1994 International Harvester 3800
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 9 |
| 2001 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE FUELING AN IN-GROUND GAS TANK, SET THE HAND BRAKE AND PLACED TRUCK IN NEUTRAL, LEFT VEHICLE AND WALKED BEHIND IT, VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, PINNING HIM BETWEEN VEHICLE AND STRUCTURE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961206
1 of 3 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH DEFECTIVE. (6TH VEHICLE ON 603318)
NHTSA ODI report, 19970627
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
FAN CLUTCH FAILED CAUSING BUS TO OVERHEAT WHILE DRIVING. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 19991129
SAFETY TIMELINE
FOUR COMPRESSION BACKPLATE RETAINING FASTENERS ON THE TURBO-CHARGER WERE TORQUED ONLY HAND TIGHT. THIS ALLOWS THE FASTENERS TO LOOSEN, AND CAUSES OIL TO LEAK INTO THE COMPRESSOR AIR SIDE OF THE TURBO-
Remedy: REPLACE THE SUSPECT TURBO-CHARGER WITH A NEW TURBO-CHARGER.
Campaign 94V144000 — check if this car was fixed
THE FRONT WHEEL HUB CAN DEVELOP CRACKS AT THE WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS. WHEN MOUNTED TO THE HUB, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE DISC ROTOR DOES NOT PROPERLY SUPPORT THE HUB AT THE WHEEL STUDS CAUSING EXCESSIVE STRES
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW, REDESIGNED HUBS ON THESE VEHICLES.
Campaign 96V041000 — check if this car was fixed
THE WIRING FROM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT WAS CONNECTED TO THE WRONG WHEEL SENSOR OR TO THE WRONG BRAKE MODULATOR VALVE. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT EITHER OR BOTH WIRING MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT EITHER THE FR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS WIRING AND, IF NECESSARY, PROPERLY CONNECT.
Campaign 96V174000 — check if this car was fixed
THESE BUSES HAVE A TURN SIGNAL LEVER THAT WILL NOT OPERATE CONSISTENTLY IN THE LANE CHANGE MODE IF THE LEVER IS NOT MOVED TO THE POSITION WHERE RESISTANCE TO MOVEMENT IS FELT.
Remedy: OPERATORS WILL BE MAILED INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PROPER METHOD OF USING TURN SIGNALS. A DECAL WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO BE PLACED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OF EACH BUS.
Campaign 96V192000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 International Harvester 3800 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 94V144000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V041000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V174000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V192000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1994 International Harvester 3800 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1994 International Harvester 3800?
The most-reported component is power train:clutch assembly, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 International Harvester 3800 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.