1978 Mack RL Recalls, Complaints & Specs
5 safety recalls list the 1978 Mack RL. Check your own VIN below.
5 safety recalls for the 1978 Mack RL
Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.
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Engine (engine and engine cooling)
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.
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Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)
In the involved trucks it is possible the adjustable steering column rear mounting bracket could fail, allowing steering wheel assembly to fall down onto the operator"s lap.
Remedy: Dealer will install an additional bracket in this area to prevent the steering wheel from dislocating in the event of a bracket failure.
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Electrical system: wiring
A short circuit could occur due to chafing or wire disconnection in the box.
Remedy: The wiring in the sleeper box will be corrected, free of charge.
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Interconnecting assembly(wiring) (service brakes)
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.
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Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)
A design deficiency exists in the air dryer piping in the area of the pressure relief valve and compressor governor control link. Moisture is passed and builds up in this relief valve and control line. In freezing ambient temperatures, this moisture may freeze, allowing the chassis air system pressure to exceed 150 PSI. Excessive air…
Remedy: The dealer will relocate the air system compressor governor line and pressure relief valve to eliminate moisture accumulation.
No owner complaints on file
NHTSA has no owner complaints on file for the 1978 Mack RL. For context, the average model year in NHTSA's database has dozens; a zero can mean a reliable vehicle, a rare one, or both.
Compare Mack RL model years
Recall and complaint counts for every Mack RL model year in NHTSA's database.
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1966 Mack RL | 1 | 0 |
| 1967 Mack RL | 1 | 0 |
| 1968 Mack RL | 3 | 0 |
| 1969 Mack RL | 4 | 0 |
| 1970 Mack RL | 5 | 0 |
| 1971 Mack RL | 8 | 0 |
| 1972 Mack RL | 5 | 0 |
| 1973 Mack RL | 3 | 0 |
| 1974 Mack RL | 8 | 0 |
| 1975 Mack RL | 8 | 0 |
| 1976 Mack RL | 5 | 0 |
| 1977 Mack RL | 8 | 0 |
| 1978 Mack RL | 5 | 0 |
| 1979 Mack RL | 3 | 0 |
Checking a specific 1978 Mack RL
How do I know if my 1978 Mack RL has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 5 campaigns currently list the 1978 Mack RL; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Mack dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 78V030000).
What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?
A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.
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.