2021 Ic Bus Cesb Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 10, 2026 · 3 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Cesb years
Not enough data 2nd of 22 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Ic Bus Cesb. That ranks 2nd out of 22 Cesb model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (2 complaints, 67%). There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2021 Ic Bus Cesb problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine2
Fuel/propulsion System1
Unknown or Other1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine267%———
Fuel/propulsion System133%———
Unknown or Other133%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2025, with 2 complaints
2025: 2202522026: 120261

n = 3 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2021 Ic Bus Cesb recalls (4)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Structure:bodySep 4, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V580000 · 457 vehicles

Problem: International Motors, LLC (International) is recalling certain 2016-2026 IC Bus CESB and 2016-2021 RESB school buses. The underfloor reinforcement may not have been installed, compromising the structural integrity of the buses. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages" and 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."

Risk: Reduced structural integrity may increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement channel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2025. Owners may contact International customer service at 1-800-448-7825. International's number for this recall is 25514.

Service brakes, hydraulic:fluidPark outsideAug 6, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V503000 · 16,553 vehicles

Problem: International Motors, LLC (International) is recalling certain 2016-2024 IC Bus CESB school buses. The brake pressure switch assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch's electrical components and cause an electrical short-circuit.

Risk: An electrical short in the brake pressure switch can overheat the circuit and increase the risk of a fire while driving or parked.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a silicone black jumper harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2025. Owners may contact International customer service at 1-800-448-7825. International's number for this recall is 25510. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V398 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Service brakes, hydraulic:fluidPark outsideJun 2, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V398000 · 15,398 vehicles

Problem: Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2016 and 2018-2024 IC Bus CE school buses. The brake pressure switch assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch's electrical components and cause an electrical short-circuit.

Risk: An electrical short in the brake pressure switch can overheat the circuit and increase the risk of a fire while driving or parked.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the brake pressure switch assembly and if necessary, the wire harness or fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 23518.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm)Oct 25, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V837000 · 7,322 vehicles

Problem: Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2020-2023 IC CE school buses. The engine control module (ECM) may set a fault code that results in an unexpected engine shut down.

Risk: Unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a disabled school bus may require an evacuation procedure in an uncontrolled traffic situation, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the ECM, free of charge. Owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 21507.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Exhaust leaks caused by calapsed exhaust manifold pipes on 34 IC units with PSI engines. they are wrapped with aluminium covering with insulation. This in turn makes high heat tempuraters that split and burn up and disfigure pipes. Which can cause a fire if any oil leakage or fuel occurs. It also…

Unknown or Other · received Jun 10, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11743266

THis is a school bus- Exhaust downpipes leading into the catalytic converters melted down and created large holes in the exhaust pipe itself. Extreme heat developed by engine.

Engine · received Oct 23, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11695245

School buses. We have a fleet of these and the condition is happening repeatedly and to almost every bus with this PSI brand 8.8L gasoline engine. The engine exhaust downpipes melt from excessive heat and/or fuel. The pipes then crack and produce an exhaust leak near the body firewall. Potential…

Engine · received Apr 7, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11653212

Other Ic Bus Cesb years

← 2020 Cesb · 2022 Cesb →

See all Ic Bus Cesb problems by year, every Ic Bus model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ic Bus Cesb?

Owners most often report engine, fuel/propulsion system, unknown or other problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Ic Bus Cesb?

Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2021 Ic Bus Cesb a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Cesb model years, the 2021 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.