The Mack CL spans 1981–2009 with 49 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1998, 2008, 1999 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1983. 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 CL is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2009 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mack CL VIN — every digit explained
Every Mack CL 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 CL.
- 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 CL, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Mack CL have?
The Mack CL has 49 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2009. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2008 Mack CL recalls 1
Trailer Hitches:fifth Wheel Assembly
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with a saf holland simplex fifth wheel, the lever arm pivot bolt may have been over tightened. An over tightened pivot bolt can distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve, which may prevent the fifth wheel latch jaw from closing and latching securely around the trailer king pin.
Risk. There is a possibility that the pivot bolt can become loose without the driver's knowledge. When this occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the pivot bolt and sleeve with a hex head shoulder bolt and washer free of charge. The recall began on january 28, 2008. Owners may contact mack trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
2007 Mack CL recalls 3
Service Brakes, Air
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with a legris air manifold, the brass push-to-connect cartridge may unexpectedly separate from the plastic housing.
Risk. If the push-to-connect cartridge that supplies the air to the park brake chambers were to separate, then the brakes could unexpectedly apply increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the air manifold free of charge. The recall began on september 27, 2006. Owners may contact mack trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Trailer Hitches:fifth Wheel Assembly
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with a saf holland simplex fifth wheel, the lever arm pivot bolt may have been over tightened. An over tightened pivot bolt can distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve, which may prevent the fifth wheel latch jaw from closing and latching securely around the trailer king pin.
Risk. There is a possibility that the pivot bolt can become loose without the driver's knowledge. When this occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the pivot bolt and sleeve with a hex head shoulder bolt and washer free of charge. The recall began on january 28, 2008. Owners may contact mack trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
Suspension
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with a 46k pound chalmers rear suspension, the adjustable torque rods used on the suspension may be brittle.
Risk. This may lead to a premature failure of the rod, which may result in a loss of control of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and repair the rods as required free of charge. The recall began on march 14, 2007. Owners may contact mack trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
2006 Mack CL recalls 2
Steering
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks, the bolts that attach the steering gear to the frame may not be tightened properly.
Risk. This may affect the performance of the steering which may result in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Dealers will check the torque on the bolts that attach the steering gear to the frame and tighten the bolts properly. The recall began august 18, 2005. Owners may contact mack at 1-800-528-6586.
Trailer Hitches:fifth Wheel Assembly
What's wrong. On certain trucks equipped with a saf holland simplex fifth wheel, the lever arm pivot bolt may have been over tightened. An over tightened pivot bolt can distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve, which may prevent the fifth wheel latch jaw from closing and latching securely around the trailer king pin.
Risk. There is a possibility that the pivot bolt can become loose without the driver's knowledge. When this occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the pivot bolt and sleeve with a hex head shoulder bolt and washer free of charge. The recall began on january 28, 2008. Owners may contact mack trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
2005 Mack CL recalls 2
Suspension
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks equipped with holland air suspension systems, a transverse beam casting may fracture under normal loads. If a casting breaks when the vehicle is traveling on a roadway there is the potential for pieces of the casting to become projectiles and the suspension's transverse beam may drop down low enough to contact the road surface.
Risk. This will cause sparks that could potentially ignite and cause a fire.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the defective transverse beam assemblies. The recall began on august 19, 2005. Owners may contact mack trucks at 610-709-2131.
Power Train:axle Assembly
What's wrong. Mack is recalling 10,300 model year 2004 and 2005 cl, cv, dm, le, and rb and model year 2004 rd heavy trucks manufactured from october 1, 2003 through september 30, 2004, equipped with axle beams manufactured by bharat forge. The axle beam may have transverse shear lines on the bottom of the axle from the trimming process.
Risk. These lines, if present, can promote initiation of cracks, which over time may possibly lead to axle beam failure and a vehicle crash can occur.
Fix. Mack will notify owners, inspect and replace any affected axle beams free of charge. The safety recall began on august 14, 2009. Owners may contact mack at 1-800-866-1177.
2004 Mack CL recalls 2
Power Train:axle Assembly
What's wrong. Mack trucks is recalling certain model year 2002 through 2004 cl, cv, le, mr, rb, rd, and model year 2003 through 2004 dm heavy trucks manufactured from february 1, 2002 through september 30, 2003, equipped with axle beams manufactured by bharat forge. The axle beam may have transverse shear lines on the bottom of the axle from the trimming process.
Risk. These lines, if present, can promote initiation of cracks, which over time may possibly lead to axle beam failure and a vehicle crash can occur.
Fix. Mack will notify owners, inspect and replace any affected axle beams free of charge. The safety recall began on march 5, 2010. Owners may contact mack at 1-800-866-1177.
Power Train:axle Assembly
What's wrong. Mack is recalling 10,300 model year 2004 and 2005 cl, cv, dm, le, and rb and model year 2004 rd heavy trucks manufactured from october 1, 2003 through september 30, 2004, equipped with axle beams manufactured by bharat forge. The axle beam may have transverse shear lines on the bottom of the axle from the trimming process.
Risk. These lines, if present, can promote initiation of cracks, which over time may possibly lead to axle beam failure and a vehicle crash can occur.
Fix. Mack will notify owners, inspect and replace any affected axle beams free of charge. The safety recall began on august 14, 2009. Owners may contact mack at 1-800-866-1177.
2003 Mack CL recalls 2
Service Brakes, Air:supply:check Valve
What's wrong. Certain heavy duty vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air brake systems." improper seating of the check valve retainer in the brass fitting housing has occurred. It is possible for the air brake system pressure to push the check valve internal parts into the primary system reservoir and a vehicle operator would not know that this has happened.
Risk. In this condition, the vehicle would not meet the emergency requirements of the standard.
Fix. Dealers will replace the check valve. Owner notification began november 26, 2003. Owners should contact mack at 1-610-709-3337.
Power Train:axle Assembly
What's wrong. Mack trucks is recalling certain model year 2002 through 2004 cl, cv, le, mr, rb, rd, and model year 2003 through 2004 dm heavy trucks manufactured from february 1, 2002 through september 30, 2003, equipped with axle beams manufactured by bharat forge. The axle beam may have transverse shear lines on the bottom of the axle from the trimming process.
Risk. These lines, if present, can promote initiation of cracks, which over time may possibly lead to axle beam failure and a vehicle crash can occur.
Fix. Mack will notify owners, inspect and replace any affected axle beams free of charge. The safety recall began on march 5, 2010. Owners may contact mack at 1-800-866-1177.
2002 Mack CL recalls 3
Service Brakes, Air:drum
What's wrong. On certain class 8 chassis built with hendrickson lift axles which contained webb brake drums, the brake drums could experience premature crack of the braking surface resulting in reduction or complete loss of braking on that wheel end or loss of brake drum pieces.
Risk. Loss of braking ability could result in a vehicle crash, possibly causing injuries or death.
Fix. Webb wheel is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Webb will notify customers, inspect the brake drums and replace any drums that fail inspection. Owners should contact webb at 1-800-633-3256 or mack at 1-610-709-3337.
Power Train:axle Assembly
What's wrong. Mack trucks is recalling certain model year 2002 through 2004 cl, cv, le, mr, rb, rd, and model year 2003 through 2004 dm heavy trucks manufactured from february 1, 2002 through september 30, 2003, equipped with axle beams manufactured by bharat forge. The axle beam may have transverse shear lines on the bottom of the axle from the trimming process.
Risk. These lines, if present, can promote initiation of cracks, which over time may possibly lead to axle beam failure and a vehicle crash can occur.
Fix. Mack will notify owners, inspect and replace any affected axle beams free of charge. The safety recall began on march 5, 2010. Owners may contact mack at 1-800-866-1177.
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with dana spicer tandem drive axle models ds463, an undersized attachment weld may fracture without warning.
Risk. The loss of this attachment to the vehicle chassis can adversely affect vehicle handling or driver control.
Fix. The dealers will remove the suspect bracket, inspect the axle housing, and reweld the bracket to the axle housing. Owner notification began april 22, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 610-709-3337.
2001 Mack CL recalls 4
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump
What's wrong. Vehicle description: trucks equipped with e-tech engines. A condition exists on the auxiliary drive shaft of the e-tech engine that causes the loss of power steering on vehicles where the power steering pump is mounted off the front of the engine.
Risk. This could result in the loss of power steering.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the nut that holds the gear to the auxiliary drive shaft. Owner notification began march 22, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 1-610-709-3011.
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with dana spicer tandem drive axle models ds463, an undersized attachment weld may fracture without warning.
Risk. The loss of this attachment to the vehicle chassis can adversely affect vehicle handling or driver control.
Fix. The dealers will remove the suspect bracket, inspect the axle housing, and reweld the bracket to the axle housing. Owner notification began april 22, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 610-709-3337.
Service Brakes, Air:drum
What's wrong. On certain class 8 chassis built with hendrickson lift axles which contained webb brake drums, the brake drums could experience premature crack of the braking surface resulting in reduction or complete loss of braking on that wheel end or loss of brake drum pieces.
Risk. Loss of braking ability could result in a vehicle crash, possibly causing injuries or death.
Fix. Webb wheel is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. Webb will notify customers, inspect the brake drums and replace any drums that fail inspection. Owners should contact webb at 1-800-633-3256 or mack at 1-610-709-3337.
Service Brakes, Air:controls, Pedals And Linkages
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with certain meritor-wabco brake system two and four port relay valves. The valve may stick open when a high-pressure application is released.
Risk. When the valve sticks open, it can result in a total loss of air from either the service or the park brake system. The driver may lose braking ability under a service application, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace these valves. Owner notification began november 16, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 1-610-709-3011 or meritor wabco at 800-535-5560.
2000 Mack CL recalls 4
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with dana spicer tandem drive axle models ds463, an undersized attachment weld may fracture without warning.
Risk. The loss of this attachment to the vehicle chassis can adversely affect vehicle handling or driver control.
Fix. The dealers will remove the suspect bracket, inspect the axle housing, and reweld the bracket to the axle housing. Owner notification began april 22, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 610-709-3337.
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
What's wrong. On some heavy duty class 8 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor axle assemblies which may have been manufactured with trw model 20edl ball sockets, the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below specification case depth and/or hardness which can lead to premature wear out of the socket in some applications.
Risk. If this condition occurs, the driver can lose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the ball socket assemblies. This campaign will supersede nhtsa recall nos. 01v-140-005 (mack sc0270) and 00v-246-103 (mack sc0262). Owner notification began december 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 610-709-3337.
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
What's wrong. Vehicle description: class 8 trucks equipped with felsted electronic accelerator pedals. The return springs can break on the accelerator pedals that are equipped with stainless steel or electroplated wire return springs.
Risk. This condition could cause the pedal to go to full throttle if both return springs break, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Replacement accelerator pedals equipped with return springs manufactured of music wire with one additional coil on each spring and with an organic coating, eliminating electroplating will be installed.
Service Brakes, Air:controls, Pedals And Linkages
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with certain meritor-wabco brake system two and four port relay valves. The valve may stick open when a high-pressure application is released.
Risk. When the valve sticks open, it can result in a total loss of air from either the service or the park brake system. The driver may lose braking ability under a service application, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace these valves. Owner notification began november 16, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 1-610-709-3011 or meritor wabco at 800-535-5560.
1999 Mack CL recalls 6
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with trw tie rod ends on certain meritor axles. The tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness.
Risk. This can lead to premature wear with possible separation of the ball stud from the socket, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle.
Fix. Dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends.
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with tie rod assemblies containing 24-dl model ball sockets and manufactured by trw. Certain of the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below-specification case depth and/or hardness, which can lead to premature wear of the socket.
Risk. If this condition occurs, the driver can lose partial control of the right front wheel, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the defective tie rods. Owner notification began july 13, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 1-610-709-3011 or trw customer service at 1-866-280-3287.
Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection
What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with drag link assemblies containing 24-dl model ball sockets and manufactured by trw. Certain of the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below-specification case depth and/or hardness, which can lead to premature wear of the socket.
Risk. If this condition occurs, the driver can lose partial control of the right front wheel, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the defective drag links. Owner/distributor notification began august 30, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 1-610-709-3011 or trw customer service at 1-866-280-3287.
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with dana spicer tandem drive axle models ds463, an undersized attachment weld may fracture without warning.
Risk. The loss of this attachment to the vehicle chassis can adversely affect vehicle handling or driver control.
Fix. The dealers will remove the suspect bracket, inspect the axle housing, and reweld the bracket to the axle housing. Owner notification began april 22, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 610-709-3337.
Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
What's wrong. On some heavy duty class 8 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor axle assemblies which may have been manufactured with trw model 20edl ball sockets, the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below specification case depth and/or hardness which can lead to premature wear out of the socket in some applications.
Risk. If this condition occurs, the driver can lose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the ball socket assemblies. This campaign will supersede nhtsa recall nos. 01v-140-005 (mack sc0270) and 00v-246-103 (mack sc0262). Owner notification began december 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 610-709-3337.
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
What's wrong. Vehicle description: class 8 trucks equipped with felsted electronic accelerator pedals. The return springs can break on the accelerator pedals that are equipped with stainless steel or electroplated wire return springs.
Risk. This condition could cause the pedal to go to full throttle if both return springs break, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Replacement accelerator pedals equipped with return springs manufactured of music wire with one additional coil on each spring and with an organic coating, eliminating electroplating will be installed.
1998 Mack CL recalls 2
Suspension:front:wheel Bearing
What's wrong. Vehicle description: class 8 heavy duty truck chassis equipped with mack 16,000 lb., 18,000 lb., or 20,000 lb. Heavy duty steering axles. The inner wheel bearing cone for the steering axle wheel hub assembly does not properly fit onto the mack steering axle spindle assembly. Improper fit of the bearing to the spindle increases the stress levels to the steering axle spindle which could cause spindle failure.
Risk. If the spindle fails, a loss of driver control could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix. Dealers will remove the left and right hub/drum assemblies from the steering axles and replace the inner wheel bearing cones and cups.
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with dana spicer tandem drive axle models ds463, an undersized attachment weld may fracture without warning.
Risk. The loss of this attachment to the vehicle chassis can adversely affect vehicle handling or driver control.
Fix. The dealers will remove the suspect bracket, inspect the axle housing, and reweld the bracket to the axle housing. Owner notification began april 22, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 610-709-3337.
1997 Mack CL recalls 1
Steering:linkages:drag:link:connection
What's wrong. Vehicle description: class 8 heavy duty trucks. During assembly, insufficient torque occurred of the drag link to the axle steering arm connection. If the drag link to axle sttering arm connection is not torqued and the cotter pin is not installed, the nut could back off during vehicle operation.
Risk. If the nut backs off, there could be a loss of driver control.
Fix. Dealers will retorque the drag link to the axle steering arm connection.
1996 Mack CL recalls 1
Power Train:driveline:universal Joint
What's wrong. The u-joint bearing strap bolts were not properly tightened during assembly.
Risk. Insufficient torque can lead to a broken strap. If the strap breaks, the driveshaft would wobble, possibly resulting in separation. Such wobbling or separation would result in damage to other components of the vehicle and any loose fragment could fall to the roadway presenting a hazard to following vehicles.
Fix. Dealers will install a new u-joint bearing strap bolts.
1995 Mack CL recalls 1
Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Air system blockage in the air dryer occurs degrading the moisture removing capabilities of the dryer when the vehicle is operated in a cold environment and moisture accumulates and freezes in the air dryer or in the line between the dryer and the air system reservoir. The air dryer can become overpressurized causing the air dryer cartridge to separate from the mounting base.
Risk. If the air dryer separates from the base, the cartridge can separate sufficiently enough to cause personal injury or property damage.
Fix. Dealers will equip air systems with a pressure relief valve to be located between the compressor and the air dryer. This pressure relief valve is intended to vent if excessive pressure develops in the air dryer.
1994 Mack CL recalls 1
Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Air system blockage in the air dryer occurs degrading the moisture removing capabilities of the dryer when the vehicle is operated in a cold environment and moisture accumulates and freezes in the air dryer or in the line between the dryer and the air system reservoir. The air dryer can become overpressurized causing the air dryer cartridge to separate from the mounting base.
Risk. If the air dryer separates from the base, the cartridge can separate sufficiently enough to cause personal injury or property damage.
Fix. Dealers will equip air systems with a pressure relief valve to be located between the compressor and the air dryer. This pressure relief valve is intended to vent if excessive pressure develops in the air dryer.
1993 Mack CL recalls 2
Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Air system blockage in the air dryer occurs degrading the moisture removing capabilities of the dryer when the vehicle is operated in a cold environment and moisture accumulates and freezes in the air dryer or in the line between the dryer and the air system reservoir. The air dryer can become overpressurized causing the air dryer cartridge to separate from the mounting base.
Risk. If the air dryer separates from the base, the cartridge can separate sufficiently enough to cause personal injury or property damage.
Fix. Dealers will equip air systems with a pressure relief valve to be located between the compressor and the air dryer. This pressure relief valve is intended to vent if excessive pressure develops in the air dryer.
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. The carrier yoke bolts were manufactured with worn rolling thread dies, causing stress concentrations which caused cracks during the quenching process.
Risk. This condition can cause bolt failure and allow thedriveline to separate from the carrier assembly.
Fix. Replace the carrier yoke bolts.
1992 Mack CL recalls 3
Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Air system blockage in the air dryer occurs degrading the moisture removing capabilities of the dryer when the vehicle is operated in a cold environment and moisture accumulates and freezes in the air dryer or in the line between the dryer and the air system reservoir. The air dryer can become overpressurized causing the air dryer cartridge to separate from the mounting base.
Risk. If the air dryer separates from the base, the cartridge can separate sufficiently enough to cause personal injury or property damage.
Fix. Dealers will equip air systems with a pressure relief valve to be located between the compressor and the air dryer. This pressure relief valve is intended to vent if excessive pressure develops in the air dryer.
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. The carrier yoke bolts were manufactured with worn rolling thread dies, causing stress concentrations which caused cracks during the quenching process.
Risk. This condition can cause bolt failure and allow thedriveline to separate from the carrier assembly.
Fix. Replace the carrier yoke bolts.
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 CL recalls 2
Seat Belts:front:anchorage
What's wrong. Lap and shoulder seat belt arrangement for fixed (non-suspension) seats does not meet the seat belt loading requirements of fmvss 210. The inboard clinch nut in cab sill, where the buckle for the shoulder and lap belt is mounted, pulled out of the sill during the tests. Consequence of defect: if seat belt anchirage fails, the seat occupant faces an increased risk of injury in an accident or sudden stop.
Fix. Relocate the inboard seat belt mounting from top of the sill to the forward flange of the sill on the cab floor, and add a 3mm fillet weld around the 2 inboard clinch nuts.
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 CL recalls 2
Seat Belts:front:anchorage
What's wrong. Lap and shoulder seat belt arrangement for fixed (non-suspension) seats does not meet the seat belt loading requirements of fmvss 210. The inboard clinch nut in cab sill, where the buckle for the shoulder and lap belt is mounted, pulled out of the sill during the tests. Consequence of defect: if seat belt anchirage fails, the seat occupant faces an increased risk of injury in an accident or sudden stop.
Fix. Relocate the inboard seat belt mounting from top of the sill to the forward flange of the sill on the cab floor, and add a 3mm fillet weld around the 2 inboard clinch nuts.
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.
1989 Mack CL recalls 2
Seat Belts:front:anchorage
What's wrong. Lap and shoulder seat belt arrangement for fixed (non-suspension) seats does not meet the seat belt loading requirements of fmvss 210. The inboard clinch nut in cab sill, where the buckle for the shoulder and lap belt is mounted, pulled out of the sill during the tests. Consequence of defect: if seat belt anchirage fails, the seat occupant faces an increased risk of injury in an accident or sudden stop.
Fix. Relocate the inboard seat belt mounting from top of the sill to the forward flange of the sill on the cab floor, and add a 3mm fillet weld around the 2 inboard clinch nuts.
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.
1988 Mack CL recalls 2
Seat Belts:front:anchorage
What's wrong. Lap and shoulder seat belt arrangement for fixed (non-suspension) seats does not meet the seat belt loading requirements of fmvss 210. The inboard clinch nut in cab sill, where the buckle for the shoulder and lap belt is mounted, pulled out of the sill during the tests. Consequence of defect: if seat belt anchirage fails, the seat occupant faces an increased risk of injury in an accident or sudden stop.
Fix. Relocate the inboard seat belt mounting from top of the sill to the forward flange of the sill on the cab floor, and add a 3mm fillet weld around the 2 inboard clinch nuts.
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.
1987 Mack CL 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.
Best and worst years for the Mack CL
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 29 tracked years, the worst years are 1998, 2008, 1999 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1983.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 CL | — | Best | |
| 1982 CL | — | Best | |
| 1983 CL | — | Best | |
| 1984 CL | — | Average | |
| 1985 CL | — | Average | |
| 1986 CL | — | Average | |
| 1987 CL | — | Average | |
| 1988 CL | — | Average | |
| 1989 CL | — | Average | |
| 1990 CL | — | Average | |
| 1991 CL | — | Average | |
| 1992 CL | — | Average | |
| 1993 CL | — | Average | |
| 1994 CL | — | Average | |
| 1995 CL | Service Brakes | Average | |
| 1996 CL | — | Average | |
| 1997 CL | — | Average | |
| 1998 CL | Wheels | Avoid | |
| 1999 CL | Structure | Avoid | |
| 2000 CL | — | Average | |
| 2001 CL | — | Average | |
| 2002 CL | — | Average | |
| 2003 CL | — | Average | |
| 2004 CL | — | Average | |
| 2005 CL | — | Average | |
| 2006 CL | — | Average | |
| 2007 CL | — | Average | |
| 2008 CL | — | Avoid | |
| 2009 CL | — | Average |
What are the most common Mack CL problems?
The most-reported Mack CL problems are Air (1 reports), Wheels (2 reports) and Equipment (1 reports) — out of 5 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Wheels 2 Read
Consumer who wrote this complaint, german sanchez po box 7264 caguas pr 00726 787-413-4631 or 787-745-0613, was parked on the side of the road in his 1993 mitsubishi mirage when the left rear wheel of mack truck came loose and hit the vehicle, sanchez sustained head trauma, injury to the right shoulder, lower back and emotional damages. *tt
Structure 1 Read
Bed serial 9906077, bed fell off truck due to welds breaking, $ 50000.00 damage. Vehicle leans towards driver side, dealer said just drive it until it flips over. *ak the lack of weld and poor penetration caused the two pieces of metal to separate and break apart causing the vehicle to flip. *yh
Equipment 1 Read
Bed serial 9906077, bed fell off truck due to welds breaking, $ 50000.00 damage. Vehicle leans towards driver side, dealer said just drive it until it flips over. *ak the lack of weld and poor penetration caused the two pieces of metal to separate and break apart causing the vehicle to flip. *yh
Service Brakes 1 Read
The brakes overheated to the point which caused the tires to explode or the valve stem to melt. Please give any further details. *ak
Air 1 Read
The brakes overheated to the point which caused the tires to explode or the valve stem to melt. Please give any further details. *ak
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Mack CL specifications & dimensions
The 2009 Mack CL. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Mack CL window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Mack CL cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the CL 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 CL 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 CL get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Mack CL have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Mack CL cost to own?
A Mack CL 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 CL 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 CL 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 CL 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 CL safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the CL yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
Tired of ads? Go Pro.
- Zero ads — clean, fast pages
- Exact mileage-adjusted car values
- Full research reports + PDF
- Market charts & price-drop alerts
- …and much more
How many miles does a Mack CL last?
A well-maintained Mack CL 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 3.5/5.
Check your Mack CL’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this CL’s VIN free →All Mack CL model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mack CL — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 CL | 0 | — | — |
| 2008 CL | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2007 CL | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2006 CL | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2005 CL | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2004 CL | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2003 CL | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2002 CL | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2001 CL | 4 recalls | — | — |
| 2000 CL | 4 recalls | — | — |
| 1999 CL | 6 recalls | — | — |
| 1998 CL | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1997 CL | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1996 CL | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1995 CL | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1994 CL | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1993 CL | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1992 CL | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1991 CL | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1990 CL | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1989 CL | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1988 CL | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1987 CL | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1986 CL | 0 | — | — |
| 1985 CL | 0 | — | — |
| 1984 CL | 0 | — | — |
| 1983 CL | 0 | — | — |
| 1982 CL | 0 | — | — |
| 1981 CL | 0 | — | — |
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 CL?
By owner-complaint volume, 1998, 2008, 1999 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1983 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the CL have?
49 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2009. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a CL last?
A well-maintained CL typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the CL reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the CL is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Mack CL 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 CL made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your CL'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 CL 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.