2021 Ic Bus Cesb problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2021 Ic Bus Cesb — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Cesb years?

Cesb NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cesb years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Ic Bus Cesb problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	2	50%	▲ up
Fuel System	1	25%	new
Other	1	25%	new

Does the 2021 Ic Bus Cesb have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V580000Body & StructureSeptember 4, 2025 · 457 units

Defect

International Motors, LLC (International) is recalling certain 2016-2026 IC Bus CESB and 2016-2021 RESB school buses. The underfloor reinforcement may not have been installed, compromising the structural integrity of the buses. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages" and 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."

Consequence

Reduced structural integrity may increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement channel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2025. Owners may contact International customer service at 1-800-448-7825. International's number for this recall is 25514.

25V503000BrakesAugust 6, 2025 · 16,553 units

Defect

International Motors, LLC (International) is recalling certain 2016-2024 IC Bus CESB school buses. The brake pressure switch assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch's electrical components and cause an electrical short-circuit.

Consequence

An electrical short in the brake pressure switch can overheat the circuit and increase the risk of a fire while driving or parked.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a silicone black jumper harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2025. Owners may contact International customer service at 1-800-448-7825. International's number for this recall is 25510. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V398 will need to have the new remedy completed.

23V398000BrakesJune 2, 2023 · 15,398 units

Defect

Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2016 and 2018-2024 IC Bus CE school buses. The brake pressure switch assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch's electrical components and cause an electrical short-circuit.

Consequence

An electrical short in the brake pressure switch can overheat the circuit and increase the risk of a fire while driving or parked.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the brake pressure switch assembly and if necessary, the wire harness or fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 23518.

21V837000EngineOctober 25, 2021 · 7,322 units

Defect

Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2020-2023 IC CE school buses. The engine control module (ECM) may set a fault code that results in an unexpected engine shut down.

Consequence

Unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a disabled school bus may require an evacuation procedure in an uncontrolled traffic situation, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.

Remedy

Dealers will reprogram the ECM, free of charge. Owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 21507.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“School buses. We have a fleet of these and the condition is happening repeatedly and to almost every bus with this PSI brand 8.8L gasoline engine. The engine exhaust downpipes melt from excessive heat and/or fuel. The pipes then crack and produce an exhaust leak near the body firewall. Potential…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 27, 2025

“School buses. We have a fleet of these and the condition is happening repeatedly and to almost every bus with this PSI brand 8.8L gasoline engine. The engine exhaust downpipes melt from excessive heat and/or fuel. The pipes then crack and produce an exhaust leak near the body firewall. Potential…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 27, 2025

“Exhaust leaks caused by calapsed exhaust manifold pipes on 34 IC units with PSI engines. they are wrapped with aluminium covering with insulation. This in turn makes high heat tempuraters that split and burn up and disfigure pipes. Which can cause a fire if any oil leakage or fuel occurs. It also…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 5, 2026

2021 Ic Bus Cesb — common questions

Is the 2021 Ic Bus Cesb reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Ic Bus Cesb have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Ic Bus Cesb. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2021 compare to other Cesb years?

What are the most common 2021 Ic Bus Cesb problems?

Does the 2021 Ic Bus Cesb have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2021 Ic Bus Cesb — common questions

Is the 2021 Ic Bus Cesb reliable?

Does the 2021 Ic Bus Cesb have recalls?

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