WARRENVILLE, Ill. (March 26, 2008) — International Truck and Engine Corporation recalled more than 6,500 model year 2007 and 2008 school buses citing a defect in the engine oil cooler that may cause engines to shut down or catch fire "in extreme cases."

According to a letter sent to NHTSA, IC learned of the problem in August after two vehicles developed cracks in the engine oil cooler that resulted in fires. Several reports followed and the company began an investigation in late 2007 culminating with the Feb. 22 recall.

IC spokesman Roy Wiley stressed there had been no injuries and very few incidents had occurred.

"The important thing is, we’re being proactive on this," Wiley said.

According to Wiley, IC will send letters within the next week notifying customers of where and when parts can be replaced. Wiley said he foresaw no problems getting sufficient replacement parts. As all vehicles are under warranty, suspect vehicles’ engine oil cooler will be replaced for free.

The NHTSA campaign number for the recall is 08V-089. NHTSA has not assigned the item an action number.

In addition to recalling CE, FE and RE model school buses, the company recalled more than 28,000 commercial buses and trucks with the International DT366 and DT570 engines.