Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1989 Mack CH — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 7 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
7
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FONTAINE FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLIES. THE FIFTH WHEEL MOUNTING PLATES CAN CRACK.
Consequence
UNDER THE TRAILER LOADING, THE MOUNTING PLATE COULD EVENTUALLY FAIL DUE TO FATIGUE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE MOUNTING PLATES THAT ARE CRACKED.
Defect
THE DRIVESHAFT CENTER BEARING SUPPORT BRACKET CAN CRACK AND BREAK.
Consequence
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE DRIVESHAFT WILL WOBBLE AND CAN SEPARATE. SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE OR LOOSE FRAGMENTS CAN FALL ONTO THE ROADWAY PRESENTING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CENTER BEARING HANGER BRACKET.
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
LAP AND SHOULDER SEAT BELT ARRANGEMENT FOR FIXED (NON-SUSPENSION) SEATS DOES NOT MEET THE SEAT BELT LOADING REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 210. THE INBOARD CLINCH NUT IN CAB SILL, WHERE THE BUCKLE FOR THE SHOULDER AND LAP BELT IS MOUNTED, PULLED OUT OF THE SILL DURING THE TESTS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF SEAT BELT ANCHIRAGE FAILS, THE SEAT OCCUPANT FACES AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN STOP.
Remedy
RELOCATE THE INBOARD SEAT BELT MOUNTING FROM TOP OF THE SILL TO THE FORWARD FLANGE OF THE SILL ON THE CAB FLOOR, AND ADD A 3MM FILLET WELD AROUND THE 2 INBOARD CLINCH NUTS.
Defect
THE UPPER AND LOWER PINCH BOLT ON THE STEERING PITMAN ARM AND THE LOWER PINCH BOLT CONNECTION ON SHEPHARD POWER GEARS WERE NOT TORQUED CORRECTLY.
Consequence
PINCH BOLT COULD LOOSEN AND BREAK; THIS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF TRUCK STEERING CONTROL AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
INSTALL ENGLISH HEX HEAD BOLTS AND FLAT WASHERS; TORQUE PINCH BOLTS TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Defect
INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF THE E-12 DUAL CIRCUIT AIR BRAKE VALVES MAY BE MISASSEMBLED SO THAT ONE OF THE TAPERED SNAP RINGS IS UPSIDE DOWN.
Consequence
THE SNAP RING CAN COME OUT CAUSING THE VALVE TOMALFUNCTION AND APPLY THE TRUCK'S BRAKE SYSTEM WITHOUT WARNING; THIS COULDRESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH.
Remedy
REPLACE MISASSEMBLED VALVES.
Defect
STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUTS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND/OR TORQUED.
Remedy
RENEW AND RETORQUE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUTS.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 7 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Mack CH. 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.