1990 International 3800 Problems: 2 Complaints, 4 Recalls

The worst 1990 International 3800 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Body
1
Transmission
1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Body
1
Transmission
1

Recalls 4

Exterior lighting: turn signal: switchReported November 12, 1996 · 171,638 vehicles affected

What is wrong: These buses have a turn signal lever that will not operate consistently in the lane change mode if the lever is not moved to the position where resistance to movement is felt.
Risk: Should the rear signal lamps not flash when a lane change was being made, it could result in a vehicle following the bus to collide with the bus increasing the risk of personal injury and/or property damage.
Remedy: Operators will be mailed information concerning the proper method of using turn signals. A decal will also be provided to be placed on the instrument panel of each bus.

Recall number 96V192000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: cablesReported June 27, 1995 · 21,742 vehicles affected

What is wrong: The wire end of the hand throttle cable passes through a split plastic grommet in the accelerator rod. This wire can work through the slot in the grommet and become lodged between the grommet and the edge of the hole in the accelerator rod.
Risk: If the throttle wire becomes lodged, the accelerator can stick and not return to idle position potentially affecting the operator's ability to control the vehicle and increasing the potential for an accident.
Remedy: Dealers will repair buses by installing a new cable grommet without a slot; install a new cable stop; and readjust the throttle cable.

Recall number 95V127000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported July 20, 1992 · 185,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: The fuel system failed the crash barrier test.
Risk: The fuel tank was punctured, resulting in fluid lossgreater than allowed by fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity". Fuel spills ina collision could lead to a vehicle fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Remedy: Modify the fuel tank cage to comply with fmvss 301.

Recall number 92V102000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported December 11, 1989 · 10,459 vehicles affected

What is wrong: The throttle valve inside the hydraulic brake booster may deform from buildup of heat and pressure and close-off fluid return ports.
Risk: This could cause excessive pressure buildup in thebooster causing the brakes to self apply with a severe unexpected stop. Thiscondition could also result in loss of power steering assist. Either conditioncould result in an accident.
Remedy: Replace brake booster assembly.

Recall number 89V224000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 1990 International 3800

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 International 3800 16

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

Nov 13, 2018 Service bulletinDriveline Information Center and Troubleshooting Procedures
Sep 17, 2018 Service bulletinRadio Diagnostics and Information
Sep 6, 2018 Service bulletinA/C Refrigerant and Oil Capacities
Jan 30, 2018 Service bulletinUpdating OnCommand Link with Accelerator
Jan 22, 2018 Service bulletinJ1939 Data Link Troubleshooting
Jan 22, 2018 Service bulletinISX, N13, and N9 / N10 Aftertreatment Private Data Link Troubleshooting
Jan 19, 2018 Service bulletinWinter Front Usage
Jan 18, 2018 Service bulletinEngine Oil Capacities
Jan 10, 2018 Service bulletinOnCommand EZ-Tech
Dec 8, 2017 Service bulletinUsing Supplier Software to Check DTCs

See all 16 bulletins for the 1990 International 3800

What 1990 International 3800 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 30, 2002 · Body · OH

International has agreed to replace the frame rails but jackson city schools must pay for the labor at a cost of $4000 per bus. State highway patrol inspectors for this southeastern part of ohio informed my mechanics that they had found several international buses in other districts with the same problem. Mr

Filed Oct 2, 1998 · Transmission · OH

Torque converter failed causing transmission to stop pulling.

Compare the 1990 International 3800

Other model years

19902002 2004

Questions about the 1990 International 3800

Is the 1990 International 3800 reliable?

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1990 International 3800, fewer than a typical 3800 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 International 3800?

Body and structure, with 1 complaint. Next is transmission (1).

How many recalls does the 1990 International 3800 have?

4 recalls, covering exterior lighting, vehicle speed control and fuel system, gasoline.

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1990 International 3800 problems