Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2005 Mack Cx — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 100% | new |
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
MACK IS RECALLING 34,269 MY 1999-2005 CX AND MY 2004-2008 CXN TRUCKS. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY PREMATURELY FAIL RESULTING IN INOPERATIVE OR INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHTS.
Consequence
THE HEAD LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WHICH COULD RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR NO HEADLIGHT FUNCTION. THIS COULD IMPAIR A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MACK AT 1-800-528-6586.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ASET AC MODEL ENGINES, THE ENGINE AS CONFIGURED WITH AN EXTERNAL EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION SYSTEM MAKES SERVICING THE FUEL INJECTION LINES DIFFICULT WHEN USING TRADITIONAL TOOLS. THEREFORE, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR FUEL LEAKS TO DEVELOP WHEN REMOVING AND INSTALLING THE FUEL INJECTION LINES.
Consequence
A LEAK IN THE FUEL INJECTION LINE MAY SPRAY FUEL ON THE HOT SURFACES OF THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION SYSTEM, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTION LINES FREE OF CHARGE. NOTE: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN CONDUCTED IN 2006 (PLEASE SEE 06V392). THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2007, WITH SUBSEQUENT MAILINGS EVERY SIX WEEKS UNTIL APRIL 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MACK AT 800-528-6586.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, A LEAK IN THE ASET AC FUEL INJECTION LINE MAY SPRAY FUEL ON THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION PIPES THAT CARRY HOT EXHAUST GASES .
Consequence
THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE.
Remedy
MACK HAS ISSUED A STOP WORK ON THIS CAMPAIGN UNDER FURTHER NOTICE (2-22-2007). THE REMEDY DOES NOT ADEQUATELY ADDRESS THE ISSUE ON ALL VEHICLES. MACK WILL RE-RELEASE THE RECALL IN THE NEAR FUTURE. (PLEASE SEE NHTSA NO. 07V159/MACK RECALL NO. SCO323 FOR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THIS REPAIR ALREADY PERFORMED.) THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED (PLEASE SEE 07V401/SC0324).
Defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HOLLAND AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS, A TRANSVERSE BEAM CASTING MAY FRACTURE UNDER NORMAL LOADS. IF A CASTING BREAKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING ON A ROADWAY THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR PIECES OF THE CASTING TO BECOME PROJECTILES AND THE SUSPENSION'S TRANSVERSE BEAM MAY DROP DOWN LOW ENOUGH TO CONTACT THE ROAD SURFACE.
Consequence
THIS WILL CAUSE SPARKS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY IGNITE AND CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TRANSVERSE BEAM ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 19, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MACK TRUCKS AT 610-709-2131.
Defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 DIESEL TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ASET AC ENGINES, THE LOCATION OF THE FUEL INLET HOSE MAY RESULT IN OVERHEATING OR ABRASION OF THE HOSE, WHICH MAY LEAD TO A PREMATURE FAILURE.
Consequence
IF THE HOSE FAILS, FUEL CAN BE SPRAYED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE THE FUEL INLET HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2005. DUE TO SOME QUALITY AND SUPPLY ISSUES WITH PARTS TO SUPPORT THIS SAFETY RECALL, OWNERS MAY HAVE BEEN INFORMED DURING APRIL 2005,THAT THE SAFETY RECALL WAS ON HOLD. THESE ISSUES HAVE NOW BEEN RESOLVED. FOR OWNERS WHO HAVE NOT HAD THEIR VEHICLE(S) REPAIRED, CONTACT A MACK PARTS AND SERVICE CENTER IMMEDIATELY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE YOUR VEHICLE(S) REPAIRED. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MACK TRUCKS AT 610-709-2131.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS COMING LOOSE AND LEAKING EXHAUST GASES INTO THE CAB OF THE TRUCK. THIS IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN USING THE HEAT OR AC. PROBLEM WAS "FIXED" IN SEPTEMBER AT MACK DEALERSHIP. IN FEB IT HAPPENED AGAIN. MECHANIC STATES THAT HE HAS FIXED HUNDREDS AND THAT IT WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN…”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Mack Cx. 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.