2021 IC Bus Cesb recalls and problems

The 2021 IC Bus Cesb has 4 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any IC Bus dealer.

Urgent: recall 25V-503, recall 23V-398 carry a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
4
Complaints
3
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 IC Bus Cesb vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 IC Bus Cesb recalls

Recall 25V-580: Structure

Reported Sep 4, 2025 · 457 vehicles affected · International Motors, LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 25V-503: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Aug 6, 2025 · 16,553 vehicles affected · International Motors, LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 23V-398: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Jun 2, 2023 · 15,398 vehicles affected · Navistar, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 21V-837: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 25, 2021 · 7,322 vehicles affected · Navistar, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2021 IC Bus Cesb problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Unknown or Other1

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 IC Bus Cesb complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Jun 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.
Engine · reported Oct 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.
Engine · reported Apr 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.

Other IC Bus Cesb years

Compare all IC Bus Cesb years · All IC Bus models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 IC Bus Cesb have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 IC Bus Cesb: 25V-580 (structure), 25V-503 (service brakes, hydraulic), 23V-398 (service brakes, hydraulic), 21V-837 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 IC Bus Cesb?

Owners report engine problems most often (2 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (1).

Are IC Bus recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized IC Bus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.