2003 International 3000 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2003 International 3000 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 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 2003 compare to other 3000 years?

3000 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 3000 years to avoid →

Does the 2003 International 3000 have recalls?

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

08V258000Electrical SystemJune 5, 2008 · 51,588 units

Defect

NAVISTAR IS RECALLING 51,588 HEAVY TRUCKS, COMMERCIAL BUSES AND SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 21, 2000 AND MAY 21, 2008, EQUIPPED WITH ONE OR MORE REMOTE POWER MODULES. THE POTTING MATERIAL THAT ENCAPSULATES THE CIRCUIT BOARD OF THE VEHICLE'S REMOTE POWER MODULE MAY NOT SUFFICIENTLY SEAL THE CIRCUIT BOARD FROM WATER AND CONTAMINATION INTRUSION. IF THE ENCAPSULATION IS COMPROMISED, WATER AND CONTAMINANTS MAY CAUSE AN INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Consequence

A FIRE COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

NAVISTAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NAVISTAR AT 1-280-461-1890.

04V269000BrakesJune 3, 2004 · 81,883 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES AND TRUCK MODEL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 28, 1999, THROUGH APRIL 5, 2004, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) MAY MISINTERPRET A CORRUPT WHEEL SPEED SIGNAL.

Consequence

THE CORRUPT WHEEL SPEED SIGNALS MAY IMPROPERLY ACTIVATE THE ABS, INSTEAD OF DEACTIVATING THE ABS. THIS MAY RESULT IN THE DRIVER EXPERIENCING A HARD PEDAL FEEL AND A DECREASE IN DECELERATION AT THE END OF THE STOP, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES WHICH COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.

Remedy

INTERNATIONAL WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE AFFECTED VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 1, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-327-4236.

03V264000SteeringJuly 28, 2003 · 24,375 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SCHOOL, TRANSIT, AND COMMERCIAL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMNS, THE STEERING SHAFT PINCH BOLT INTERFERES WITH THE RUBBER BOOT THAT PROTECTS IT. OVER TIME, A HOLE MAY WEAR INTO THE BOOT AND CATCH THE BOLT.

Consequence

IF THE BOLT CATCHES ON THE HOLE, THE BOOT MAY RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

INTERNATIONAL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 19, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT INTERNATIONAL AT 1-800-448-7825.

2003 International 3000 — common questions

Is the 2003 International 3000 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 International 3000 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 International 3000. 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 2003 compare to other 3000 years?

Does the 2003 International 3000 have recalls?

2003 International 3000 — common questions

Is the 2003 International 3000 reliable?

Does the 2003 International 3000 have recalls?

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