VehicleVerdict

2003 International 5900i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2003 International 5900i — 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other 5900i years?

5900i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted2 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints
5900i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 5900i years to avoid →

Does the 2003 International 5900i have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

05V569000BrakesDecember 21, 2005 · 2 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRUCKS BUILT WITH A 8X6 WHEEL CONFIGURATION (TRIDEMS) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, 'AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS.' THE AS-BUILT AIR BRAKE COMPONENT SIZE AND CONFIGURATION ARE INADEQUATE FOR THE EXTENDED WHEELBASES CAUSING THE MID-REAR AND REAR-REAR AXLE BRAKE APPLY TIMING TO BE NONCOMPLIANT WITH THE STANDARD.

Consequence

THE LONGER BRAKE APPLY TIME MAY RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL CHANGE THE AIR HOSING (TO 3/4" DIAMETER) FROM THE AIR TANK; AIR HOSING (TO 3/4") FROM THE ABS-MODULATOR VALVES TO SERVICE BRAKE QUICK RELEASE VALVES; AND THE SERVICE BRAKE QUICK RELEASE VALVES WILL BE UPGRADED WITH LARGER PORTS TO ACCOMMODATE HIGH AIR FLOW FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERNATIONAL AT 1-800-448-7825.

2003 International 5900i — common questions

Is the 2003 International 5900i reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 International 5900i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 International 5900i. 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.