2003 International 8600 Recall: ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DANA SPICER E-12021 12,000 LB.…
NHTSA campaign 03V192000 · Steering · filed May 21, 2003 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DANA SPICER E-12021 12,000 LB., E-1202W 12,000 LB., OR E-1002W 10,000 LB. FRONT NON-DRIVE STEER AXLES, THE TAPERED BORE THAT CONNECTS THE DRAG LINK TO THE STEERING WAS MACHINED TOO LARGE. THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN A CORRECTLY SIZED DRAG LINK BALL STUD AND THE OVERSIZED TAPERED BORE IS SUFFICIENTLY GREAT ENOUGH TO ALLOW THE DRAG LINK BALL STUD TO FATIGUE AND BRAKE, OR ALLOW THE CASTLE NUT TO BACK ITSELF OFF AND CAUSE THE DRAG LINK TO DISCONNECT.
The risk
THIS COULD RESULT IN A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS COULD RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR A VEHICLE CRASH.
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 STEERING KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY AND DRAG LINK IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 20, 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. 03509.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 03V192000 (manufacturer number 03509). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.