The Mack RL spans 1981–1994 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Mack RL — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
Overview
The Mack RL is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1994 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mack RL VIN — every digit explained
Every Mack RL 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 RL.
- 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 RL, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Mack RL have?
The Mack RL has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1994. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Mack RL
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mack RL — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Mack RL problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Mack RL — 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 RL specifications & dimensions
The 1994 Mack RL. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Mack RL window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Mack RL cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the RL 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 RL 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 RL get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Mack RL have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Mack RL cost to own?
A Mack RL 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 RL 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 RL 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 RL 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 RL safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the RL yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Mack RL last?
A well-maintained Mack RL typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.
Check your Mack RL’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this RL’s VIN free →All Mack RL model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mack RL — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1993 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1992 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1991 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1990 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1989 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1988 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1987 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1986 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1985 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1984 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1983 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1982 RL | 0 | — | — |
| 1981 RL | 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 RL?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mack RL.
How many recalls does the RL have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1994. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a RL last?
A well-maintained RL typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the RL reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Mack RL — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the Mack RL 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 RL made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your RL'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 RL 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.