis harness ground to the inner most battery. Clean the battery terminal.

 

2020 Model Year Vehicles Only

4. Remove the nut securing the cab ground terminal to the frame rail at the battery ground cable connection. Retain the nut for reinstallation.

 

Both 2020 and 2021 Model Year Vehicles

5. Remove the bolt securing the battery ground cable to the frame rail. Retain the bolt for reinstallation. Remove the battery ground cable.

NOTICE: 2021 model year vehicles will use this bolt to secure both the battery ground cable as well as the body ground connection. See Step 10.

 

Both 2020 and 2021 Model Year Vehicles

6. Clean the battery ground cable. Inspect both terminal ends of the battery ground cable for cracking in the area circled in the photograph below. If cracking is found, discard and replace using a new 82124-EW140 Wire, Engine No. 4. Proceed to step 7.

 

Both 2020 and 2021 Model Year Vehicles

7. Install the SZ980-55014 battery terminal extension to the negative battery terminal as shown using the nut removed in step 3. The bridge cable between the batteries is installed above the terminal extension. Tighten the nut to the specified torque.

Specified Torque: 97 lb-in (8 lb-ft / 11Nm)

 

Both 2020 and 2021 Model Year Vehicles

8. Attach both the battery ground cable as well as the smaller chassis harness ground cable to the battery terminal extension as shown. Install the new SZ178-09001 nut and tighten to the specified torque.

Specified Torque: 97 lb-in (8 lb-ft / 11Nm)

 

2020 Model Year Vehicles Only

9. For 2021 Model Year Vehicles, Go ahead to Step 10. Attach the battery ground cable to the frame rail using the bolt removed in step

It is very important that the battery ground cable is positioned close to horizontal, and no more than 30 degrees downward from the horizontal position. Do not allow the cable to angle upwards when tightening. Tighten the bolt to the specified torque. See the photograph below, at left, which shows the battery ground cable positioned horizontally. See the illustration, at right, shows the battery cable positioned incorrectly, above the horizontal.

Specified Torque: 38 lb-ft (51.5Nm)

 

2021 Model Year Vehicles Only

10. For 2020 Model Year Vehicles, Go back to Step 9. Attach the battery ground cable along with the smaller cab harness ground to the frame rail using the bolt removed in step 5.

It is very important that the battery ground cable is positioned close to horizontal, and no more than 30 degrees downward from the horizontal position. Do not allow the cable to angle upwards when tightening. Tighten the bolt to the specified torque. See the illustrations below. The first illustration, at let, shows the battery ground cable positioned horizontally. The second illustration, at right, shows the battery cable positioned incorrectly, above the horizontal. Remember, on 2021 Model Year Vehicles this bolt is used to secure both the battery ground cable connection as well as the body ground cable connection Specified Torque: 38 lb-ft (51.5Nm)

 

2020 Model Year Vehicles Only

11. Attach the cab ground terminal to the frame rail using the nut removed in step 4.

Specified Torque: 16 lb-ft (22Nm)

 

Both 2020 and 2021 Model Year Vehicles

12. Reinstall the battery box cover and tighten the wing nuts to the specified torque.

Specified Torque: 10 lb-ft (13Nm)

13. Proceed to Final Inspection

 

FINAL INSPECTION:

To complete this safety recall, review and confirm the following:

• All the bolts and nuts are tightened with proper torque
• The battery terminal extension is installed, if required
• The negative battery cable has been replaced if necessary
• The negative battery cable is properly aligned close to the horizontal

 

CLAIM APPLICATION

Reimbursable in accordance within the terms and policies of the Hino limited warranties.

Battery Cable Negative Terminal Extension Installation:

1. Campaign No: AAHT0
2. Labor charge:

0.2 hr. – Inspection only
0.5 hr. – Battery ground cable inspection and extension installation

1. Warranty code: 82142
2. Trouble code: 98
3. Operation code: 82150AOT
4. Original failed part: 9999999999

 

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URGENT SAFETY RECALL

This is an important Safety Recall. The remedy will be performed at NO CHARGE to you.

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

2020MY – 2021MY: NV8J, NJ8J, NE8J, NJ8A, NV8A, NE8A, NE8G,
NJ8C, NE8C, and NV8G (238, 258ALP, 258LP, 268, 268A, 338, L7, L8)
Conventional on-road Medium Duty Truck
Negative Battery Terminal Extension NHTSA 20V244 Hino AAHT0
This notice applies to your vehicle: VIN:

 

Dear Hino Truck Owner:

This notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Hino has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2020 and 2021 conventional trucks. You received this notice because our records, which are based primarily on state registration and title data, indicate that you are the current owner.

 

What is the Condition?

Beginning with 2020MY vehicle production the extension bracket on the negative battery terminal was eliminated. Due to the elimination of extension bracket, the length of the ground cable that connects the negative battery terminal to the frame may be insufficient and may break due to fatigue. If the ground cable breaks, the engine cannot be re-started to move the vehicle to a safe area, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

What will Hino do?

An extension bracket will be added to the negative battery terminal on all target vehicles. Further, dealers will inspect the ground cable terminal for damage, and if damage is found, the cable will be replaced.

 

Parts availability

Parts will be available at dealers beginning July 6, 2020. Please make an appointment with your authorized Hino Dealer to have the remedial work performed. This repair will be performed at NO COST to you.

 

What should you do?

This is an important Safety Recall

Please contact any authorized Hino dealer to schedule an appointment to have the remedial work performed as soon as possible. This repair will take will take approximately .5 hours to complete.

 

You do not need an owner letter to have this recall completed; however, to assist the dealer in confirming vehicle eligibility, we request that you present this notice at the time of your service appointment.

If you would like to update your vehicle ownership or contact information, you may do so by contacting Hino Warranty at warranty@hino.com or by telephone 1-248-699-9390. You will need your full 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to update the new ownership or contact information.

 

What if you have other questions?

• Your local Hino dealer will be more than happy to answer any of your questions and set up an appointment to perform the repair.
• You can locate a Hino dealer in your area by going online and visiting www.hino.com
• If you require further assistance, you may contact Hino Warranty at 1-248-699-9390, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

 

If you believe that the dealer or Hino has failed or is unable to remedy the defect within a reasonable time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590, or call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hot Line at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. ·

If you are a vehicle lessor, Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.

We have sent this notice in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience this condition may have caused you.

Thank you for being a valued Hino

customer. Sincerely,

HINO MOTORS SALES, U.S.A., INC.

 

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20V244

3. Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination

2020/2~2020/3

Hino received a Technical Report (TR) from the U.S. reporting that a vehicle failed to start.

Dealer inspection found that the ground cable connecting the battery negative terminal to the frame was broken at the frame terminal. Investigation of the broken cable revealed that the fracture surface exhibited fatigue breakage that had resulted from bending load, while the material and dimensional properties contained no abnormality.

In the meantime, during our investigation of production vehicles, it was determined that on some vehicles the frame side terminal was tightened in an upward direction, instead of the horizontal design angle, as the result of terminal rotation during tightening. Because the rotation may be a possible cause of insufficient length and bending stress on the cable, Hino provided an additional work instruction to insure that the frame terminal be tightened in the horizontal direction, this occurred on March 19.

 

2020/4

As a result of various investigations, Hino recognized that the elimination of the extension bracket which had previously been installed between the negative battery terminal and the ground cable, without increasing the cable length, may have caused the frame side terminal to break due to bending stress if it is tightened in an upward direction.

On the other hand, Hino confirmed that no failure has been reported on 2019MY and earlier vehicles and that the failure does not occur in those vehicles even if the frame side terminal is tightened in the upward direction. Based on the aforementioned confirmatory result, Hino has determined to add the extension bracket.

As a result of verifying the failure phenomenon, Hino confirmed that breakage of the ground cable terminal does not stop the engine immediately, and does not cause any foreseeable phenomenon including illumination of the battery warning lamp, but resulted in an inability to re‐start the engine once stopped.

 

2020/4/24

Based on the above‐mentioned investigation result, Hino held a Safety Committee meeting and determined to implement a voluntary safety recall.

In the meantime, as of April 23, 2020, Hino has not obtained any information of an accident or similar cases pertaining to this failure from either warranty or the field.

 

2020/5

In reviewing production and repair records by the West Virginia assembly plant, it was discovered that there was a possibility that some 2019MY trucks could have shipped without the extension bracket. Upon learning of this possibility, Hino began an investigation.

 

2020/6

The Investigation was completed, including review of the production history, and repair records. The investigation revealed that on vehicles produced at the end of 2019MY production, there were 18 units of 2019MY vehicles that were shipped without the extension bracket. This occurred due to a bracket shortage at the assembly plant because of extension bracket elimination that was implemented from the start of 2020MY production.

 

2020/6/30

Hino held a Safety Committee meeting and decided to expand the recall population to include 18 units that were shipped without the extension bracket from the 2019MY production.

As of June 29, 2020, Hino was not aware of any information of an accident or similar cases pertaining to this failure from either warranty or field records.

 

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20 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
HINO	NE8A	2020-2021
HINO	NE8C	2020-2021
HINO	NE8G	2020-2021
HINO	NE8J	2020-2021
HINO	NJ8A	2020-2021
HINO	NJ8C	2020-2021
HINO	NJ8J	2020-2021
HINO	NV8A	2020-2021
HINO	NV8G	2020-2021
HINO	NV8J	2020-2021

 

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9 Associated Documents

Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V244-9137.pdf 986.893KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V244-3120.pdf 245.265KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V244-8800.PDF 214.905KB

 

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Miscellaneous Document- Supplemental Chronology

RMISC-20V244-3939.pdf 44.835KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V244-8140.PDF 211.333KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V244-4210.PDF 211.245KB

 

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Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V244-6049.pdf 716.939KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-2

RCLQRT-20V244-1279.PDF 211.149KB

 

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Recall 573 Report- Amendment 2

RCLRPT-20V244-1405.PDF 215.907KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V244&docType=RCL

 

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Last update on 2026-06-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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