2023 IC Bus Cesb problems, complaints & recalls

2023 IC Bus Cesb recalls (17)

• Recall 26V168000Mar 19, 20262,874 vehicles
  STRUCTURE:BODY · STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

  International Motors, LLC (International) is recalling certain 2023-2027 IC Bus CESB and 2025-2027 IC Bus EVSB school buses. The body panel joint may have been attached without sufficient epoxy coverage. As such these vehicle fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."

  Risk: The body panels may separate during a crash, reducing structural integrity and increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the interior vertical joint as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 4, 2026. Owners may contact International's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. International's number for this recall is 26504. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 11, 2026.

• Recall 26V111000Feb 26, 20264,393 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

  International Motors, LLC (International) is recalling certain 2023-2027 IC Bus CESB school buses. The brake lines may have been installed with incorrect hardware, which can result in brake line damage and cause a leak.

  Risk: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake lines and brake line retainers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2026. Owners may contact International's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. International's number for this recall is 26502. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 20, 2026.

• Recall 25V783000Nov 13, 2025142 vehicles
  EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

  International Motors, LLC (International) is recalling certain 2023-2027 IC Bus CESB school buses. While carrying the maximum number of occupants, the bus may exceed Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) when the fuel tank and fluid reservoirs are full.

  Risk: An incorrect GVWR may lead to unintentionally overloading the bus, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair suspension as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 27, 2026. Owners may contact International customer service at 1-800-448-7825. International's number for this recall is 25523.

• Recall 25V580000Sep 4, 2025457 vehicles
  STRUCTURE:BODY

  International Motors, LLC (International) is recalling certain 2016-2026 IC Bus CESB and 2016-2021 RESB school buses. The underfloor reinforcement may not have been installed, compromising the structural integrity of the buses. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages" and 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection."

  Risk: Reduced structural integrity may increase the risk of injury in a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement channel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2025. Owners may contact International customer service at 1-800-448-7825. International's number for this recall is 25514.

• Recall 25V503000Aug 6, 202516,553 vehiclesPark outside
  SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

  International Motors, LLC (International) is recalling certain 2016-2024 IC Bus CESB school buses. The brake pressure switch assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch's electrical components and cause an electrical short-circuit.

  Risk: An electrical short in the brake pressure switch can overheat the circuit and increase the risk of a fire while driving or parked.

  Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a silicone black jumper harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2025. Owners may contact International customer service at 1-800-448-7825. International's number for this recall is 25510. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V398 will need to have the new remedy completed.

• Recall 23V398000Jun 2, 202315,398 vehiclesPark outside
  SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

  Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2016 and 2018-2024 IC Bus CE school buses. The brake pressure switch assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch's electrical components and cause an electrical short-circuit.

  Risk: An electrical short in the brake pressure switch can overheat the circuit and increase the risk of a fire while driving or parked.

  Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the brake pressure switch assembly and if necessary, the wire harness or fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 23518.

• Recall 23V371000May 25, 202319,376 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

  Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2021-2024 IC Bus RE, 2022-2024 IC Bus CE, and IC Bus EV school buses. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) indicator light does not remain illuminated when a malfunction exists, and when the vehicle's ignition switch is on, and the vehicle is in motion. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

  Risk: An ABS indicator light that fails to remain illuminated will not alert the driver of an ABS malfunction, which could increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 23516.

• Recall 23V065000Feb 10, 202312,507 vehicles
  STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

  Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2022-2024 IC Bus CE, 2022-2023 IC CE SBus, IC RE, and 2023 EV school buses. The roof panel may have been manufactured with insufficient joint strength. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 221, "School Bus Body Joint Strength."

  Risk: A school bus roof panel with insufficient joint strength may separate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Dealers will add additional fasteners to secure the joints, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 3, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 23501.

• Recall 22V909000Dec 8, 20226,948 vehicles
  SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE:TORQUE ARM

  Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2023 IC RE, IC EV, and 2023-2024 IC CE school buses. The fasteners that connect the transverse torque arm to the rear axle housing may have been tightened incorrectly, which can allow the rear axle to shift side to side.

  Risk: A rear axle that moves side to side can cause a loss of handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a loose rear axle may cause vehicle instability during an evacuation in an emergency, increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace and tighten the fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 6, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 22527.

• Recall 22V869000Nov 23, 202225,822 vehicles
  STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS · SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS

  Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2021-2022 International CV, 2022-2023 International HV, 2023 IC 1300 FBC, CE, RE, TC, International MV, HX, LT, RH, and LoneStar vehicles. The hex flange lock nuts, used in the suspension and steering joints, were improperly heat treated and may lose tension over time.

  Risk: A loss of tension in the steering and suspension joints may lead to steering instability and increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the hex flange lock nuts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 22524.

• Recall 22V872000Nov 23, 2022196 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

  Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2023 IC CE vehicles. The fuel vapor line without the heat shield tubing may have been installed, exposing the line to heat from the exhaust system.

  Risk: Heat exposure may cause the line to leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel vapor line with heat shield tubing, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 22526.

• Recall 22V870000Nov 23, 20225,645 vehicles
  STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS · SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS

  Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2023 IC CE, EV, and RE vehicles. The hex flange lock nuts, used in the suspension and steering joints, were improperly heat treated and may lose tension over time.

  Risk: A loss of tension in the steering and suspension joints may lead to steering instability and increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the hex flange lock nuts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 22525.

• Recall 22V610000Aug 10, 202233 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

  Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2023 IC CE School Buses. The engine control module (ECM) may experience an internal electrical short-circuit, causing the engine to stall.

  Risk: An unexpected engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Cummins will replace the ECM. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Navistar's customer service at 1-800-448-7825.

• Recall 22V429000Jun 16, 20223,570 vehicles
  STEERING

  Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2022-2023 IC CE School Buses. The steering gears may have been assembled incorrectly, which can cause the gear to fracture.

  Risk: A fractured steering gear can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering gear serial numbers, and replace the steering gears as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to become available in mid-October 2022. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 22514.

• Recall 22V367000May 23, 20224,970 vehiclesDo not drive
  STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

  Navistar, Inc. is recalling certain 2022-2023 IC CE, IC RE, and 2023 IC EV school buses. The steering wheel retaining nut may have been tightened incorrectly, which can allow the steering wheel to loosen and detach from the steering column shaft.

  Risk: A loose or detached steering wheel increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will remove the steering wheel nut, apply thread locker, and reinstall the nut, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2022. Owners may contact Navistar, Inc. customer service at (331) 332-1590. Navistar's number for this recall is 22511.

• Recall 22V283000Apr 27, 2022337 vehicles
  EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2022-2023 IC RE School Buses, and 2023 IC CE school buses built without a forward radar unit. The warning label notifying the driver that the collision mitigation system is inoperative may be missing.

  Risk: Failure to warn the driver that the collision mitigation system is inoperative increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Navistar will provide a warning label and installation instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 14, 2022. Owners may contact Navistar customer service 1-800-4487825. Navistar's number for this recall is 22509.

• Recall 21V837000Oct 25, 20217,322 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

  Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) is recalling certain 2020-2023 IC CE school buses. The engine control module (ECM) may set a fault code that results in an unexpected engine shut down.

  Risk: Unexpected engine shut down can increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a disabled school bus may require an evacuation procedure in an uncontrolled traffic situation, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.

  Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ECM, free of charge. Owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this recall is 21507.

Recent 2023 IC Bus Cesb complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Sep 2, 2026NYEngine

   Exhaust system failure,terible exhaust leaks AT EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. Pipes wrapped in insulation and metal causing high temps which are distoring pipe shapes and colapsing systems. Also a fire hazard if any fluids leak on them. These units are 2021's thru 2023's We have been in touch with International Dealer with no avail or help. They give all kinds of why's but no answers. They tell us to replace with same system at 11,000 dollars. These pipes are on 8.8 litre engine.…

   NHTSA complaint #11761570 · source
2. Filed May 20, 2025NYBody & Structure

   The roof leaks in several areas. The water gets on the floor and seats increasing the chance that children will slip and fall on the wet floors and seats. This has been to the dealer more than once but the roofs still leak. We have more than one bus of the same age that leak

   NHTSA complaint #11662097 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology