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1997 International Harvester 3800Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1997 International Harvester 3800, most often about the structure. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Structure

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 1, 2007. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 International Harvester 3800 has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure30

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1997 International Harvester 3800 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Foundation components: disc

Recall 03V-062 · Feb 25, 2003 · 35,074 vehicles

Risk. THE COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING FACTORS MAY COLLECTIVELY RESULT IN AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY: POTENTIAL FIRE AT A WHEEL END, HIGH INCIDENT…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal

Recall 96V-239 · Nov 27, 1996 · 727 vehicles

Risk. SHOULD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CONTACT THE FLOOR, THE PEDAL COULD GET CAUGHT AND NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Suspension: rear

Recall 96V-240 · Nov 27, 1996 · 233 vehicles

Risk. CRACKS CAN INITIATE AND RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE THREADED END OF THE PINION RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE YOKE AND DRIVE LINE FROM THE REAR AXLE INCREASING…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with International Harvester.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other 3800 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 3800 median. How we score

'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 International Harvester 3800, and the recalls they led to.

  1. OVERHEATING FRONT AND REAR BRAKESEA02034 · closed Feb 10, 2004
    Led to recall 03V-062
In owners' words

What 3800 owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL*THE CONTACT'S COMPANY OWNS A 1997 INTERNATIONAL 3800. DURING PM SERVICE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS CRACKED AND RUSTED. THE CRACK OCCURRED WHERE THE CAB MOUNTS TO THE FRAME AND WAS VISIBLE WHEN THE HOOD WAS LIFTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE, VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND PURCHASE DATE…
Complaint 10198138 · Aug 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT'S COMPANY OWNS A 1997 INTERNATIONAL 3800. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS CRACKED AND RUSTED. THE CRACK OCCURRED WHERE THE CAB MOUNTS TO THE FRAME AND WAS VISIBLE WHEN THE HOOD WAS LIFTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE, VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND…
Complaint 10198136 · Aug 1, 2007
DRIVER'S FOOT WELL AREA GETS VERY HOT (OVERHEATED) IN THE FLOOR AREA, AND MAKES IT VERY UNBEARABLE FOR THE DRIVER TO OPERATE THE BUS. HAS A 466 E ENGINE. HAS 34 SCHOOL BUSES IN THIS SERIES. *AK
Complaint 815698 · Aug 26, 1997

Own a 1997 3800?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.