The Mack DMM spans 1981–2005 with 19 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 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 DMM is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2005 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mack DMM VIN — every digit explained
Every Mack DMM 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 DMM.
- 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 DMM, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Mack DMM have?
The Mack DMM has 19 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2005. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2003 Mack DMM recalls 1
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.
2001 Mack DMM recalls 2
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.
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 DMM recalls 1
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.
1992 Mack DMM 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 DMM 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 DMM 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.
1989 Mack DMM recalls 2
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages
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 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 DMM recalls 2
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Crack may develop on steering arm that could progress and reduce the fatigue life of the steering arm.
Risk. Steering arm could fail without warning resulting in loss of steering control and possibly a crash.
Fix. Install a redesigned steering arm.
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 DMM recalls 2
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Crack may develop on steering arm that could progress and reduce the fatigue life of the steering arm.
Risk. Steering arm could fail without warning resulting in loss of steering control and possibly a crash.
Fix. Install a redesigned steering arm.
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.
1986 Mack DMM recalls 1
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Crack may develop on steering arm that could progress and reduce the fatigue life of the steering arm.
Risk. Steering arm could fail without warning resulting in loss of steering control and possibly a crash.
Fix. Install a redesigned steering arm.
1985 Mack DMM recalls 1
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Crack may develop on steering arm that could progress and reduce the fatigue life of the steering arm.
Risk. Steering arm could fail without warning resulting in loss of steering control and possibly a crash.
Fix. Install a redesigned steering arm.
1984 Mack DMM recalls 1
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Crack may develop on steering arm that could progress and reduce the fatigue life of the steering arm.
Risk. Steering arm could fail without warning resulting in loss of steering control and possibly a crash.
Fix. Install a redesigned steering arm.
1983 Mack DMM recalls 1
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Crack may develop on steering arm that could progress and reduce the fatigue life of the steering arm.
Risk. Steering arm could fail without warning resulting in loss of steering control and possibly a crash.
Fix. Install a redesigned steering arm.
1982 Mack DMM recalls 1
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Crack may develop on steering arm that could progress and reduce the fatigue life of the steering arm.
Risk. Steering arm could fail without warning resulting in loss of steering control and possibly a crash.
Fix. Install a redesigned steering arm.
1981 Mack DMM recalls 1
Steering:linkages
What's wrong. Crack may develop on steering arm that could progress and reduce the fatigue life of the steering arm.
Risk. Steering arm could fail without warning resulting in loss of steering control and possibly a crash.
Fix. Install a redesigned steering arm.
Best and worst years for the Mack DMM
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mack DMM — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Mack DMM problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Mack DMM — 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 DMM specifications & dimensions
The 2005 Mack DMM. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Mack DMM window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Mack DMM cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the DMM 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 DMM 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 DMM get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Mack DMM have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Mack DMM cost to own?
A Mack DMM 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 DMM 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 DMM 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 DMM 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 DMM safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the DMM yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Mack DMM last?
A well-maintained Mack DMM 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 4.5/5.
Check your Mack DMM’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this DMM’s VIN free →All Mack DMM model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mack DMM — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 DMM | 0 | — | — |
| 2004 DMM | 0 | — | — |
| 2003 DMM | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2002 DMM | 0 | — | — |
| 2001 DMM | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2000 DMM | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1999 DMM | 0 | — | — |
| 1998 DMM | 0 | — | — |
| 1997 DMM | 0 | — | — |
| 1996 DMM | 0 | — | — |
| 1995 DMM | 0 | — | — |
| 1994 DMM | 0 | — | — |
| 1993 DMM | 0 | — | — |
| 1992 DMM | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1991 DMM | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1990 DMM | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1989 DMM | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1988 DMM | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1987 DMM | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1986 DMM | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1985 DMM | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1984 DMM | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1983 DMM | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1982 DMM | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1981 DMM | 1 recall | — | — |
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 DMM?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mack DMM.
How many recalls does the DMM have?
19 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2005. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a DMM last?
A well-maintained DMM typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the DMM reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the DMM is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Mack DMM 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 DMM made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your DMM'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 DMM 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.