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2003 International 8600Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2003 International 8600, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-353 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls6Lowest repair rate 28%Owner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 18, 2023. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 International 8600 has problems

1 complaint 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
Electrical system10

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

6 recalls

2003 International 8600 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.

28%repaired · 2026 Q1

Exterior lighting: back up lights

Recall 23V-353 · May 18, 2023 · 32,880 vehicles · 9,362 repaired

Risk. Low visibility or obstructed back up lights may not alert other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 05V-567 · Dec 21, 2005 · 6,848 vehicles

Risk. IF CHAFING OCCURS BETWEEN THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE CABLES, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY RESULT AND MAY CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE,…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly

Recall 05V-188 · Apr 28, 2005 · 4,616 vehicles

Risk. IF THE SLIDE CONTROL ACTUATES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, MOMENTUM FROM THE TRAILER CAN CAUSE THE FIFTH WHEEL TO SLIDE WITHOUT INPUT FROM THE DRIVER, WHICH…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
–no report yet

Electrical system: starter assembly

Recall 03V-070 · Mar 6, 2003 · 142 vehicles

Risk. A DIRECT SHORT MAY CREATE A FIRE HAZARD AND CAN RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.

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.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other 8600 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 8600 median. How we score

'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 8600 owners report

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

INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER HAD PREVIOUSLY DIAGNOSED A "LOOSE WIRE" AS THE CAUSE AND REPLACED IT, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED.*JB
Complaint 10011372 · Mar 11, 2003

Own a 2003 8600?

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