VehicleVerdict

2008 Mack CL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2008 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other CL years?

CL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mack CL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1100%

Does the 2008 Mack CL have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V497000Trailer HitchOctober 23, 2007 · 950 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A SAF HOLLAND SIMPLEX FIFTH WHEEL, THE LEVER ARM PIVOT BOLT MAY HAVE BEEN OVER TIGHTENED. AN OVER TIGHTENED PIVOT BOLT CAN DISTORT THE PIVOT BOLT SPACER SLEEVE, WHICH MAY PREVENT THE FIFTH WHEEL LATCH JAW FROM CLOSING AND LATCHING SECURELY AROUND THE TRAILER KING PIN.

Consequence

THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE PIVOT BOLT CAN BECOME LOOSE WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S KNOWLEDGE. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE DRIVER COULD DRIVE AWAY AND THE TRAILER COULD BECOME DISENGAGED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PIVOT BOLT AND SLEEVE WITH A HEX HEAD SHOULDER BOLT AND WASHER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MACK TRUCKS AT 1-800-528-6586.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2008 MACK SEMI, UNIT 1 AND UNIT 2 WERE EASTBOUND ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. UNIT 2 STATED ICE FROM UNIT 1 TRAILER FLEW OFF HIS VEHICLE STRIKING UNIT 2 WINDSHIELD. UNITS MOVED FURTHER UP THE ROAD FROM AREA OF IMPACT. NO ICE WAS FOUND ON THE ROADWAY. OFFICER STATED, HE CHECKED UNIT 1 FOR ANY SNOW/ICE ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 9, 2011

2008 Mack CL — common questions

Is the 2008 Mack CL reliable?

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

Does the 2008 Mack CL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 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.