Vehicle recall 85V046000 · April 26, 1985

1973-1985 International Harvester Cargostar Series

The steering pitman arm could develop cracks and eventually fracture due to high bending loads.

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

Summary: The steering pitman arm could develop cracks and eventually fracture due to high bending loads. Consequence of defect: such a fracture could cause a loss of steering control and result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy: Replace pitman arm with a redesigned strengthened arm.
Notes: Vehicle description: trucks and tractors equipped with 10,800 pound and 12,000POUND capacity front axles and sheppard power steering. System: steering pitman arm.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 85V046000
Reported to NHTSA: April 26, 1985
Filed by: NAVISTAR INTL CORP.
Vehicles potentially affected: 15,500
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Steering › Linkages

Recall 85V046000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

International Harvester Cargostar Series (1973-1985): 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973

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.