1997 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: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070801
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070801
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 19970826
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES AND HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES PRODUCED BY DANA SPICER. CERTAIN REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES WERE IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED WHICH COULD ALLOW PINI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE CARRIER/PINION ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 96V240000 — check if this car was fixed
OVERHEATING FRONT AND REAR BRAKES
ON CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES BUILT WITH BOSCH ZERO OFFSET PIN SLIDE (ZOPS) HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES, THE ZOPS HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES MAY EXPERIENCE CALIPERS STICKING IN THE APPLIED POSITION, WHICH
Remedy: INTERNATIONAL WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE BUSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 29, 2004.
Campaign 03V062000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 International Harvester 3800 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V239000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V240000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V062000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 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 1997 International Harvester 3800?
The most-reported component is structure:frame and members, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 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.