The Mack RB spans 1981–2008 with 32 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 RB is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2008 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mack RB VIN — every digit explained
Every Mack RB 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 RB.
- 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 RB, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Mack RB have?
The Mack RB has 32 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2008. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2005 Mack RB recalls 1
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 RB 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 RB recalls 1
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 RB recalls 2
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.
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.
2001 Mack RB recalls 3
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.
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.
2000 Mack RB recalls 3
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.
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.
1999 Mack RB recalls 2
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.
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.
1998 Mack RB 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.
1995 Mack RB 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 RB recalls 2
Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)
What's wrong. The steering gearbox mounting fasteners were not properly heat treated.
Risk. The fastener washers can crack, ultimately resulting in gearbox mounting assembly failure and loss of steering control.
Fix. Dealers will replace the suspect washers with new, improved washers.
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 RB 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.
Wheels
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 RB 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.
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.
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.
1991 Mack RB 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 RB 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 RB recalls 3
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.
Steering:gear Box:shaft Sector
What's wrong. Interference between steering gear sector shaft and the frame rail through hole can cause sector shaft wear and can weaken shaft cause it to break.
Risk. Shaft failure during vehicle operation would cause loss of steering control and a crash without prior warning.
Fix. Enlarge frame rail through hole to prevent interference: replace steering gear sector shaft if scored.
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 RB 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.
1987 Mack RB 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 RB
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mack RB — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Mack RB problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Mack RB — 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 RB specifications & dimensions
The 2008 Mack RB. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Mack RB window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Mack RB cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the RB 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 RB 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 RB get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Mack RB have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Mack RB cost to own?
A Mack RB 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 RB 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 RB 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 RB 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 RB safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the RB 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 RB last?
A well-maintained Mack RB 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 RB’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this RB’s VIN free →All Mack RB model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mack RB — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 RB | 0 | — | — |
| 2007 RB | 0 | — | — |
| 2006 RB | 0 | — | — |
| 2005 RB | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2004 RB | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2003 RB | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2002 RB | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2001 RB | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 2000 RB | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1999 RB | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1998 RB | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1997 RB | 0 | — | — |
| 1996 RB | 0 | — | — |
| 1995 RB | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1994 RB | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1993 RB | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1992 RB | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1991 RB | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1990 RB | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1989 RB | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1988 RB | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1987 RB | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1986 RB | 0 | — | — |
| 1985 RB | 0 | — | — |
| 1984 RB | 0 | — | — |
| 1983 RB | 0 | — | — |
| 1982 RB | 0 | — | — |
| 1981 RB | 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 RB?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mack RB.
How many recalls does the RB have?
32 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2008. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a RB last?
A well-maintained RB typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the RB reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the RB is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Mack RB 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 RB made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your RB'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 RB 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.