VehicleVerdict

1998 Mack CL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1998 Mack CL — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other CL years?

CL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted2 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 1 complaints
CL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Mack CL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels2100%

Does the 1998 Mack CL have recalls?

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

02V061002SuspensionMarch 21, 2002 · 213 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DANA SPICER TANDEM DRIVE AXLE MODELS DS463, AN UNDERSIZED ATTACHMENT WELD MAY FRACTURE WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence

THE LOSS OF THIS ATTACHMENT TO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING OR DRIVER CONTROL.

Remedy

THE DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SUSPECT BRACKET, INSPECT THE AXLE HOUSING, AND REWELD THE BRACKET TO THE AXLE HOUSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 22, 2002. 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 610-709-3337.

99V014001SuspensionJanuary 22, 1999 · 8,025 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCK CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH MACK 16,000 LB., 18,000 LB., OR 20,000 LB. HEAVY DUTY STEERING AXLES. THE INNER WHEEL BEARING CONE FOR THE STEERING AXLE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY DOES NOT PROPERLY FIT ONTO THE MACK STEERING AXLE SPINDLE ASSEMBLY. IMPROPER FIT OF THE BEARING TO THE SPINDLE INCREASES THE STRESS LEVELS TO THE STEERING AXLE SPINDLE WHICH COULD CAUSE SPINDLE FAILURE.

Consequence

IF THE SPINDLE FAILS, A LOSS OF DRIVER CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE LEFT AND RIGHT HUB/DRUM ASSEMBLIES FROM THE STEERING AXLES AND REPLACE THE INNER WHEEL BEARING CONES AND CUPS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER WHO WROTE THIS COMPLAINT, GERMAN SANCHEZ PO BOX 7264 CAGUAS PR 00726 [PHONE] OR [PHONE], WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN HIS 1993 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE WHEN THE LEFT REAR WHEEL OF MACK TRUCK CAME LOOSE AND HIT THE VEHICLE, SANCHEZ SUSTAINED HEAD TRAUMA, INJURY TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 28, 1998

1998 Mack CL — common questions

Is the 1998 Mack CL reliable?

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

Does the 1998 Mack CL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Mack CL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.