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. The oem configuration of the exhaust system allows school age children to inhale diesel exhaust fumes through the left side passenger windows.
The worst 1996 International Harvester 3800 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Engine1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Engine1
Recalls 3
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
- What is wrong
- 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 standard bus body floor. However, some customers ordered an additional 3/4 inch thick floor and extra thick floor mats to serve as insulation in cold climates. When this extra flooring is used, the bottom edge of the accelerator pedal, when depressed, can come in contact with the floor.
- Risk
- Should the accelerator pedal contact the floor, the pedal could get caught and not return to the idle position increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
- 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 bottom of the pad to obtain the proper clearance.
Recall number 96V239000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- 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 front or rear axle or both axles.
- Risk
- Should the anti-lock braking system (ABS) wiring be crossed, it would result in a significant degradation in vehicle stopping distance. A signal would be sent to the wrong brake chamber when a brake imbalance is detected. This condition increases the risk of a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the ABS wiring and, if necessary, properly connect.
Recall number 96V174000 · Recall details
Wheels: hubcap/cover
- What is wrong
- 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 stress and fatigue cracks in the hub.
- Risk
- Should sufficient cracks occur, the mounting flange portion of the hub along with the wheel could separate from the vehicle without warning. Should this occur while the vehicle is driven, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and/or the separated wheel and hub could strike another vehicle, pedestrian or property.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install new, redesigned hubs on these vehicles.
Recall number 96V041000 · Recall details
What 1996 International Harvester 3800 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Wire shorted out causing electrical failures.
Compare the 1996 International Harvester 3800
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Questions about the 1996 International Harvester 3800
Is the 1996 International Harvester 3800 reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1996 International Harvester 3800, fewer than a typical 3800 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 International Harvester 3800?
Body and structure, with 1 complaint. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 1996 International Harvester 3800 have?
3 recalls, covering vehicle speed control, service brakes, hydraulic and wheels.
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