2021 Ic Bus CESB: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
3 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 3 complaints (66.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
Engine: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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. 3 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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2025: 2; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. 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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11653212 · 2025-04-07 (April 7, 2025)
School buses. We have a fleet of these and the condition is happening repeatedly and to almost every bus with this PSI brand 8.8L gasoline engine. The engine exhaust downpipes melt from excessive heat and/or fuel. The pipes then crack and produce an exhaust leak near the body firewall. Potential for exhaust and flame to escape from the pipe.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11653212 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11695245 · 2025-10-23 (October 23, 2025)
THis is a school bus- Exhaust downpipes leading into the catalytic converters melted down and created large holes in the exhaust pipe itself. Extreme heat developed by engine.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11695245 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11743266 · 2026-06-10 (June 10, 2026)
Exhaust leaks caused by calapsed exhaust manifold pipes on 34 IC units with PSI engines. they are wrapped with aluminium covering with insulation. This in turn makes high heat tempuraters that split and burn up and disfigure pipes. Which can cause a fire if any oil leakage or fuel occurs. It also has been snapping exhaust manifold bolts away from manifdolds.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11743266 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
21V837000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm)
Reported: 2021-10-25 (October 25, 2021)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V398000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Fluid
Reported: 2023-06-02 (June 2, 2023)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V503000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Fluid
Reported: 2025-08-06 (August 6, 2025)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V580000 · Structure:Body
Reported: 2025-09-04 (September 4, 2025)
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."
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗