Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Mack Mb — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE STEEL BRACKETS ON THE SUSPENSION BEAM WERE FOUND TO BE DEFICIENT DUE TO EXCESSIVE SHRINKAGE AND LOW MECHANICAL PROPERTIES. FAILURE OF ONE OR BOTH OF THESE BRACKETS COULD CAUSE A SEPARATION OF THE AXLE HOUSING FROM THE SUSPENSION.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ANY SUSPECT BOGIE SPRING INSULATOR CAPS WITH NEW CAPS MEETING THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
DELAYS OF UP TO ABOUT 2 SECONDS MAY EXIST IN THE BRAKE APPLICATION TIMES TO THE BRAKES ON THE BOGIE AXLES IN THE PRESENCE OF CERTAIN TYPES OF WHEEL SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL DISCONTINUITIES OR DISTORTIONS THAT MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT OF SENSOR WIRE FAILURE. THIS CONSTITUTES A NON-COMPLIANCE TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS".
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL NEW WHEEL SPEED SENSORS THAT INCORPORATE IMPROVED WIRING AND THE PRESENT BOGIE ANTI-WHEEL LOCK SYSTEM WILL BE CHANGED TO AN AXLE-TO-AXLE SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED RELIABILITY.
Defect
THE EXISTING CROSS STEERING ARMS MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT FATIGUE LIFE IN THE NECK AREA. THIS IS NEAR THE BOSS FOR THE CROSS STEERING TUBE BALL JOINT CONNECTION. FAILURE OF EITHER OF THE CROSS STEERING LEVERS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL CROSS STEERING ARMS OF IMPROVED DESIGN AND GREATER STRENGTH.
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.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Mack Mb. 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.