2003 International 8500 Problems: 0 Complaints, 3 Recalls

The worst 2003 International 8500 problems

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

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

Exterior lighting: back up lightsReported May 18, 2023 · 32,880 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2000-2003 International 8100, 2001-2003 International 9100i, 2001-2007 International 9400i, 2001-2010 International 9200i, 2002-2007, 2009 International 8500, 2003-2007, 2013 International 9900i, 2003-2018 International 8600, 2004, 2007 International 9900iX, 2008-2018 International ProStar, 2010-2011, 2013, 2016 International LoneStar, 2011-2012, 2016 International 4400, 2017-2024 International LT, 2018-2024 International RH, 2019-2021 International LS, 2019-2024 International MV vehicles. The back-up lights offer low visibility when the vehicle is in reverse and bobtail mode. Also, the vehicles have not been equipped with additional unobstructed back-up lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Low visibility or obstructed back up lights may not alert other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing rear stop/turn signal lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 06, 2024. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1‑800‑448‑7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 23514.

Recall number 23V353000 · Recall details

Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assemblyReported April 28, 2005 · 4,616 vehicles affected

What is wrong: On certain vehicles equipped with air operated fifth wheel slides and an msva 7-pack accessory controller, the 7-pack can allow water to contaminate its circuit board. This could result in inadvertent operation of the fifth wheel slide control.
Risk: If the slide control actuates while the vehicle is in motion, momentum from the trailer can cause the fifth wheel to slide without input from the driver, which could result in a crash without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will relocate the msva 7-pack to a less water intensive environment. A new msva 7-pack base, that has been improved to prevent water intrusion, and all air accessory solenoids will be installed free of charge. The recall began on august 5, 2005. Owners may contact international at 1‑800‑448‑7825.

Recall number 05V188000 · Recall details

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported June 30, 2004 · 18,545 vehicles affected

What is wrong: On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with international dt530, cummins, or caterpillar I-6 engines, the positive battery cable between the batteries and the starter may rub against an electrical ground cable between the starter and frame rail.
Risk: This could cause an electrical short and/or fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for any chafing. If there is no evidence of chafing, a saddle clamp will be installed. If there is evidence of chafing, the damaged cables will be replaced and the saddle clamp installed. The recall began on august 16, 2004. Owners should contact international at 1‑800‑448‑7825.

Recall number 04V306000 · Recall details

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

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2003 International 8500 before you buy

Is the 2003 International 8500 reliable?

Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2003 International 8500.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 International 8500?

There are not enough complaints to tell.

How many recalls does the 2003 International 8500 have?

3 recalls, covering exterior lighting, trailer hitches and electrical system.

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