VehicleVerdict

2003 International 5500i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2003 International 5500i — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

Does the 2003 International 5500i have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V386000EngineOctober 5, 2009 · 9,527 units

Defect

NAVISTAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2008 HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 1, 2003 AND DECEMBER 21, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR C15 ENGINES. THE VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION (VVA) OIL LINE MAY WEAR AGAINST THE P-CLIPS RETAINING THE OIL LINE, CAUSING AN OIL LEAK.

Consequence

AN OIL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

NAVISTAR IS WORKING WITH CATERPILLAR TO REPAIR THE ENGINES FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE 09E-020. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CATERPILLAR AT 1-800-447-4986 OR NAVISTAR AT 1-260-461-1890.

2003 International 5500i — common questions

Is the 2003 International 5500i reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 International 5500i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 International 5500i. 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.