Mack R Series years to avoid

Across 1968–1989, no single R Series year stands out as one to avoid by our thresholds. The 1984 drew the most complaints; 1989 the fewest.

Total complaints

Recall campaigns

1968–1989

Years covered

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Mack R Series NHTSA complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Year	Complaints	Recalls
1989	0	2
1988	0	6
1987	0	3
1984	1	2
1983	0	2
1982	0	2
1981	0	4
1980	0	6
1979	0	5
1978	0	3
1977	0	2
1976	0	2
1975	0	1
1974	0	1
1973	0	1
1972	0	1
1971	0	1
1970	0	1
1969	0	1
1968	0	1

By complaint volume, 1989 has the cleanest NHTSA record among R Series years with enough data to compare.

Across all model years, the R Series has 18 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.