Recall 15V169 affects 500 1999-2002 International 4800 trucks because the double Cardan driveshaft can seize. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
International is recalling 500 1999-2002 4800 trucks equipped with Fabco TC-200 transfer cases because a previous recall repair installed a double Cardan front driveshaft that can seize. If the joint seizes, the driveshaft can separate and lead to front axle lockup under certain conditions, which increases crash risk; International dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The front driveshaft on 1999-2002 International 4800 4x4 trucks carries power from the Fabco TC-200 transfer case to the front axle when four-wheel drive is in use. The double Cardan joint in that shaft uses two universal-joint angles plus a centering ball and socket to keep the shaft rotating smoothly as the axle moves.
On affected trucks, extended highway-speed travel on smooth roads can leave the centering ball and socket without enough grease on the contact surfaces. Heat builds at that joint, and the ball and socket can seize. If the protective rubber boot is damaged, grease loss can create the same condition. Once the joint seizes, the shaft can rotate off-center and break in the tube section.
The warning sign is front-end vibration shortly before failure. Treat new vibration from the front of the truck as a reason to stop driving and have the driveline inspected.
Who's affected?
Spans four model years for the 4800, all tied to the same driveline component.
| 1999 International 4800 | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2002 International 4800 | driveline |
| 2001 International 4800 | driveline |
| 2000 International 4800 | driveline |
| Units affected | 500 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A seized double Cardan joint can let the front driveshaft separate. Under certain conditions, that separation can lock the front axle and increase the risk of a crash. Front end vibration shortly before failure is the warning sign, so pull over safely and call the dealer if it appears. Repair is free at any franchised International dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 1999-2002 International 4800 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the free front-driveshaft repair.
- Bring the recall notice if International has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V169 when you call.
- Schedule the driveshaft guards, lockout front wheel hubs, and double Cardan joint inspection that address the driveshaft seizure and separation risk.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and ask the dealer about towing if the driveline binds or the truck is hard to move.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an International technician installs front driveshaft guards at both ends of the shaft and locks out the front wheel hubs. The technician also checks the double Cardan joints at each end of the driveshaft. If either joint is loose or binding, the driveshaft is replaced. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a related repair before the recall notice, the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan applies. Follow the reimbursement instructions in the customer notification and keep repair documentation for the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 24, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 15, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| June 16, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 24, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V169?
Recall 15V169 covers 500 1999-2002 International 4800 4x4 trucks with Fabco TC-200 transfer cases. A double Cardan front driveshaft installed under an earlier recall can seize, separate, and lead to front axle lockup. International dealers will install guards and lockout front wheel hubs for free.
What should I do if my 1999-2002 International 4800 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V169. If it is, contact a franchised International dealer to schedule the driveshaft guard and lockout hub repair. Reference recall number 15V169 or International recall number 15506 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall repair at no cost. International dealers will install front driveshaft guards and lockout front wheel hubs for free, and any driveshaft with loose or binding double Cardan joints will be replaced free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is front driveshaft separation and front axle lockup. If the double Cardan joint seizes, the driveshaft can separate and, under certain conditions, lock the front axle. That increases crash risk. The dealer repair adds guards and lockout hubs to address the hazard.
What if I bought my International 4800 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the truck, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 1999-2002 International 4800 is included, then call a franchised International dealer with recall number 15V169 or International recall number 15506.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V169000 |
|---|---|
| International customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V169 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V169000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →