2003 International 8600 Recall: ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS BUILT WITH A CATERPILLAR ENGINE WITH A 4…
NHTSA campaign 03V070000 · Electrical System · filed Mar 6, 2003 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS BUILT WITH A CATERPILLAR ENGINE WITH A 4 DEGREE TILT, THE STARTER FIELD-STUD MAY CONTACT THE FRAME RAIL BECAUSE OF VARIATIONS IN THE AIR GAP BETWEEN THE FIELD STUD AND THE FRAME RAIL. SHOULD THE STARTER FIELD STUD CONTACT THE FRAME RAIL, THERE WOULD BE A DIRECT FULL BATTERY SHORT TO THE FRAME (GROUND) WHEN THE STARTER IS IN THE CRANKING MODE.
The risk
A DIRECT SHORT MAY CREATE A FIRE HAZARD AND CAN RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STARTER NOSE CONE. THE NEW NOSE CONE WILL REORIENT THE STARTER STUD FARTHER AWAY FROM THE FRAME RAIL TO COMPLETELY ELIMINATE THE CLEARANCE ISSUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 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.
INTERNATIONAL RECALL NO.03504.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| International | 8600 | 2003 |
Related recalls
More International 8600 recalls
- 2016 International 7600 and 7 other models — Electrical noise and low signal to the power line carrier…
- 2004–2016 International 4400 and 14 other models — Back-up lights offer low visibility when the vehicle is in…
- 2013 International 8600 and 3 other models — Piston bore area of the parking brake chamber may have an…
- 2010 International 4300M and 3 other models — Steering
- 2009–2011 International 1300 and 19 other models — NAVISTAR HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT ON CERTAIN MODEL…
Other campaigns involving International vehicles
All International 8600 recalls → · All International recalls →
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 03V070000 (manufacturer number 03504). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.