Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1989 Mack CF — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
4 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
INCORRECT MANUFACTURE OF THE HYDROBOOST CYLINDER ALLOWS THE BALL SOCKET CLAMP TO CONTACT RIGHT SIDE STEERING LEVER ON AN EXTREME LEFT TURN AND CAUSE FLEXING OF THE CYLINDER ROD .
Consequence
THIS FLEXING CAN CAUSE SEAL FAILURE OR CYLINDER FAILUREOF THE HYDROBOOST UNIT AND RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND RESULT IN AVEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE INCORRECTLY BUILT BOOST CYLINDERS.
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
AIR PIPING IS INSTALLED IN A WAY THAT COULD CAUSE FRONT BRAKE HOSES TO RUB AGAINST THE BRAKE CHAMBER.
Consequence
THIS COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN BRAKE HOSE FAILURE. INCREASING THE STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPAIR IN A MANNER TO PREVENT FRONT BRAKE HOSE FROM RUBBING AGAINST THE BRAKE CHAMBER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 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.