Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1999 Navistar 5000 — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE ANTILOCK TRACTION RELAY VALVES WERE INCORRECTLY ASSEMBLED BY THE SUPPLIER. AN EXTRA CHECK VALVE WAS INSTALLED WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM TO FUNCTION PROPERLY.
Consequence
THE REAR BRAKES CAN BE APPLIED AUTOMATICALLY DURING A TRACTION EVENT AND NOT RELEASE UNTIL THE AIR SYSTEM PRESSURE IS DEPLETED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND ALL ANTILOCK TRACTION RELAY VALVES FOUND DEFECTIVE WILL BE REPLACED.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DANA/SPRAGUE WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLIES. THE KNURLED PIVOT SHAFT (WHICH OPERATES THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM) IS WELDED TO A LEVER, WHICH CONNECTS TO LINKAGE FROM THE WIPER MOTOR. THE WELD AT THE PIVOT SHAFT TO LEVER CAN FAIL.
Consequence
SHOULD A FAILURE OCCUR DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE OPERATOR'S VISION WOULD BE PARTIALLY OBSCURED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER SYSTEM, CONDUCTING A "STALL" TEST TO VALIDATE THE INTEGRITY OF THE WELD. ALL WIPER ASSEMBLIES FAILING THIS TEST WILL BE REPLACED.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, TRANSIT AND SCHOOL BUSES, EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR AIR BRAKE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. SOME OF THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS HAD INSUFFICIENT TORQUE APPLIED TO THE GUIDE PAWL CAP SCREW.
Consequence
WITHOUT SUFFICIENT TORQUE ON THE GUIDE PAWL CAP SCREW, THE BRAKES COULD GRADUALLY LOSE ADJUSTMENT, INCREASING THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL CHECK THE TORQUE ON THE AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTER GUIDE PAWL. IF THERE IS NO TORQUE, THE BRAKES WILL BE ADJUSTED AND THE GUIDE PAWL WILL BE TIGHTENED TO 15-20 FT. LBS.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCK CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 16,000 LB., 18,000 LB., OR 20,000 LB. HEAVY DUTY STEERING AXLES. THE INNER WHEEL BEARING CONE FOR THE STEERING AXLE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY DOES NOT PROPERLY FIT ONTO THE NAVISTAR STEERING AXLE SPINDLE ASSEMBLY. IMPROPER FIT OF THE BEARING TO THE SPINDLE INCREASES THE STRESS LEVELS TO THE STEERING AXLE SPINDLE WHICH COULD CAUSE SPINDLE FAILURE.
Consequence
IF THE SPINDLE FAILS, A LOSS OF DRIVER CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE LEFT AND RIGHT HUB/DRUM ASSEMBLIES FROM THE STEERING AXLES AND REPLACE THE INNER WHEEL BEARING CONES AND CUPS.
The record is thin — 0 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 1999 Navistar 5000. 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.