Does the 1980 International Harvester S Series have any recalls?

3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: electrical system, vehicle speed control, steering. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.

How do I check if my 1980 International Harvester S Series recall has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a International Harvester dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 1980 International Harvester S Series?

0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.

1980 International Harvester S Series recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1980 International Harvester S Series. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your International Harvester been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A International Harvester dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

1980 International Harvester S Series recalls, newest first

January 29, 1987NHTSA 87V005000101,072 vehicles potentially affected

Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator

Summary: Engine and brake backup system have common electrical power source; engine could die from electrical failure of the main power feed from the alternator.
Consequence: This could result in brake failure which could result ina crash without prior warning.
Remedy: Separate engine and brake back up circuits.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

August 14, 1984NHTSA 84V09100016,000 vehicles potentially affected

Vehicle speed control

Summary: The engine shutdown cable located between the dash board and firewall, may interfere with the accelerator linkage.
Remedy: Engine shutdown cable will be rerouted and strapped down as necessary.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

November 17, 1980NHTSA 80V14800019,500 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly

Summary: The nuts which fasten the tie rod ends to the steering arms may not have been tightened to the specified 150 ft-lb torque. Insufficiently tightened tie rod end nuts could loosen, break off the locking cotter pin, and allow the tie rod to disengage from the steering arm.
Remedy: The dealer will remove the locking cotter pin, tighten the nut to 150 ft-lbs and reinstall the cotter pin. Both left and right tie rod ends will be tightened. This will be done at no charge.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

No owner complaints about the 1980 International Harvester S Series were found in NHTSA’s complaint data.

Other International Harvester S Series years

Other 1980 International Harvester models

Questions

Does the 1980 International Harvester S Series have any recalls?: 3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: electrical system, vehicle speed control, steering. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1980 International Harvester S Series recall has been fixed?: Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a International Harvester dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1980 International Harvester S Series?: 0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.