1997 Mack CH problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1997 Mack CH — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other CH years?

CH NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CH years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Mack CH problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	1	100%	new

Does the 1997 Mack CH have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V159000Fuel SystemApril 7, 2004 · 317 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN CHASSIS BUILT WITH LNG ENGINES, THE NEXGEN LNG TANK'S PRIMARY AND SECONDARY RELIEF VALVES COULD FAIL TO OPEN AND RELIEVE TANK PRESSURE.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE ICE BUILDUP ON THE DISCHARGE SIDE OF THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PRESSURE SYSTEM ALLOWING THE RELIEF SYSTEM TO FREEZE AND BECOME BLOCKED RESULTING IN OVER PRESSURIZATION OF THE LNG TANKS CREATING THE RISK OF CATASTROPHIC TANK RUPTURE WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RETROFIT THE LNG TANKS WITH A NEW PRIMARY RELIEF VALVE PIPE AWAY TUBE AND A NEW VENTILATED SHROUD. THE RECALL BEGAN APRIL 6, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MACK AT 1-610-709-3337.

97V191000SteeringNovember 1, 1997 · 10,438 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. DURING ASSEMBLY, INSUFFICIENT TORQUE OCCURRED OF THE DRAG LINK TO THE AXLE STEERING ARM CONNECTION. IF THE DRAG LINK TO AXLE STTERING ARM CONNECTION IS NOT TORQUED AND THE COTTER PIN IS NOT INSTALLED, THE NUT COULD BACK OFF DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.

Consequence

IF THE NUT BACKS OFF, THERE COULD BE A LOSS OF DRIVER CONTROL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RETORQUE THE DRAG LINK TO THE AXLE STEERING ARM CONNECTION.

1997 Mack CH — common questions

Is the 1997 Mack CH reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Mack CH have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 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.

How does 1997 compare to other CH years?

What are the most common 1997 Mack CH problems?

Does the 1997 Mack CH have recalls?

1997 Mack CH — common questions

Is the 1997 Mack CH reliable?

Does the 1997 Mack CH have recalls?

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