VehicleVerdict

2002 International 3800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2002 International 3800 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other 3800 years?

3800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted4 complaints1990: 2 complaints2002: 4 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 1 complaints
3800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 3800 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 International 3800 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine250%
Brakes125%
Steering125%

Does the 2002 International 3800 have recalls?

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

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.

03V062000BrakesFebruary 25, 2003 · 35,074 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES BUILT WITH BOSCH ZERO OFFSET PIN SLIDE (ZOPS) HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES, THE ZOPS HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES MAY EXPERIENCE CALIPERS STICKING IN THE APPLIED POSITION, WHICH CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE OR ABNORMAL HEAT GENERATION AT ONE OR MORE OF THE BRAKES.

Consequence

THE COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING FACTORS MAY COLLECTIVELY RESULT IN AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY: POTENTIAL FIRE AT A WHEEL END, HIGH INCIDENT RATES OF STUCK CALIPERS, AND EVACUATION AND CONTAINMENT CONCERNS RELATING TO MULTIPLE PASSENGERS.

Remedy

INTERNATIONAL WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 29, 2004.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INTERNATIONAL 3800. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY DECELERATED. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THEN IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 13, 2007

“ DT: MR. BROOKS WORKS FOR A SCHOOL DISTRICT IN GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI. HE RECEIVED 102 RECALLS FOR THE BUSES IN THE HARRISON COUNTY DISTRICT OVER A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS CONCERNING ABS BRAKE FAILURE. THE RECALLS WERE FOR DIFFERENT FAILURES ON DIFFERENT SCHOOL BUSES. THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 102 BUSES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 4, 2005

“THE PERSON IS IN CHARGE OF MAINTENANCE FOR SCHOOL BUSES RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 00V148000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 02505 CONCERNING POWER STEERING PUMP. HAD A FLEET OF BUSES RANGING FROM 1997-2002. H. L. GAGE, NEAR WASHINGTON AVENUE IN ALBANY, NY HAD NOT RECEIVED PARTS AS OF JUNE 2002. PLEASE DESCRIBE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering

2002 International 3800 — common questions

Is the 2002 International 3800 reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 International 3800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 International 3800. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 International 3800 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.