Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1987 Mack CF — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT THE PRIMARY THROTTLE RETURN FAILS, FAILURE OF THE SECONDARY THROTTLE RETURN SYSTEM WOULD NOT PROVIDE PROTECTION AGAINST LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
Remedy
A NEW PRODUCTION SECONDARY THROTTLE RETURN SYSTEM CONFIGURATION WILL BE INSTALLED.
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
WELDING DEFICIENCIES CAN CAUSE TWO-PIECE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BRACKET TO PROGRESSIVELY SEPARATE.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WITHOUTPRIOR WARNING, AND A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
REPLACE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BRACKETS WITH PROPERLY WELDED BRACKETS.
Defect
FASTENERS THAT HOLD THE REAR WHEEL TO THE HUB AND DRUM ASSEMBLY MAY BE IMPROPERLY TORQUED.
Consequence
AN UNDERTORQUED FASTENER WILL LOOSEN UP AND CAN RESULT INWHEEL SEPARATION, LOSS OF CONTROL, AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
PROPERLY TORQUE REAR WHEEL SPACE FASTENERS.
Defect
CROSS STEERING LEVERS MAY BE IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND SUBJECT TO FAIL DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
Consequence
SUCH FAILURE COULD CAUSE LOSS OF TRUCK CONTROL WITHOUTPRIOR WARNING AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
INSTALL NEW, PROPERLY HEAT TREATED STEERING LEVER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Mack CF. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.