U.S. public vehicle records

International Harvester SCHOOL BUS problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

42 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

Not available median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1975 to 1996 model years. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 42 complaints (21.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	10	23.8%
Engine operation	2	4.8%
Braking behavior	2	4.8%
Electrical and battery issues	1	2.4%
Fuel system concerns	1	2.4%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System

Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner

Exterior Lighting:Headlights:High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Electrical System:Ignition

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter	9
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior	9
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	4
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	3
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner	2
Exterior Lighting:Headlights:High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch	2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	2
Electrical System:Ignition	1

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter: 9; Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior: 9; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System: 3; Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner: 2; Exterior Lighting:Headlights:High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch: 2; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 2; Electrical System:Ignition: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

No usable failure mileage is recorded. 42 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2003

1995: 9; 1996: 18; 1997: 2; 1998: 9; 1999: 2; 2003: 2

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 10 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 529250 · 1998-01-28 (January 28, 1998)

TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED. (QCAW)

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 529250 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 780568 · 1998-09-30 (September 30, 1998)

TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO STOP PULLING.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 780568 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 502755 · 1996-03-28 (March 28, 1996)

ALLISON TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER TO DRIVE AXLE. (1ST VEHICLE ON 502756 & 502757) *SD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 502755 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 977984 · 1996-01-22 (January 22, 1996)

FLEET OF TEN (10) SCHOOL BUSES ARE EXPERIENCING STALLING PROBLEM DUE TO INJECTOR MOTOR FAILING. TT

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 977984 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 487528 · 1995-11-02 (November 2, 1995)

PARK BRAKE CABLE FAILED. *SD

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 487528 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 486357 · 1995-05-18 (May 18, 1995)

BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WITHOUT AN EXISTING FAILURE. (RECALL 94V-234) (FIRST VEHICLE IN A FLEET OF 1989-1994 MODELS) *AW

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 486357 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 543945 · 1999-02-18 (February 18, 1999)

TRANS AIR AIR CONDITIONER FAILED RESUTING IN LEAKS AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 543945 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1980

1981

1982

1986

1987

1988

1989

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1980: 1; 1981: 1; 1982: 1; 1986: 0; 1987: 0; 1988: 0; 1989: 0; 1991: 0; 1992: 0; 1993: 0; 1994: 0; 1995: 0; 1996: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

International Harvester SCHOOL BUS model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1975	0	1	Not available
1976	0	2	+1
1977	0	2	0
1978	0	2	0
1979	0	1	-1
1980	0	1	0
1981	0	1	0
1982	0	1	0
1986	2	0	Not available
1987	6	0	0
1988	6	0	0
1989	1	0	0
1991	6	0	Not available
1992	2	0	0
1993	1	0	0
1994	7	0	0
1995	10	0	0
1996	1	0	0

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

42 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

0.0%Usable mileage0 / 42 records

90.5%Valid incident date38 / 42 records

100.0%Valid filing date42 / 42 records

90.5%Ordered incident and filing dates38 / 42 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1982	1986	1987	1988	1989	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 529250 TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED. (QCAW) Look up ODI 529250 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 780568 TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO STOP PULLING. Look up ODI 780568 at NHTSA ↗	583.3% ODI 501831 TRANSMISSION FAILED. *SD Look up ODI 501831 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	233.3% ODI 502755 ALLISON TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER TO DRIVE AXLE. (1ST VEHICLE ON 502756 & 502757) *SD Look up ODI 502755 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	571.4% ODI 509098 CONVEX MIRROR GLASS SPOTTED, OBSTRUCTING VISIBILITY. Look up ODI 509098 at NHTSA ↗	440.0% ODI 509101 MIRROR GLASS SPOTTED, OBSTRUCTING VISIBILITY. Look up ODI 509101 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	233.3% ODI 528784 SCHOOL BUS DESTROYED BY UNEXPLAINED FIRE.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER). Look up ODI 528784 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 605840 FRONT TURBINE SHAFT FAILED. Look up ODI 605840 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 535323 ENGINE SENSOR FAILED. Look up ODI 535323 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	233.3% ODI 489520 WATER PUMP REPLACED DUE TO SHAFT BREAKING OFF ALLOWING FAN BLADE ASSEMBLE TO FLY INTO THE RADIATOR. *SD Look up ODI 489520 at NHTSA ↗	116.7% ODI 601430 WATER PUMP SHAFT BROKE, CAUSING COOLANT LEAK. (SECOND VEHICLE ON 503980) *DH Look up ODI 601430 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 543956 TRANS AIR AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, WAS REPAIRED AND FAILED AGAIN. Look up ODI 543956 at NHTSA ↗	110.0% ODI 543945 TRANS AIR AIR CONDITIONER FAILED RESUTING IN LEAKS AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. Look up ODI 543945 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting:Headlights:High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	220.0% ODI 487916 TURN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED. Look up ODI 487916 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2100.0% ODI 481101 DIP STICK BACKS OUT OF FILLER TUBE AT LOW SPEEDS, CAUSING DIRT/WATER FROM LEFT TIRE TO FLOW DOWN FILLER TUBE INTO TRANSMISSION PAN. *SKD Look up ODI 481101 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Ignition	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	110.0% ODI 977832 ENGINE T444E W/AUTOMATED ENGINE MONITOR SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN. CAUSE OF SYSTEMS SAFETY IS QUESTIONED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT Look up ODI 977832 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
No usable records for this analysis.

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

1995: 10 complaints · 1996: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
1995	3	10	10
1996	0	0	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
1995	9	1	0
1996	1	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter	Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner	Exterior Lighting:Headlights:High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Electrical System:Ignition
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	0	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting:Headlights:High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Electrical System:Ignition	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

3 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 4.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 502755

ALLISON TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER TO DRIVE AXLE. (1ST VEHICLE ON 502756 & 502757) *SD

Look up ODI 502755 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 977984

FLEET OF TEN (10) SCHOOL BUSES ARE EXPERIENCING STALLING PROBLEM DUE TO INJECTOR MOTOR FAILING. TT

Look up ODI 977984 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Oil consumption or dilution

1 mentions · 2.4% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 503719

ROUTE OF SERPENTINE BELT CAUSES IT TO CUT HOLES IN VARIOUS HOSES, CAUSING ENGINE TO BURN OIL AND LOSS OF TURBO BOOST. *DSH

Look up ODI 503719 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 2.4% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 486357

BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WITHOUT AN EXISTING FAILURE. (RECALL 94V-234) (FIRST VEHICLE IN A FLEET OF 1989-1994 MODELS) *AW

Look up ODI 486357 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b