DM

Mack DM — MPG, VIN Decoder, Recalls, Reliability & Specs

Everything on the Mack DM — 32 recalls, common problems, the best & worst years, full specs, MPG and NHTSA safety, by model year.

Data · NHTSA & EPA · 1981–2008 · 28 model years · Updated Jul 17, 2026 · 3.5 ★★★★★★★★★★ ForCar Score
Quick answer

The Mack DM spans 1981–2008 with 32 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2006, 2008, 2007 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1983. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.

Advertisement
1981–2008
Years
32
Recalls
Top MPG
—★
NHTSA
1
Complaints
FIG.01
3.5/5
★★★★★★★★★★
ForCar Reliability Score
Our editorial rating · 28 model years
Mack DM
Safety (NHTSA)3.5
Recall record4.6
Complaint severity3.0

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 DM is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2008 across multiple generations.

Advertisement

How to read a Mack DM VIN — every digit explained

Every Mack DM 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.

FIG.02
1–3 · WMI1M1
4–8 · VDSCM826
9 · Check5
10 · YearR
11 · PlantA
12–17 · Serial004352
  • 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 DM.
  • Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Real Mack WMIs — the first 3 VIN digits by build country
  • USA1M1
  • Canada2M1
17 CHARS·SOURCE SAE / ISO 3779 · NHTSA vPIC

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 DM, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.

How many recalls does the Mack DM have?

The Mack DM has 32 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2008. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.

2006 Mack DM recalls 1

Steering:linkages:arm:idler And Attachment05V349000

What's wrong. On certain trucks, the bolt that attaches the pitman arm to the steering gear may not be tightened properly.

Risk. This may affect the performance of the steering, which may result in a crash.

Fix. Dealers will check the torque on the bolt that attaches the pitman arm to steering gear and tighten the bolt properly. The recall beagn august 18, 2005. Owners contact mack at 1-800-2528-6586.

2005 Mack DM recalls 1

Power Train:axle Assembly09V240000

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 DM recalls 4

Service Brakes, Air:disc:chamber04V118000

What's wrong. Certain trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air brake systems." the front brake chamber on some 18,000 lb. And 20,000 lb front axle assemblies is too small to meet stopping distance requirements.

Risk. This could cause the stopping distance to be increased, which could result in a crash.

Fix. Dealers will replace the front brake chambers. The recall began april 21, 2004. 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 1-610-709-3337.

Steering05V118000

What's wrong. On certain heavy-duty, class 8 trucks, the lower and upper steering shaft pinch bolts were improperly tightened.

Risk. As a result of this condition, the steering shaft could possibly come loose which could lead to a sudden loss of vehicle control, which could result in a crash.

Fix. Dealers will inspect the torque at the suspect joints, and correct if necessary free of charge. The recall began on may 5, 2005. Owners may contact mack at 1-610-709-2131.

Power Train:axle Assembly10V069000

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 Assembly09V240000

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 DM recalls 2

Service Brakes, Air:disc:chamber04V118000

What's wrong. Certain trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air brake systems." the front brake chamber on some 18,000 lb. And 20,000 lb front axle assemblies is too small to meet stopping distance requirements.

Risk. This could cause the stopping distance to be increased, which could result in a crash.

Fix. Dealers will replace the front brake chambers. The recall began april 21, 2004. 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 1-610-709-3337.

Power Train:axle Assembly10V069000

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 DM recalls 1

Service Brakes, Air:drum04V258000

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.

2001 Mack DM recalls 2

Service Brakes, Air:drum04V258000

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 Linkages01V189004

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 DM recalls 3

Service Brakes, Air:antilock00V232009

What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks built with bendix air abs with an ec-17 1030r electronic control unit (ecu), there have been reports of unwanted abs activation at low speeds caused by 1) chafed abs wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or 2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of erratic sensor signal.

Risk. This condition could cause the abs ecu to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels. This could result in extended braking distances and a possible crash.

Fix. Dealers will replace the abs ecu.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal00V230003

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 Linkages01V189004

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 DM recalls 2

Service Brakes, Air:antilock00V232009

What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks built with bendix air abs with an ec-17 1030r electronic control unit (ecu), there have been reports of unwanted abs activation at low speeds caused by 1) chafed abs wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or 2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of erratic sensor signal.

Risk. This condition could cause the abs ecu to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels. This could result in extended braking distances and a possible crash.

Fix. Dealers will replace the abs ecu.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal00V230003

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 DM recalls 2

Suspension:front:wheel Bearing99V014001

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.

Service Brakes, Air:antilock00V232009

What's wrong. Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks built with bendix air abs with an ec-17 1030r electronic control unit (ecu), there have been reports of unwanted abs activation at low speeds caused by 1) chafed abs wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or 2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of erratic sensor signal.

Risk. This condition could cause the abs ecu to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels. This could result in extended braking distances and a possible crash.

Fix. Dealers will replace the abs ecu.

1995 Mack DM recalls 1

Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings95E003010

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 DM recalls 1

Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings95E003010

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 DM recalls 3

Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings95E003010

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 Hitches93V024000

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.

Wheels95E017001

What's wrong. These wheels are composed of 2 pieces - a disc and a rim which are normally welded together. These wheels lack the specified fillet welds.

Risk. If wheel separation occurs while the vehicle is inmotion, both steering and braking could be affected resulting in a vehiclecrash.

Fix. Dealers will inspect the manufacturing codes stamped on each wheel and if a wheel falls within the specified date code range, the dealer will replace that wheel.

1992 Mack DM recalls 3

Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings95E003010

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 Hitches93V024000

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 Control94V032000

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 DM recalls 1

Vehicle Speed Control94V032000

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 DM recalls 1

Vehicle Speed Control94V032000

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 DM recalls 2

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages90V051000

What's wrong. 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.

Risk. Wiper failure during vehicle operation could reduce driver's ability to see the road, and creates a potential for an accident.

Fix. Replace left hand control arm linkage assembly.

Vehicle Speed Control94V032000

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 DM recalls 1

Vehicle Speed Control94V032000

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 DM recalls 1

Vehicle Speed Control94V032000

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.

Advertisement

Best and worst years for the Mack DM

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 28 tracked years, the worst years are 2006, 2008, 2007 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1983.

ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.

FIG.03
YearOwner complaintsTop issueVerdict
1981 DM0Best
1982 DM0Best
1983 DM0Best
1984 DM0Average
1985 DM0Average
1986 DM0Average
1987 DM0Average
1988 DM0Average
1989 DM0Average
1990 DM0Average
1991 DM0Average
1992 DM0Average
1993 DM0Average
1994 DM0Average
1995 DM0Average
1996 DM0Average
1997 DM0Average
1998 DM0Average
1999 DM0Average
2000 DM0Average
2001 DM0Average
2002 DM0Average
2003 DM0Average
2004 DM0Average
2005 DM0Average
2006 DM1Avoid
2007 DM0Avoid
2008 DM0Avoid
ROWS 28·SOURCE NHTSA + ForCar
Advertisement

What are the most common Mack DM problems?

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Mack DM — 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 DM specifications & dimensions

The 2008 Mack DM. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Mack DM window sticker.

Specs cache warming…

Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.

Advertisement

Mack DM cargo space, seating & interior room

How much the DM 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 DM 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.

Wheels & tires
Wheel sizeby VIN
Tire sizeby VIN
Bolt patternby trim
Tire pressure32–36 PSI
Engine oil
Oil typeFull synthetic
Gradeon oil cap
Capacityby engine
Battery
Main battery12V · group by trim
Key-fob cellCR2032
Wiper blades
Front bladesby generation
Rear bladeif equipped
Fuses
Fuse boxeshood + dash
Diagramon box lid
Light bulbs
Headlightby trim
Tail / brakeby trim
Fogif equipped

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.

Advertisement

What MPG does the Mack DM get?

MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.

What engines does the Mack DM have? Power & range

Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.

Advertisement

How much does a Mack DM cost to own?

A Mack DM 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 DM 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.

84%
Value @ 1 yr
68%
Value @ 3 yrs
56%
Value @ 5 yrs
Est. 5-yr fuel
FIG.06
$
AgeValue retainedEst. resale valueLost to depreciation
Year 184%$25,200−$4,800
Year 276%$22,800−$7,200
Year 368%$20,400−$9,600
Year 461%$18,300−$11,700
Year 556%$16,800−$13,200
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar estimate

What goes into the five-year cost to own:

  • Depreciation — the biggest cost: this DM 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 DM 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 DM safe?

NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the DM yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.

Upgrade to Pro

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
Free plan available — no credit card needed
Advertisement

How many miles does a Mack DM last?

A well-maintained Mack DM 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.

DM

Check your Mack DM’s VIN — history, recalls & specs

Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.

Check this DM’s VIN free →

All Mack DM model years

A year-by-year snapshot of the Mack DM — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.

FIG.09
YearRecallsBest MPGSafety
2008 DM0
2007 DM0
2006 DM1 recall
2005 DM1 recall
2004 DM4 recalls
2003 DM2 recalls
2002 DM1 recall
2001 DM2 recalls
2000 DM3 recalls
1999 DM2 recalls
1998 DM2 recalls
1997 DM0
1996 DM0
1995 DM1 recall
1994 DM1 recall
1993 DM3 recalls
1992 DM3 recalls
1991 DM1 recall
1990 DM1 recall
1989 DM2 recalls
1988 DM1 recall
1987 DM1 recall
1986 DM0
1985 DM0
1984 DM0
1983 DM0
1982 DM0
1981 DM0
ROWS 28·SOURCE NHTSA + EPA

Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).

Advertisement

Frequently asked questions

What are the worst years for the DM?

By owner-complaint volume, 2006, 2008, 2007 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1983 have the cleanest records.

How many recalls does the DM have?

32 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2008. Always check open recalls by your VIN.

How many miles does a DM last?

A well-maintained DM typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Is the DM reliable?

Our ForCar Reliability Score for the DM is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.

What's the Mack DM 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 DM made?

The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your DM'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 DM 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.

Data sourced from NHTSA (recalls, complaints, safety ratings) and EPA fueleconomy.gov (MPG). Best/worst-year analysis is ForCar's own aggregation of complaint volume. Last updated Jul 2026. — ForCar Editorial Reviewed by Denis Kataev, founder of ForCar.
Advertisement