Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1988 Mack MH — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM RECONFIGURATION TO COMPLY WITH ENGINE EMISSION STANDARDS CAUSE HIGHER ENGINE VIBRATION LEVELS WHICH LEAD TO EARLY WEAR AND COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE SECONDARY THROTTLE RETURN MECHANISM.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT THE PRIMARY THROTTLE RETURN FAILS, FAILURE OF THE SECONDARY THROTTLE RETURN SYSTEM WOULD NOT PROVIDE PROTECTION AGAINST LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
Remedy
A NEW PRODUCTION SECONDARY THROTTLE RETURN SYSTEM CONFIGURATION WILL BE INSTALLED.
Defect
DOWELS MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED DURING SPRING CAP INSTALLATION; THIS WOULD PUT SHEAR LOAD ON THE FOUR (4) SPRING CAP BOLTS.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN LOOSENING AND FAILURE OF THE BOLTSWITH POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL AND ACCIDENT POTENTIAL.
Remedy
INSTALL THE MISSING DOWELS TO PREVENT MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE SPRING CAP AND AXLE HOUSING.
Defect
SEAT TETHER BELT 11.0 INCHES LONG WAS INSTALLED INSTEAD OF THE 8.5 INCHES LONG BELT REQUIRED FOR THIS CHASSIS.
Consequence
INCORRECT LENGTH BELT MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN OCCUPANTAND WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 210.
Remedy
INSTALL CORRECT 8.5 INCH SEAT TETHER BELT.
Defect
SEAT TETHER BELTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED DURING ASSEMBLY.
Consequence
DURING AN IMPACT, DRIVER AND/OR RIDER CAN MOVE FORWARDAND POSSIBLY STRIKE THE WINDSHIELD, EVEN WHEN WEARING A SEAT BELT.
Remedy
ADJUST SEAT TETHER BELT IF NECESSARY.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Mack MH. 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.