Mack R Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 37 safety recalls and 0 owner complaints across 24 model years of the Mack R (1965–1992).

Pick your Mack R model year

• 1965
• 1966
• 1967
• 1968
• 1969
• 1970
• 1971
• 1972
• 1973
• 1974
• 1975
• 1976
• 1977
• 1978
• 1979
• 1982
• 1983
• 1984
• 1987
• 1988
• 1989
• 1990
• 1991
• 1992

All Mack R recalls (37)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Mack R, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

1. Linkages (steering)

   NHTSA 94V192000 Reported October 9, 1994 321 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

   The steering arm can develop cracks causing the lever to break without warning.

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering levers with an improved steering lever with increased fatigue strength.

   Model years: 1990

2. Vehicle speed control

   NHTSA 94V032000 Reported February 15, 1994 39,777 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

   Fuel injection system reconfiguration to comply with engine emission standards cause higher engine vibration levels which lead to early wear and complete failure of the secondary throttle return mechanism.

   Remedy: A new production secondary throttle return system configuration will be installed.

   Model years: 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992

3. Linkages (visibility)

   NHTSA 90V051000 Reported March 16, 1990 2,350 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

   A tolerance mismatch in the crank assembly of the bosch windshield wiper motor could cause instantaneous separation of the crank from the linkage assembly in the left hand control arm assembly; this would make the system inoperable.

   Remedy: Replace left hand control arm linkage assembly.

   Model years: 1989

4. Shaft sector (steering)

   NHTSA 90V052000 Reported March 16, 1990 267 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

   Interference between steering gear sector shaft and the frame rail through hole can cause sector shaft wear and can weaken shaft cause it to break.

   Remedy: Enlarge frame rail through hole to prevent interference: replace steering gear sector shaft if scored.

   Model years: 1989

5. Fifth wheel assembly (trailer hitches)

   NHTSA 84V140000 Reported November 7, 1984 64 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

   Due to improper and inadequate welding practices, the fifth wheel on the involved vehicles is defective. Frame mounted supports may have incomplete or poor quality welds. The welds could subsequently fail allowing separation of the tractor from the trailer.

   Remedy: The dealer will inspect and remove the fifth wheel and reweld the mounting angles at no charge to the owner.

   Model years: 1982, 1983, 1984

6. Leaf spring assembly (suspension)

   NHTSA 79V171000 Reported July 12, 1979 1,706 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

   The spring seat plate, located between the axle housing and the suspension springs, may deform due to spring bending. As a result, the clamping force in the assembly may be reduced. Loss of clamping force could cause spring failure and the axle will dislocate. Also, the tire could come into contact with the spring.

   Remedy: The dealer will replace the existing spring seat with a newly fabricated seat which is welded to the housing. An improved spring clamping plate and new springs will also be installed without charge.

   Model years: 1979

7. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

   NHTSA 79V165000 Reported July 9, 1979 80 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

   The pinch bolt hole center to steering gear input shaft on the lower yoke dimension exceeds specifications. If the pinch bolt becomes loose, it will not engage the steering gear input shaft notch and the shaft could slip off.

   Remedy: The proper steering gear input shaft yoke will be installed without charge to owner.

   Model years: 1979

8. Engine (engine and engine cooling)

   NHTSA 79V133000 Reported May 31, 1979 23,000 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

   In the event of turbocharger compressor wheel failure, one or more of the four capscrews that hold the turbocharger together may be struck by parts of the compressor wheel, resulting in the capscrews being damaged. If these capscrews are damaged to the point that they allow the compressor back plate to dislocate from the turbocharger…

   Remedy: Dealer will install a shield for the heads of the four capscrews, along with stronger sae 8 grade 8 capscrews, if necessary, at no cost to owner.

   Model years: 1977, 1978, 1979

9. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

   NHTSA 79V082000 Reported April 3, 1979 12,000 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

   An improper pinch bolt and nut may have been used in the clamping of the steering shaft to the steering gear input shaft. Due to clamping force loads applied at the bolt, the nut could yield, resulting in looseness of the input shaft yoke. Should this condition go unnoticed, spline wear could cause shaft separation.

   Remedy: Vehicles will be inspected and, if necessary, the correct fasteners will be installed at no charge to owner.

   Model years: 1977, 1978

10. Multiple axle (suspension)

    NHTSA 79V017000 Reported January 12, 1979 4,000 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    A casting deficiency exists in the lower section of the caps resulting in a reduction in the thickness of the material. Failure of a cap can allow the end of the rear spring to detach from the axle housing.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace any of the spring insulator caps found to be defective. This will be done at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1977, 1978

11. Hanger/bracket (suspension)

    NHTSA 79V018000 Reported January 12, 1979 17 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    The steel brackets on the suspension beam were found to be deficient due to excessive shrinkage and low mechanical properties. Failure of one or both of these brackets could cause a separation of the axle housing from the suspension.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace any suspect bogie spring insulator caps with new caps meeting the proper specifications at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1978

12. Interconnecting assembly(wiring) (service brakes)

    NHTSA 78V210000 Reported October 3, 1978 19,370 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Delays of up to about 2 seconds may exist in the brake application times to the brakes on the bogie axles in the presence of certain types of wheel speed sensor signal discontinuities or distortions that may occur as a result of sensor wire failure. This constitutes a non-compliance to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air…

    Remedy: Dealer will install new wheel speed sensors that incorporate improved wiring and the present bogie anti-wheel lock system will be changed to an axle-to-axle system for improved reliability.

    Model years: 1977, 1978

13. Arm (steering)

    NHTSA 78V171000 Reported August 8, 1978 2,100 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Deficiencies, in the form of forging laps, cracks and excessive decarburization during heat treatment, exist in the steering knuckles. Stresses imposed with integral hydraulic power steering may lead to a failure in the area of the steering arm attaching boss. This type of failure would cause loss of steering control.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the left steering knuckle with an improved type of knuckle.

    Model years: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974

14. Service brakes, air: control unit/module

    NHTSA 78V068000 Reported April 4, 1978 9,700 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    An axle "no brake" condition could result from an eaton controller internal electrical malfunction. This condition may cause the anti-wheel lock valve solenoid to be continuously energized and prevent the brakes from being applied on one of the axles. As a result, the anti-wheel lock warning lamp is not activated.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the anti-wheel lock controller without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1974, 1975, 1976

15. Multiple axle (suspension)

    NHTSA 78V031000 Reported February 9, 1978 33,000 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    The tee bracket, which is mounted on the front axle of the bogie, may fail due to vibration brought on by road surface irregularities. Bracket failure would leave the tee bracket unsupported and cause broken hose connector fittings. This would result in automatic application of the spring emergency brakes.

    Remedy: The dealer will replace the defective bracket with a redesigned version.

    Model years: 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978

16. Gasoline (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 78V032000 Reported February 9, 1978 459 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    The synflex-type oil pressure signal line may have been routed too close to the exhaust manifold. Excessive heat may cause the line to rupture, and oil leakage may occur.

    Remedy: The dealer will reroute the oil pressure signal line to eliminate potential fire hazard, without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1976, 1977

17. Hanger/bracket (suspension)

    NHTSA 77V205000 Reported November 21, 1977 7,400 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    A deficiency exists in the welds securing the rear spring insulator bracket to the axle housing. This is due to improper positioning of the weld, in relationship to the bracket and axle housing. Failure of the welds would cause separation of the spring insulator bracket and the axle housing, resulting in improper alignment of the…

    Remedy: Dealer will reweld the insulator spring bracket at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1977

18. Fan (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 77V173000 Reported October 12, 1977 48,000 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    The flex blade fans on the involved vehicles may develop cracks in the laminated stiffener as a result of fatigue during operation. If such a condition exists and the cracks go undetected, continued operation could cause pieces of the stiffener to break off.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the original fan with a steel fixed blade fan, free of charge.

    Model years: 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977

19. Anchorage (seat belts)

    NHTSA 77V174000 Reported October 12, 1977 6,591 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    The involved vehicles do not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seatbelt assemblies". Although the seatbelts in question performed marginally with respect to the 5000 lb. Load requirement, additional testing confirmed that the anchor could fail, allowing either the anchor to slip over the hold-down nut or the…

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace seat belt assemblies without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1977

20. Wheels

    NHTSA 77V096000 Reported June 17, 1977 825 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    The front wheel rim clamp studs, installed on the involved vehicles, may not have been manufactured correctly, causing a brittle condition in the thread root area. The studs could eventually crack and break when wheel nuts are tightened to specifications.

    Remedy: The dealer will replace all suspect front wheel studs, without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1977

21. Linkages (steering)

    NHTSA 76V057000 Reported April 15, 1976 27 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1973

22. Leaf (suspension)

    NHTSA 76V004000 Reported January 13, 1976 54 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1975

23. Interconnecting assembly(wiring) (service brakes)

    NHTSA 75V190000 Reported October 31, 1975 3,400 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1974, 1975

24. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 75V192000 Reported October 31, 1975 1,200 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1974, 1975

25. Multiple axle (suspension)

    NHTSA 75V118000 Reported June 23, 1975 414 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973

26. Engine (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 74V002000 Reported December 2, 1974 844 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973

27. Suspension

    NHTSA 74V001000 Reported December 2, 1974 1,119 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1973

28. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 74V227000 Reported November 21, 1974 1,023 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1973, 1974

29. Connection (steering)

    NHTSA 74V120000 Reported August 5, 1974 1,776 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1965, 1966, 1967

30. Banjo housing (power train)

    NHTSA 74V032000 Reported February 25, 1974 9,019 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1971, 1972

31. Horn (electrical system)

    NHTSA 73V153000 Reported July 18, 1973 1,285 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1971, 1972, 1973

32. Service brakes, air

    NHTSA 73V102000 Reported May 4, 1973 2,481 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1971, 1972, 1973

33. Fuel injection system (fuel system)

    NHTSA 72V127000 Reported May 22, 1972 1,410 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1970, 1971

34. Linkages (steering)

    NHTSA 72V041000 Reported February 14, 1972 538 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1970, 1971

35. Carburetor system (fuel system)

    NHTSA 71V179000 Reported October 13, 1971 15,002 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971

36. Electrical heating element (visibility)

    NHTSA 69V109000 Reported August 13, 1969 87 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1969

37. Brake lights (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 69V088000 Reported June 27, 1969 4,212 vehicles potentially affected MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED

    Model years: 1968, 1969

Other Mack models

• Mack28 complaints
• Anthem (an)12 complaints
• Granite (gr)9 complaints
• CXU6127 complaints
• Ch6 complaints
• Gu6 complaints
• CH6005 complaints
• Cxu5 complaints

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.