The Mack CF spans 1981–1994 with 38 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Mack CF is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1994 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mack CF VIN — every digit explained
Every Mack CF carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Mack and the country it was built in (real Mack codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this CF.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA1M1
- Canada2M1
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your CF, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Mack CF have?
The Mack CF has 38 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1994. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1992 Mack CF recalls 1
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the event the primary throttle return fails, failure of the secondary throttle return system would not provide protection against loss of throttle control.
Fix. A new production secondary throttle return system configuration will be installed.
1991 Mack CF recalls 1
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the event the primary throttle return fails, failure of the secondary throttle return system would not provide protection against loss of throttle control.
Fix. A new production secondary throttle return system configuration will be installed.
1990 Mack CF recalls 2
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the event the primary throttle return fails, failure of the secondary throttle return system would not provide protection against loss of throttle control.
Fix. A new production secondary throttle return system configuration will be installed.
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Stresses imposed on the lever during turning maneuvers and/or impact incidents, such as would be caused by curbs or road surface irregularity, reduce the life expectancy of the part. The steering lever may crack and eventually the stresses could cause the steering lever to break.
Risk. A broken steering lever will cause loss of steeringcontrol without prior warning which may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace the defective steering arms.
1989 Mack CF recalls 4
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System
What's wrong. Incorrect manufacture of the hydroboost cylinder allows the ball socket clamp to contact right side steering lever on an extreme left turn and cause flexing of the cylinder rod .
Risk. This flexing can cause seal failure or cylinder failureof the hydroboost unit and result in loss of steering control and result in avehicle accident.
Fix. Replace incorrectly built boost cylinders.
Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Air piping is installed in a way that could cause front brake hoses to rub against the brake chamber.
Risk. This could eventually result in brake hose failure. Increasing the stopping distance, which could result in an accident.
Fix. Repair in a manner to prevent front brake hose from rubbing against the brake chamber.
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the event the primary throttle return fails, failure of the secondary throttle return system would not provide protection against loss of throttle control.
Fix. A new production secondary throttle return system configuration will be installed.
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Stresses imposed on the lever during turning maneuvers and/or impact incidents, such as would be caused by curbs or road surface irregularity, reduce the life expectancy of the part. The steering lever may crack and eventually the stresses could cause the steering lever to break.
Risk. A broken steering lever will cause loss of steeringcontrol without prior warning which may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace the defective steering arms.
1988 Mack CF recalls 5
Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)
What's wrong. Welding deficiencies can cause two-piece steering gear mounting bracket to progressively separate.
Risk. This could result in loss of steering control, withoutprior warning, and a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace steering gear mounting brackets with properly welded brackets.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System
What's wrong. Incorrect manufacture of the hydroboost cylinder allows the ball socket clamp to contact right side steering lever on an extreme left turn and cause flexing of the cylinder rod .
Risk. This flexing can cause seal failure or cylinder failureof the hydroboost unit and result in loss of steering control and result in avehicle accident.
Fix. Replace incorrectly built boost cylinders.
Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Air piping is installed in a way that could cause front brake hoses to rub against the brake chamber.
Risk. This could eventually result in brake hose failure. Increasing the stopping distance, which could result in an accident.
Fix. Repair in a manner to prevent front brake hose from rubbing against the brake chamber.
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the event the primary throttle return fails, failure of the secondary throttle return system would not provide protection against loss of throttle control.
Fix. A new production secondary throttle return system configuration will be installed.
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Stresses imposed on the lever during turning maneuvers and/or impact incidents, such as would be caused by curbs or road surface irregularity, reduce the life expectancy of the part. The steering lever may crack and eventually the stresses could cause the steering lever to break.
Risk. A broken steering lever will cause loss of steeringcontrol without prior warning which may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace the defective steering arms.
1987 Mack CF recalls 5
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Cross steering levers may be improperly heat treated and subject to fail during normal operation.
Risk. Such failure could cause loss of truck control withoutprior warning and result in a crash.
Fix. Install new, properly heat treated steering lever.
Wheels
What's wrong. Fasteners that hold the rear wheel to the hub and drum assembly may be improperly torqued.
Risk. An undertorqued fastener will loosen up and can result inwheel separation, loss of control, and an accident.
Fix. Properly torque rear wheel space fasteners.
Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)
What's wrong. Welding deficiencies can cause two-piece steering gear mounting bracket to progressively separate.
Risk. This could result in loss of steering control, withoutprior warning, and a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace steering gear mounting brackets with properly welded brackets.
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the event the primary throttle return fails, failure of the secondary throttle return system would not provide protection against loss of throttle control.
Fix. A new production secondary throttle return system configuration will be installed.
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Stresses imposed on the lever during turning maneuvers and/or impact incidents, such as would be caused by curbs or road surface irregularity, reduce the life expectancy of the part. The steering lever may crack and eventually the stresses could cause the steering lever to break.
Risk. A broken steering lever will cause loss of steeringcontrol without prior warning which may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace the defective steering arms.
1986 Mack CF recalls 3
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
What's wrong. An incorrect steering shaft retaining nut is installed on the shaft and can loosen causing steering play. Consequence of defects: if nut is not replaced, steering wheel disengagement could occur causing loss of steering control and possibly a vehicle crash.
Fix. Install proper nut to ensure steering wheel retention.
Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)
What's wrong. Welding deficiencies can cause two-piece steering gear mounting bracket to progressively separate.
Risk. This could result in loss of steering control, withoutprior warning, and a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace steering gear mounting brackets with properly welded brackets.
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Stresses imposed on the lever during turning maneuvers and/or impact incidents, such as would be caused by curbs or road surface irregularity, reduce the life expectancy of the part. The steering lever may crack and eventually the stresses could cause the steering lever to break.
Risk. A broken steering lever will cause loss of steeringcontrol without prior warning which may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace the defective steering arms.
1985 Mack CF recalls 4
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
What's wrong. An incorrect steering shaft retaining nut is installed on the shaft and can loosen causing steering play. Consequence of defects: if nut is not replaced, steering wheel disengagement could occur causing loss of steering control and possibly a vehicle crash.
Fix. Install proper nut to ensure steering wheel retention.
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
What's wrong. The splined steering shaft may not be sufficiently engaged as designed due to inaccurate drilling of the holes in the frame to which the cab front mount member is bolted. Under certain conditions the steering shaft may disengage. Consequence of defect: a jarring impact might cause disengament of the splined shaft resulting in loss of steering control and possibly an accident.
Fix. Replace shafts which measure under the minimum engagement dimensions with longer shaft.
Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)
What's wrong. Welding deficiencies can cause two-piece steering gear mounting bracket to progressively separate.
Risk. This could result in loss of steering control, withoutprior warning, and a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace steering gear mounting brackets with properly welded brackets.
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Stresses imposed on the lever during turning maneuvers and/or impact incidents, such as would be caused by curbs or road surface irregularity, reduce the life expectancy of the part. The steering lever may crack and eventually the stresses could cause the steering lever to break.
Risk. A broken steering lever will cause loss of steeringcontrol without prior warning which may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace the defective steering arms.
1984 Mack CF recalls 3
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
What's wrong. An incorrect steering shaft retaining nut is installed on the shaft and can loosen causing steering play. Consequence of defects: if nut is not replaced, steering wheel disengagement could occur causing loss of steering control and possibly a vehicle crash.
Fix. Install proper nut to ensure steering wheel retention.
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
What's wrong. The splined steering shaft may not be sufficiently engaged as designed due to inaccurate drilling of the holes in the frame to which the cab front mount member is bolted. Under certain conditions the steering shaft may disengage. Consequence of defect: a jarring impact might cause disengament of the splined shaft resulting in loss of steering control and possibly an accident.
Fix. Replace shafts which measure under the minimum engagement dimensions with longer shaft.
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Stresses imposed on the lever during turning maneuvers and/or impact incidents, such as would be caused by curbs or road surface irregularity, reduce the life expectancy of the part. The steering lever may crack and eventually the stresses could cause the steering lever to break.
Risk. A broken steering lever will cause loss of steeringcontrol without prior warning which may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace the defective steering arms.
1983 Mack CF recalls 2
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
What's wrong. The splined steering shaft may not be sufficiently engaged as designed due to inaccurate drilling of the holes in the frame to which the cab front mount member is bolted. Under certain conditions the steering shaft may disengage. Consequence of defect: a jarring impact might cause disengament of the splined shaft resulting in loss of steering control and possibly an accident.
Fix. Replace shafts which measure under the minimum engagement dimensions with longer shaft.
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Stresses imposed on the lever during turning maneuvers and/or impact incidents, such as would be caused by curbs or road surface irregularity, reduce the life expectancy of the part. The steering lever may crack and eventually the stresses could cause the steering lever to break.
Risk. A broken steering lever will cause loss of steeringcontrol without prior warning which may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace the defective steering arms.
1982 Mack CF recalls 3
Suspension:rear:springs:leaf Spring Assembly
What's wrong. Spring seat can deform, which causes a decrease in the clamping force in the suspension assembly. Loss of clamping force may bring about axle misalignment or axle housing failure.
Fix. The axle housing will be inspected and replaced, if necessary. The spring seats will also be replaced.
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
What's wrong. The splined steering shaft may not be sufficiently engaged as designed due to inaccurate drilling of the holes in the frame to which the cab front mount member is bolted. Under certain conditions the steering shaft may disengage. Consequence of defect: a jarring impact might cause disengament of the splined shaft resulting in loss of steering control and possibly an accident.
Fix. Replace shafts which measure under the minimum engagement dimensions with longer shaft.
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Stresses imposed on the lever during turning maneuvers and/or impact incidents, such as would be caused by curbs or road surface irregularity, reduce the life expectancy of the part. The steering lever may crack and eventually the stresses could cause the steering lever to break.
Risk. A broken steering lever will cause loss of steeringcontrol without prior warning which may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace the defective steering arms.
1981 Mack CF recalls 5
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
What's wrong. On the involved vehicles the floorboard opening and the steering column seal bracket do not have sufficient clearance to allow the shaft to turn freely. This causes the pinch bolt to bind or lock against the seal bracket.
Fix. The hole in the floorboard will be enlarged to allow sufficient clearance of the steering column u-joint pinch bolt, and a new bracket and lamp will be installed at no charge to owner.
Suspension:rear:springs:leaf Spring Assembly
What's wrong. Spring seat can deform, which causes a decrease in the clamping force in the suspension assembly. Loss of clamping force may bring about axle misalignment or axle housing failure.
Fix. The axle housing will be inspected and replaced, if necessary. The spring seats will also be replaced.
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
What's wrong. The floorboard opening and the steering column seal bracket may not allow sufficient clearance for the shaft to turn freely in the center of the bracket/seal. The pinch bolt in the column yoke may bind or lock the column against the bracket, allowing little or no wheel return.
Fix. Dealer will enlarge the hole in the floorboard to provide clearance for the steering column u-joint pinch bolt. A new bracket and clamp will also be installed without charge to owner.
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
What's wrong. The splined steering shaft may not be sufficiently engaged as designed due to inaccurate drilling of the holes in the frame to which the cab front mount member is bolted. Under certain conditions the steering shaft may disengage. Consequence of defect: a jarring impact might cause disengament of the splined shaft resulting in loss of steering control and possibly an accident.
Fix. Replace shafts which measure under the minimum engagement dimensions with longer shaft.
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Stresses imposed on the lever during turning maneuvers and/or impact incidents, such as would be caused by curbs or road surface irregularity, reduce the life expectancy of the part. The steering lever may crack and eventually the stresses could cause the steering lever to break.
Risk. A broken steering lever will cause loss of steeringcontrol without prior warning which may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Replace the defective steering arms.
Best and worst years for the Mack CF
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mack CF — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Mack CF problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Mack CF — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Mack CF specifications & dimensions
The 1994 Mack CF. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Mack CF window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Mack CF cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the CF holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Mack CF tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Mack CF get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Mack CF have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Mack CF cost to own?
A Mack CF holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used CF is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this CF loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the CF ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Mack CF safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the CF yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Mack CF last?
A well-maintained Mack CF typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Mack CF’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this CF’s VIN free →All Mack CF model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mack CF — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 CF | 0 | — | — |
| 1993 CF | 0 | — | — |
| 1992 CF | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1991 CF | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1990 CF | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1989 CF | 4 recalls | — | — |
| 1988 CF | 5 recalls | — | — |
| 1987 CF | 5 recalls | — | — |
| 1986 CF | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1985 CF | 4 recalls | — | — |
| 1984 CF | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1983 CF | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1982 CF | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1981 CF | 5 recalls | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the CF?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mack CF.
How many recalls does the CF have?
38 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1994. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a CF last?
A well-maintained CF typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the CF reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the CF is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Mack CF warranty?
New Mack models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Mack dealer.
Where is the Mack CF made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your CF's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Mack may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the CF have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.