Does the 1981 International Harvester S1800 have any recalls?

6 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: steering, power train. 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 1981 International Harvester S1800 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 1981 International Harvester S1800?

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

1981 International Harvester S1800 recalls

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

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

For the 1981 International Harvester S1800. 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.

1981 International Harvester S1800 recalls, newest first

January 14, 1986NHTSA 86V026000120,292 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and attachment

Summary: Steering arm may crack after repeated full lock turns due to the lack of end-of-travel relief features. Consequence of defect: loss of steering control would be experienced if cracks expand to complete fracture of the arm, and a crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy: Replace steering arm with a redesigned strengthened arm.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

April 2, 1985NHTSA 85V03700031,746 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm

Summary: The steering arm may crack after repeated full-lock turns. Consequence of defect: if cracks progress to complete fracture of the arm, steering control would be lost and a vehicle accident could occur.
Remedy: Replace steering arm with redesigned strengthened arm.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

December 2, 1983NHTSA 83V1270001,387 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections

Summary: Within the steering system, high operating temperatures may cause eventual deterioration of the hose which returns power steering fluid to the pump. The hose may rupture and power steering assist will be lost.
Remedy: Dealer will replace the power steering hose and install a heat shield between the engine and hose at no charge.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

January 10, 1983NHTSA 83V0010003,500 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)

Summary: Under certain circumstances, the output shaft of the steering gear may develop cracks at a location between the gear and the pitman arm mounting. The suspect component is found on steering gears with the code 05057. Continued operation may result in fracture and disconnection of the steering linkage.
Remedy: The dealer will remove original output shaft from steering gear and replace it with a new case-hardened shaft free of charge.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

April 23, 1982NHTSA 82V04000011,130 vehicles potentially affected

Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)

Summary: On the involved vehicles the clutch pressure plate may suddenly self destruct, scattering broken fragments.
Remedy: Dealer will remove the bellville spring clutch assembly and replace it with a coil spring clutch assembly at no cost to owner.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

March 25, 1981NHTSA 81V0410006,700 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly

Summary: The nut that fastens the tapered tie rod ends to the steering arms may not have been sufficiently tightened on certain vehicles. The nut could loosen and eventually come off, causing the tie rod to disengage from the steering arm. The nut may come off despite the installation of locking cotter pins.
Remedy: The nut will be securely fastened at no charge.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

No owner complaints about the 1981 International Harvester S1800 were found in NHTSA’s complaint data.

Other International Harvester S1800 years

Other 1981 International Harvester models

Questions

Does the 1981 International Harvester S1800 have any recalls?: 6 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: steering, power train. 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 1981 International Harvester S1800 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 1981 International Harvester S1800?: 0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.