NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 International 4300 Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 International 4300 has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 8 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized International dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 International 4300. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2003 International 4300 owner complaints

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 International 4300, describing incidents dated January 28, 2003 to December 11, 2014.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 5 complaints
Electrical System 1 complaint
Suspension 1 complaint
Tires 1 complaint

Of the 8 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 1 a fire (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10672677 · Filed January 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INTERNATIONAL 4300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SIGN. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT…
ODI #10234266 · Filed July 14, 2008
TL*THE COMPANY OWNS A 2003 INTERNATIONAL 4300. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A TIRE MECHANIC TO ARRIVE WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON JUNE 10, 2008 IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT…
ODI #10135756 · Filed September 7, 2005
REAR HYD. BRAKE ROTOR BROKE FROM HUB UNDER ROUTINE SERVICE. THIS HAS HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY TO ANOTHER TRUCK IN OUR FLEET. REPAIR SHOP REPORTS THEY HAVE SEEN SIX OTHER INTERNATIONAL 4300'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS JUST ONE OF HUNDREDS OF REPAIR SHOPS IN THIS AREA, SAFE TO SAY THERE MUST BE…

Read all 8 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 International 4300 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE03-025: STEERING ARM SEPARATION
Closed October 7, 2003

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

INTERNATIONAL/AIR SUPPLY HOSE

NHTSA #03V317000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported August 27, 2003 · INTERNATIONAL TRUCK & ENGINE CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 686 vehicles

International campaign 03514 · Owners notified October 3, 2003 · Vehicles built February 19, 2001 – July 22, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AIR SUPPLY HOSES FROM THE FOOT VALVE TO THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AIR TANKS WERE IMPROPERLY ROUTED AT THE TANK.

Safety consequence

IF THE PRIMARY AIR CIRCUIT IS DAMAGED, THE BRAKES WILL NOT APPLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 3, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE 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.

Notes

INTERNATIONAL RECALL NO.03514. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

INTERNATIONAL/BRAKE MODULE

NHTSA #03V024000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA notice

Reported January 28, 2003 · INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND ENGINE

Potentially affected: 146 vehicles

International campaign 03501 · Owners notified February 24, 2003 · Vehicles built July 16, 2002 – January 14, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES AND HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS BUILT WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES AND AN AIR POWERED PARKING BRAKE (BRAKE CODE 04GAS) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE MONITOR MODULE WAS NOT INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES.

Safety consequence

WITHOUT THE BRAKE MONITOR MODULE, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WILL NOT COME ON DURING THE INITIAL KEY-ON CYCLE AND WILL NOT COME ON TO WARN THE OPERATOR IF THERE IS A LOSS OF HYDRAULIC PRESSURE IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM, A LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLOW, OR IF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BOOSTER MOTOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE MONITOR MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEGAN DURING FEBRUARY 2003. 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.

Notes

INTERNATIONAL RECALL NO. 03501. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

INTERNATIONAL/PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY

NHTSA #02V260000 · Parking Brake — Conventional · NHTSA notice

Reported September 20, 2002 · INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND ENGINE

Potentially affected: 11,204 vehicles

International campaign 02513 · Owners notified December 30, 2002 · Vehicles built November 16, 2000 – April 19, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MEDIUM AND HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS BUILT WITH DRIVELINE PARKING BRAKE CODES 04GAR, THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE IN POSITION WHEN SET. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS POSSIBILITY ARE AS FOLLOWS: (1) CRACKED OR BROKEN CAMS; (2) LOOSE OR BROKEN ANCHOR BOLTS; (3) INITIAL SHOE DIAMETER NOT SET PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY, WHICH CAN LEAD TO PROGRESSIVE COMPONENT DAMAGE; (4) BENT ADJUSTER LEVERS THAT CANNOT FUNCTION; OR (5) AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER CABLES THAT ARE DISCONNECTED.

Safety consequence

IF THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL, WITHOUT WARNING, AFTER THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER HAS BEEN SET, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAM, LEVER, AND BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 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.

Notes

ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

INTERNATIONAL/DRAG LINK COTTER PIN

NHTSA #02V095000 · Steering — Linkages — Drag — Link — Connection · NHTSA notice

Reported March 22, 2002 · INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND ENGINE

Potentially affected: 155 vehicles

International campaign 02504 · Owners notified April 15, 2002 · Vehicles built January 25, 2002 – January 31, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE COTTER PIN THAT GOES THROUGH THE DRAG LINK BALL STUD AT THE CONNECTION TO THE PITMAN ARM IS MISSING. THIS PIN PREVENTS THE CASTLE NUT FROM LOOSENING.

Safety consequence

IF THE NUT LOOSENS AND COMES COMPLETELY OFF THE DRAG LINK BALL STUD, THE DRAG LINK COULD DETACH RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND INSTALL A COTTER PIN IF IT IS MISSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 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.

Notes

CONSUMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2003 International 4300. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

8 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 International 4300.

Service Brakes

ODI #10672677

Crash

Incident: December 11, 2014 · Filed: January 15, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 INTERNATIONAL 4300. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SIGN. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

Electrical System

ODI #10234266

Fire

Incident: June 10, 2008 · Filed: July 14, 2008

TL*THE COMPANY OWNS A 2003 INTERNATIONAL 4300. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A TIRE MECHANIC TO ARRIVE WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON JUNE 10, 2008 IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE ARE NO PHOTOS OR FIRE REPORT AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, THE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS SUGGESTED TO BE ELECTRICAL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT RECENTLY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE THAT WAS RELATED TO THE FIRE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 345,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10135756

Incident: September 2, 2005 · Filed: September 7, 2005

REAR HYD. BRAKE ROTOR BROKE FROM HUB UNDER ROUTINE SERVICE. THIS HAS HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY TO ANOTHER TRUCK IN OUR FLEET. REPAIR SHOP REPORTS THEY HAVE SEEN SIX OTHER INTERNATIONAL 4300'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS JUST ONE OF HUNDREDS OF REPAIR SHOPS IN THIS AREA, SAFE TO SAY THERE MUST BE HUNDREDS OF 4300'S SHEDDING ROTORS. OBVIOUSLY THIS CAUSES A COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING TO THE AFFECTED WHEEL(S). ADDITIONALLY, THIS CAUSES AN ABS FAULT CONDITION WHICH DISABLES THE EXHAUST BRAKE AND ALLOWS THE REMAINING BRAKING WHEELS TO LOCK CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL. AS OUR MECHANIC OBSERVED, THESE TRUCKS ARE GOING TO KILL SOMEBODY IF THESE BRAKES AND SOFTWARE ARE NOT REDESIGNED. THE ROTORS, CALIPERS, PADS, WHEEL SPEED SENSORS AND HARDWARE ON THE REAR AXLE HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE DAMAGE HAS BEEN PHOTOGRAPHED. *JB

Suspension

ODI #10089763

Incident: June 14, 2004 · Filed: August 25, 2004

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS THERE WAS HEAVY VIBRATION IN THE REAR AXLE. WHEN DRIVING LOW SPEEDS FRONT/REAR END WONDERED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10033456

Incident: January 28, 2003 · Filed: August 25, 2003

ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS RAINING.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10033450

Incident: July 31, 2003 · Filed: August 25, 2003

ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF, ESPECIALLY WHEN RAINING.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10033446

Crash

Incident: July 28, 2003 · Filed: August 25, 2003

ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS RAINING. ACCORDING TO A MECHANIC AT MAUDLIN, IF MORE THAN ONE SENSOR GOES OUT THE WHOLE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILS TO WORK CAUSING IT TO REVERT TO MANUAL BRAKES. THIS OCCURED ON JULY 28TH, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING A RAIN STORM RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.*AK

Tires

ODI #10024250

Incident: May 31, 2003 · Filed: August 1, 2003

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR OUTSIDE DUAL TIRE BLEW OUT. WHEN THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE INSIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE CONSUMER WENT TO CHECK THE PRESSURE OF THE OUTSIDE TIRE AND IT WAS ALRIGHT. WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO CHECK THE PRESSURE OF THE INSIDE PASSENGER TIRE THE EXTENDER VALVE FELL OFF IN THE CONSUMERS HAND AND THE AIR ESCAPED FROM THE TIRE. IT APPEARED THAT THE EXTENDER VALVE HAD SHEARED OFF. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE FLAT TIRE AND NOTICED THAT THE EXTENDER VALVE ON THAT TIRE HAD ALSO SHEARED OFF THUS CAUSING THE TIRE TO GO FLAT. THE TIRE TECH INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE EXTENDER VALVES WERE NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY AND THAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE BRACED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE WEIGHT OF THE TRUCK CAUSED THE OUTSIDE DUAL TIRE TO BLOW OUT WHEN THE INSIDE TIRE WENT FLAT (INSIDE GOOD YEAR TIRE SIZE 265-70R 19.5 UNISTEEL G124). *AK * CB *NLM

Other International 4300 model years

Check your 2003 International 4300 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your International 4300 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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