I bought a new 2012 international terrastar flatbed tow truck in november 2012. I have had steering problems from the day I bought it. The truck went back to the dealer on numerous occasions, but it could never be fixed, even though the dealer said it was fixed. At this time the steering wheel constantly vibrates and on two occasions the steering wheel shook so violently that I could not control the truck. I had to slam on the brakes, in traffic, to gain control of the vehicle.
The worst 2012 International Terrastar problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Steering1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering1
Recalls 5
Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC system: fan/motor
- What is wrong
- Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 International DuraStar, ProStar, TranStar and WorkStar, 2012-2015 International TerraStar, 2013-2015 International LoneStar and IC Bus HC, and 2014-2015 IC Bus AC vehicles. A vehicle double battery jump start or electrical load dump event could result in an overvoltage condition of a component within the HVAC system linear power module (LPM) which is used to control the blower speed. The overvoltage condition could result in the overheating and failure of the LPM.
- Risk
- If the LPM overheats and fails, there is an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LPM with an upgraded one, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on June 18, 2015. A second notification will mailed when parts become available. The recall began on August 6, 2015. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1‑800‑448‑7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 15509.
Recall number 15V241000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 International DuraStar Trucks and 2012-2014 International TerraStar trucks intended for emergency vehicle operations manufactured from February 25, 2010, through February 18, 2013, and equipped with 2010 MaxxForce 7 V8 diesel engines. In the affected vehicles, the Engine Warning Protection Shutdown (EWPS) was inadvertently re-enabled when the Engine Control Module (ECM) was recalibrated.
- Risk
- If the Engine Warning Protection System is enabled and certain engine faults occur, the emergency vehicle may shutdown (EWPS) hampering rescue operations and increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the ECM software to ensure that the EWPS is disabled, free of charge. The recall began on March 12, 2014. Owners may contact Navistar at 1‑331‑332‑5000. Navistar's recall number for this campaign is 14505.
Recall number 14V063000 · Recall details
Visibility
- What is wrong
- Navistar is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 International Lonestar, model year 2012-2013 International Terrastar and model year 2011-2013 International DuraStar, ProStar, TranStar, and WorkStar commercial trucks manufactured from June 1, 2010, through March 7, 2012 and equipped with day cab codes 16CAB, 16030, or 16196 and feature codes 16WCE, 16WCR, 16XWD, 16XWE, 16XWV, 16XXB, 16XXD, 16XXE, 16XXG, or 16XYN sun shades. The sun shade may not be properly secured to the cab roof panel which may result in partial or full separation of the sun shade from the roof panel.
- Risk
- If the sun shade separates from the cab roof during vehicle operation, the sudden release of the sun shade could distract the driver increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and strengthen the sun shade mounting, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 10, 2013. Owners may contact Navistar at 1‑800‑448‑7825. Navistar's campaign number is 13505.
Recall number 13V146000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box: shaft pitman
- What is wrong
- Navistar is recalling certain model year 2012 international terrastar trucks, manufactured from august 23, 2011, through november 16, 2011 and equipped with a sheppard m83 steering gear (feature code 05psn). The fastener attaching the pitman arm to the steering gear shift may have been over tightened. As a result, the securing bolt may fail and the pitman arm may separate from the steering gear.
- Risk
- If this occurs, a loss of steering control could result, increasing the risk of crash resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death.
- Remedy
- Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pitman arm fasteners. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on about june 12, 2012. Owners may contact navistar at 1‑800‑448‑7825.
Recall number 12V170000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
- What is wrong
- Navistar is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 ic AC, be, ce, hc and international 4300, and terrastar commercial trucks manufactured from february 25, 2010, through april 4, 2011, and equipped with a maxxforce 7 engine. A cap on the return fuel valve may fall off allowing air to be drawn into the fuel system possibly resulting in engine hard start, no start, or stall conditions.
- Risk
- Engine stall on the roadway increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Navistar will notify owners and dealers will replace the return fuel valve cap free of charge. The safety recall began on july 18, 2011. Owners may contact navistar at 1‑800‑448‑7825.
Recall number 11V290000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 International Terrastar 187
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This article provides guidance to dealership personnel, Technical Services personnel, Dealer Service...
- New CARB Idle Reduction Change Request
- This tool is designed to compare Diamond Logic feature data across multiple vehicle configuration files
- This document provides guidance for assessing the feasibility of implementing a customer-requested change...
- Engine replacements for all International engines will need to follow this procedure.
- This document will guide the user through a step-by-step procedure for detecting water leaks in vehicle...
- This document will guide the user through understanding Prop Shaft Codes and understanding the variations...
- In some geographic areas, ambient temperatures reaching below 15°F (-10 °C), including high levels of...
- Title: Service Portal iKNow Feedback Case Types Applies To: All
- Title: Driveline Information Center and Troubleshooting Procedures Applies To: All Vehicles
What 2012 International Terrastar owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 2012 International Terrastar
Is the 2012 International Terrastar reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2012 International Terrastar, close to a typical Terrastar model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 International Terrastar?
Steering, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2012 International Terrastar have?
5 recalls, covering visibility, electrical system and steering.
Was there a recall on the 2012 International Terrastar steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 12V170000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
VIN decoder
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