Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1973 Mack CF — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
6
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
STRESSES IMPOSED ON THE LEVER DURING TURNING MANEUVERS AND/OR IMPACT INCIDENTS, SUCH AS WOULD BE CAUSED BY CURBS OR ROAD SURFACE IRREGULARITY, REDUCE THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF THE PART. THE STEERING LEVER MAY CRACK AND EVENTUALLY THE STRESSES COULD CAUSE THE STEERING LEVER TO BREAK.
Consequence
A BROKEN STEERING LEVER WILL CAUSE LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING WHICH MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING ARMS.
Defect
THE SPLINED STEERING SHAFT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY ENGAGED AS DESIGNED DUE TO INACCURATE DRILLING OF THE HOLES IN THE FRAME TO WHICH THE CAB FRONT MOUNT MEMBER IS BOLTED. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE STEERING SHAFT MAY DISENGAGE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A JARRING IMPACT MIGHT CAUSE DISENGAMENT OF THE SPLINED SHAFT RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND POSSIBLY AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE SHAFTS WHICH MEASURE UNDER THE MINIMUM ENGAGEMENT DIMENSIONS WITH LONGER SHAFT.
Defect
THE FLEX BLADE FANS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE LAMINATED STIFFENER AS A RESULT OF FATIGUE DURING OPERATION. IF SUCH A CONDITION EXISTS AND THE CRACKS GO UNDETECTED, CONTINUED OPERATION COULD CAUSE PIECES OF THE STIFFENER TO BREAK OFF.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL FAN WITH A STEEL FIXED BLADE FAN, FREE OF CHARGE.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1973 Mack CF. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.