2001 International Harvester IC Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: On certain transit and school buses, a brass fitting connects the double check valve to the brake relay valve. With certain inputs to the vehicle, the weight of the check valve on the fitting can cause the assembly to resonate. The subject vibration can cause excessive strain levels in the fitting, which could eventually fatigue and fail.

Risk: If the fitting breaks, the rear service brakes will cease to operate without warning, resulting in an extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a kit to remount the double check valve with a flexible hose on the amjority of vehicles. On a small number of units with clearance issues or traction control, a kit with a new relay valve that has a built-in double check valve will be installed. Owner notification began august 30, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact international at 1-800-448-7825.

Problem: Certain heavy duty trucks, truck tractors, and buses equipped with 195/75r22.5 tires mounted on 7.5 inch wide wheels fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." these tires and rims do not match.

Risk: Tires mounted on rims that are too narrow could experience a decrease in sidewall durability, and could also experience higher treadwear for tires mounted on the steering axle.

Fix: Dealers will install new rims of an acceptable width (8.25 - 9 9inches) for the 295/75r22.5 tire size. Owner notification began august 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact international at 1-800-448-7825.

Problem: Vehicle description: school and transit buses equipped with 39-inch flip seats. The flip seats could bind in the occupied position and not return to the stored position when not occupied. The cushion frame support bar slides off the seat support pad, which could retain the seat in the occupied position.

Risk: The seat could block the aisle to the emergency exit during an emergency, which may result in injury or death.

Fix: Owners will be provided with instructions and parts to repair the seats free of charge. Owner notification began october 23, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact amtran at 800-843-5615.

Problem: Vehicle description: stripped chassis and commercial buses and school buses equipped with hydraulic brakes and automatic transmissions. The misalignment of the brake pedal can cause delayed brake light activation during light braking applications.

Risk: If the brake lights do not activate properly, other drivers would not be aware of the brake application, which could lead to a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a new brake pedal. Owner notification began february 19, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact international at 1-800-448-7825.