VehicleVerdict

1976 Mack R Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1976 Mack R Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1976 compare to other R Series years?

See all R Series years to avoid →

Does the 1976 Mack R Series have recalls?

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

80V053000SteeringMay 6, 1980 · 219 units

Defect

THE STEERING ARM MAY DEVELOP CRACKS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT FATIGUE LIFE IN THE MACHINE RADIUS OF THE TAPER AT THE STEERING KNUCKLE END.

Remedy

INSTALL STEERING ARMS THAT HAVE BEEN MAGNA-FLUX INSPECTED FOR CRACKS AND SHOT PEENED FOR IMPROVED FATIGUE LIFE. THIS WILL BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGE.

80V054000SteeringMay 6, 1980 · 109 units

Defect

THE PREFABRICATED PINCH BOLT CLAMP AT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT LOWER YOKE MAY NOT PERFORM ADEQUATELY WHEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE CLAMP MAY THEN DEFORM AND LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE AND STEERING SHAFT DISENGAGEMENT MAY RESULT.

Remedy

DEALER WILL RETROFIT WITH LOWER STEERING SHAFT LOWER YOKES THAT PROVIDE FOR INTEGRAL PINCH BOLT INSTALLATION IN PLACE OF PREVIOUS SEPARATELY FABRICATED CLAMP FOR THE PINCH BOLT.

1976 Mack R Series — common questions

Is the 1976 Mack R Series reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1976 Mack R Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1976 Mack R Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.