Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1996 Mack CL — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE U-JOINT BEARING STRAP BOLTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED DURING ASSEMBLY.
Consequence
INSUFFICIENT TORQUE CAN LEAD TO A BROKEN STRAP. IF THE STRAP BREAKS, THE DRIVESHAFT WOULD WOBBLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SEPARATION. SUCH WOBBLING OR SEPARATION WOULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE AND ANY LOOSE FRAGMENT COULD FALL TO THE ROADWAY PRESENTING A HAZARD TO FOLLOWING VEHICLES.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW U-JOINT BEARING STRAP BOLTS.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Mack CL. 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.