International Motors Issues Vehicle Safety Recall

International Motors, LLC has announced a critical safety recall affecting 21,317 vehicles due to a defective hydraulic brake pressure switch, posing a fire risk. The recall, identified as NHTSA Recall Nos. 25V502 and 25V503, targets specific models of IC Bus and International vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2024. This action addresses a brake fluid leak issue that could lead to serious safety hazards, including property damage or personal injury.

Key Highlights

Affected Vehicles: Includes 2016-2023 IC Bus CESB, 2018-2025 IC Bus TC, 2017-2025 International MV, 2024-2025 IC Bus CECB, 2018 International 4000 Series 4300, and 2018-2024 International 1300FBC.
Total Vehicles Involved: 21,317 (4,764 under 25V502 and 16,553 under 25V503).
Defect: Brake pressure switch assembly may leak fluid, potentially shorting electrical components and causing a fire.
Safety Risk: Excessive heat from a shorted circuit increases the risk of fire, property damage, or injury.
Consumer Advisory: Owners are urged to park vehicles outdoors and avoid driving until repairs are completed.

Recall Details and Affected Models

The recall targets vehicles previously remedied under Safety Recalls 23V-397 and 23V-398 but manufactured without a silicone block harness. These vehicles, built between June 4, 2015, and June 24, 2024, feature hydraulic brake systems with Hydromax brake boosters (feature codes 0004198, 0004240). The defective component, a hydraulic brake pressure switch (part number 4052584C2), may allow brake fluid to leak past the diaphragm seal, infiltrating electrical components and risking a short circuit.

The affected models include:

2016-2023 IC Bus CESB: 16,553 vehicles produced from June 4, 2015, to December 14, 2023.
2018-2025 IC Bus TC: 346 vehicles produced from May 24, 2018, to February 15, 2024.
2017-2025 International MV: 3,206 vehicles produced from October 25, 2017, to June 24, 2024.
2024-2025 IC Bus CECB: 5 vehicles produced from November 26, 2018, to December 7, 2023.
2018 International 4000 Series 4300: 647 vehicles produced from September 20, 2017, to January 9, 2029.
2018-2024 International 1300FBC: 560 vehicles produced from November 29, 2017, to June 14, 2023.

Safety Risks and Warning Signs

The primary safety concern is the potential for brake fluid to short the brake pressure switch and its associated fuse, generating excessive heat that could ignite a fire. This increases the risk of property damage or personal injury to the vehicle operator. A key warning sign is the illumination of the “service brake system” malfunction indicator lamp. Owners noticing this warning are advised to park their vehicles outdoors and refrain from driving until the issue is resolved.

Investigation and Recall Timeline

International Motors initiated an investigation on June 13, 2025, following concerns about vehicles built after prior recalls (23V-266, 23V-397, and 23V-398). Between June 18 and July 17, 2025, the company conducted 90 inspections, revealing brake fluid in the wiring of the fuse holder in vehicles with an improved brake pressure switch. By July 31, 2025, International confirmed the issue, finalized the suspect population, and declared a safety recall.

Remedy Program

To address the defect, International Motors will implement the following remedies:

For vehicles previously remedied under Safety Recalls 23V-397 or 23V-398 without a silicone block harness, a new silicone block jumper harness with an anti-capillary wire will be installed to prevent fluid from wicking up the copper.
For vehicles not yet remedied under these prior recalls, the service procedure will be modified to replace the defective switch and install silicone block jumpers, eliminating the need for harness inspection.

The remedy components differ from the recalled parts by incorporating the silicone block harness, which enhances the system’s resistance to fluid leakage.

Recall Schedule and Notifications

International Motors has outlined a phased recall schedule to ensure timely communication and repairs:

Dealer Notification: Letters will be mailed to dealers by September 22, 2025.
Customer Notification: Owners will receive letters by September 29, 2025.

The company has also implemented a general reimbursement plan for affected owners, details of which are on file. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) will be searchable to confirm if a vehicle is part of the recall, though specific dates for VIN search availability were not provided.

Consumer Recommendations

Owners of affected vehicles are strongly advised to follow the Do Not Drive and Park Outside advisories until the recall remedy is completed. These precautions are critical to minimizing the risk of fire-related incidents. For further information, owners can contact International Motors at their Lisle, Illinois address: 2701 Navistar Drive, Lisle, IL 60532.

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