1998 Mack LE problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1998 Mack LE — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other LE years?

LE NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LE years to avoid →

Does the 1998 Mack LE have recalls?

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

04V159000Fuel SystemApril 7, 2004 · 317 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN CHASSIS BUILT WITH LNG ENGINES, THE NEXGEN LNG TANK'S PRIMARY AND SECONDARY RELIEF VALVES COULD FAIL TO OPEN AND RELIEVE TANK PRESSURE.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE ICE BUILDUP ON THE DISCHARGE SIDE OF THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PRESSURE SYSTEM ALLOWING THE RELIEF SYSTEM TO FREEZE AND BECOME BLOCKED RESULTING IN OVER PRESSURIZATION OF THE LNG TANKS CREATING THE RISK OF CATASTROPHIC TANK RUPTURE WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RETROFIT THE LNG TANKS WITH A NEW PRIMARY RELIEF VALVE PIPE AWAY TUBE AND A NEW VENTILATED SHROUD. THE RECALL BEGAN APRIL 6, 2004. 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 1-610-709-3337.

00V232009BrakesSeptember 13, 2000 · 651 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.

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.

1998 Mack LE — common questions

Is the 1998 Mack LE reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Mack LE have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Mack LE. 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.

How does 1998 compare to other LE years?

Does the 1998 Mack LE have recalls?

1998 Mack LE — common questions

Is the 1998 Mack LE reliable?

Does the 1998 Mack LE have recalls?

Related