Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1997 Navistar 4700 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
3
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 2 | 67% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 33% | new |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
SCHOOL, TRANSIT, OR HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPICER 6,000 OR 8,000 LB. FRONT STEER AXLES. THE TIE ROD END CAN PULL OUTBOARD AND SEPARATE FROM THE TIE ROD TUBE DUE TO IMPROPER THREAD ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE MALE TIE ROD END AND THE FEMALE TUBE.
Consequence
SEPARATION OF THE TIE ROD END COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COMPLETE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH T444E DIESEL ENGINES. A FUEL LEAK CAN OCCUR BECAUSE OF OVERCRIMPING OF THE HOSE END FITTINGS ON THE HOSE FROM THE REGULATOR TO THE LEFT HEAD AND THE HOSE FROM THE FUEL TRANSFER PUMP TO THE REGULATOR.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE OIL HOSE AND PLACE AN ADDITIONAL CONVOLUTED LOOM AROUND THE EXISTING OIL HOSE, OR REPLACE THE HOSE ASSEMBLY.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH AN OPTIONAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER THAT INCLUDES A PARK BRAKE POSITION. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER/PARK BRAKE LEVER CAN BIND BEFORE FULLY ENGAGING IN THE PARK BRAKE POSITION CAUSING A FALSE PARK CONDITION.
Consequence
THE VEHICLE CAN MOVE AFTER BEING PLACED IN PARK INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPACER PLATE IN THE SHIFTER AND INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF AN "E" CLIP THAT DETAINS THE DETENT PIN.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BUSES AND HEAVY TRUCK CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH T444E ENGINES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ROD MATERIAL IS EXCESSIVELY BRITTLE AND CAN BREAK DURING A FULL THROTTLE APPLICATION.
Consequence
THE UNEXPECTED BREAKAGE CAN RESULT IN THE INABILITY TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE PROPERLY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR PEDAL RODS WITH NEW RODS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“MFR# 99501 & NHTSA# 99 V 033 001 / FRONT STEERING AXLE TIE ROD: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER, WISE INTERNATIOAL IN SOUTHBEND, IN, PHONE# [PHONE]. ARE NOT INTERESTED IN HONORING THE MANUFACTURER RECALL. VEHICLE WAS LEFT OVER NIGHT AND NO ATTEMPTS WAS MADE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *MR CONSUMER…”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Navistar 4700. 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.