VehicleVerdict

2003 International 4000 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2003 International 4000 — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other 4000 years?

4000 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted2 complaints1990: 0 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 2 complaints2009: 0 complaints
4000 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 4000 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 International 4000 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control1100%

Does the 2003 International 4000 have recalls?

2 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.

02V241002BrakesSeptember 20, 2002 · 3,156 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX TC-7 TRAILER CONTROL HAND-OPERATED VALVE WITH PUSH-TO-CONNECT FITTINGS. THE DELIVERY PORT IN THE VALVE BODY MAY BE PARTIALLY BLOCKED DUE TO A PROBLEM DURING THE MODING PROCESS.

Consequence

SUCH BLOCKAGE MAY SLOW THE DELIVERY AND EXHAUST OF AIR TO AND FROM THE TRAILER BRAKES WHEN THEY ARE OPERATED BY THIS HAND-OPERATED TRAILER CONTROL VALVE.

Remedy

INTERNATIONAL WILL REPLACE THE HAND-OPERATED CONTROL VALVES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 31, 2002. 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 AT 1-800-448-7825.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE ENGINE NORMALLY RESPONDS TO A FAILED OPEN ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR CIRCUIT FAULT BY RETURNING THE ENGINE TO LOW IDLE SPEED OF 800 RPM AND DISABLING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO INCREASE THE ENGINE SPEED. HOWEVER IF THE OPEN CIRCUIT CORRECTS ITSELF WITHIN 30 SECONDS OF INITIATION, ENGINE SPEED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 5, 2014

2003 International 4000 — common questions

Is the 2003 International 4000 reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 International 4000 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 International 4000. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.