1998 International Harvester 3800
Only 4 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 4 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 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
THE SCHOOL BUS EXPERIENCES LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AND ONLY WHEN THE ENGINE SPEED IS INCREASED DURING STEERING OPERATION, THE ORIGINAL PUMP #2107611 WAS REPLACED. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20010614
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING THE OPERATOR SMELLED SOMETHING HOT. UPON STOPPING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE THE OPERATOR SAW FIRE COMMING FROM BEHIND THE MOTOR COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041209
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
INSTRUMENT PANEL DOES NOT WORK AND IT IS A PROBLEM THAT COMES FROM INTERNATIONAL AS TOLD TO US BY INTERNATIONAL SERVICE MAN. WE CAN PAY 600 DOLLARS TO HAVE IT FIXED WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY IF IT COMES FROM INTERNATIONAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20061001
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
1998 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BUS INSTRUMENT PANEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20080720
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1998 International Harvester 3800 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V062000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 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 1998 International Harvester 3800?
The most-reported component is steering:hydraulic power assist:pump, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 International Harvester 3800 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.