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1998 Navistar 3800Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1998 Navistar 3800, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 6 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls6Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Service brakes, hydraulic

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 31, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Navistar 3800 has problems

2 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
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Steering10

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

6 recalls

1998 Navistar 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

Supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 99V-331 · Nov 23, 1999 · 277 vehicles

Risk. EXHAUST PIPE HEAT CAN MELT OR CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THIS AIR LINE IF THE AIR LINE IS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST PIPE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Storage: tank assembly

Recall 99V-263 · Sep 21, 1999 · 105 vehicles

Risk. IF THE CROSS MEMBER IS EITHER MISSING OR RELOCATED THE VEHICLE MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE FUEL TANK PROTECTION.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Relay: connecting

Recall 99V-033 · Feb 16, 1999 · 40,091 vehicles

Risk. SEPARATION OF THE TIE ROD END COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system

Recall 98V-289 · Nov 9, 1998 · 16,231 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE HOSE WILL FAIL, RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF OIL, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO HAVE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls

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 Navistar.

Best & worst years

1998 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

'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1998 Navistar 3800, and the recalls they led to.

  1. UNDERHOOD FIRESPE98004 · closed Apr 21, 1998
    No recall
In owners' words

What 3800 owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER WAS RETURNING TO THE BUS COMPOUND WHEN THE BRAKE PRESSURE WARNING BUZZER CAME ON. SHE PULLED TO THE GAS PUMPS AND STOPPED HER BUS(SHE HAD BRAKES AT THIS TIME). THE DRIVER STOOD UP AND WAS ABOUT TO EXIT THE BUS WHEN SHE HEARD A "POP" THE ELECTRIC BRAKE ASSIST CAME ON. BRAKE…
Complaint 729642 · Aug 31, 2000
STEERING LOCKS OR REQUIRES MORE EFFORT TO TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL IS FIRMLY DEPRESSED. THIS MAY ALSO BE THE REASON WE HAVE SO MANY BRAKE PRESSURE ALARMS GOING OFF. THE DRIVER OFTEN IGNORES THE ALARM OR TURNS THE BUS OFF AND RESTARTS IT TO RESET THE ALARM. ALL 40…
Complaint 715475 · Dec 1, 1999

Own a 1998 3800?

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