Total Complaints
14 filings
INTERNATIONAL 4300 · model year
2003 INTERNATIONAL 4300
14 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2003INTERNATIONAL4300 carries 14 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 4300 is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip with 3 filings, followed by service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module (3) and service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:abs warning light (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 22 investigation files overlapping the 2003 4300. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
14
Complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
3 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT | 2 |
| TIRES:VALVE | 1 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
Recalls (4)
03V02400028/01/2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 INSTA
03V31700027/08/2003
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
02V09500022/03/2002
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
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.
02V26000020/09/2002
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
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
Recent Complaints
20150115CrashSERVICE BRAKES
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.
Mileage: 89,000
20080714FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Mileage: 345,000
20050907SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
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
Mileage: 90,000
20050907SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
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
Mileage: 90,000
20040825SUSPENSION
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
Mileage: 40,000
20030825CrashSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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
Mileage: 61,086
20030825CrashSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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
Mileage: 61,086
20030825SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF, ESPECIALLY WHEN RAINING.*AK
Mileage: 42,007
20030825SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF, ESPECIALLY WHEN RAINING.*AK
Mileage: 42,007
20030825SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF, ESPECIALLY WHEN RAINING.*AK
Mileage: 42,007
20030825SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS RAINING.*AK
Mileage: 5,140
20030825SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS RAINING.*AK
Mileage: 5,140
20030825SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS RAINING.*AK
Mileage: 5,140
20030617TIRES:VALVE
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
Mileage: 11,000
Compare 2003INTERNATIONAL4300 to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2003 INTERNATIONAL 4300 have?▼
The 2003 INTERNATIONAL 4300 has 14 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2003 INTERNATIONAL 4300?▼
Yes, the 2003 INTERNATIONAL 4300 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 INTERNATIONAL 4300?▼
The most-complained component for the 2003 INTERNATIONAL 4300 is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP with 3 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT.
Is the 2003 INTERNATIONAL 4300 safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.