VehicleVerdict

2003 Mack CL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2003 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other CL years?

CL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CL years to avoid →

Does the 2003 Mack CL have recalls?

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

10V069000TransmissionMarch 3, 2010 · 15,490 units

Defect

MACK TRUCKS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 CL, CV, LE, MR, RB, RD, AND MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2004 DM HEAVY TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2002 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2003, EQUIPPED WITH AXLE BEAMS MANUFACTURED BY BHARAT FORGE. THE AXLE BEAM MAY HAVE TRANSVERSE SHEAR LINES ON THE BOTTOM OF THE AXLE FROM THE TRIMMING PROCESS.

Consequence

THESE LINES, IF PRESENT, CAN PROMOTE INITIATION OF CRACKS, WHICH OVER TIME MAY POSSIBLY LEAD TO AXLE BEAM FAILURE AND A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

MACK WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY AFFECTED AXLE BEAMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MACK AT 1-800-866-1177.

03V253000BrakesJuly 17, 2003 · 1,232 units

Defect

CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." IMPROPER SEATING OF THE CHECK VALVE RETAINER IN THE BRASS FITTING HOUSING HAS OCCURRED. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE AIR BRAKE SYSTEM PRESSURE TO PUSH THE CHECK VALVE INTERNAL PARTS INTO THE PRIMARY SYSTEM RESERVOIR AND A VEHICLE OPERATOR WOULD NOT KNOW THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED.

Consequence

IN THIS CONDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MEET THE EMERGENCY REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CHECK VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MACK AT 1-610-709-3337.

2003 Mack CL — common questions

Is the 2003 Mack CL reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Mack CL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 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.