Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1997 Navistar 9800 — 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
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 1 | 100% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS ASSEMBLED WITH SKF LEVEL 2 TRUCK HUB UNITS (THU) RECEIVED FROM MERITOR. THESE HUBS CAN FATIGUE CRACK.
Consequence
THIS FATIGUE CRACKING CAN RESULT IN WHEEL SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE HUBS WITH PRODUCTION LEVEL 3 HUBS.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH PROSLEEPER BUNKS. A MICRO RELAY LOCATED BEHIND THE HVAC CONTROL PANEL IN THE BUNK CAN CORRODE FROM MOISTURE.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN CONTACTS ON THE RELAY INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING RELAY AND REPLACE IT WITH A SEALED RELAY.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“KICK BACK ON POWER STEERING WOULD KICK RIGHT. WOULD MAKE RIGHT TURN, AND STEERING GETS HARD, AND WOULD SOMETIMES LOCK UP. MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED A LOW PRESSURE PUMP WAS CAUSING PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. INFORMED WAS CHARACTERISTICS OF VEHICLE.*AK”
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.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Navistar 9800. 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.