1999 International Harvester 3800
Only 9 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 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 9 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
INTERMITTENT LIGHT ON DASH INDICATING ANTI - LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM NOT FUNCTIONING.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20011204
INTERMITTENT LIGHT ON DASH INDICATING ANTI - LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM NOT FUNCTIONING.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20011204
INTERMITTENT LIGHT ON DASH, INDICATING ANTI - LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20011204
3 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system.
2 of 9 total reports mention: service brakes, air.
Show complaint excerpts
PROBLEMS WITH FRONT BRAKES OVERHEATING, ROTORS ARE WARPED. EXCESSIVE DRAG ON FRONT BRAKES, ABS SENSOR DAMAGED DUE TO HEAT. REPLACED ROTORS, CALIPER, AND PADS ON FRONT AXLE. OVER $800.00 IN REPAIRS. *MR *CB *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030815
THE REAR BRAKES OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING. THE DRIVER REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO A MECHANIC WHO CHECKED THE REAR BRAKES AND FOUND THEM TO BE OK; NO DRAG. THE MECHANIC TEST DROVE AND RECHECKED THE BUS BUT STILL FOUND NO BRAKE DRAG. *MR *CB *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030808
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
DURING AN INSPECTION THE TECHNICIAN FOUND SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE HEATING OF CALIPERS AND WEAR OF PADS. *MR *CB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030808
SAFETY TIMELINE
OVERHEATING FRONT AND REAR BRAKES
ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES AND TRUCK MODEL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 28, 1999, THROUGH APRIL 5, 2004, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) MAY MISINTERPRET A CORRUPT WHEE
Remedy: INTERNATIONAL WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND INSPECT AND REPAIR THE AFFECTED VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 1, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN A
Campaign 04V269000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1999 International Harvester 3800 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, air issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V269000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V062000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1999 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 1999 International Harvester 3800?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 International Harvester 3800 have?
2 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.