1996 International Harvester 3800
Only 2 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 2 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 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
WATER LEAKS CONTINUALLY CAUSING RUSTING.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981014
1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine.
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THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN A WAY WHERE IT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH 49 CFR 393.83(D) EVEN THOUGH THE MANUFACTURER CERTIFIED THE VEHICLE COMPLIED WITH ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAWS AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151029
1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
WIRE SHORTED OUT CAUSING ELECTRICAL FAILURES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981014
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH THE INTERNATIONAL I6 ELECTRONIC ENGINE AND AN EXTRA THICK BUS BODY FLOOR. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO FLOOR CLEARANCE IS APPROXIMATELY 1.2 INCHES WITH A
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FLOORING ON THESE BUSES TO INSURE THERE IS A MINIMUM OF 1/4 INCH CLEARANCE. ON BUSES WITH LESS THAN 1/4 INCH CLEARANCE, THE DEALER WILL REMOVE THE PEDAL AND CUT OFF THE BOTTO
Campaign 96V239000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 International Harvester 3800 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V041000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V174000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V239000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 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 1996 International Harvester 3800?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 International Harvester 3800 have?
3 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.