Defect
STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUTS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED AND/OR TORQUED.
Remedy
RENEW AND RETORQUE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUTS.
1989 Mack R Series problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1989 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 1989 compare to other R Series years?
Does the 1989 Mack R Series have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
TORQUE ROD BOLTS ARE GRADE 2 INSTEAD OF GRADE 5, WHICH IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION, AND COULD FAIL.
Consequence
BOLT FAILURE COULD ALLOW THE REAR AXLE TO SHIFT; THISCOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT TRUCK CONTROL AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
REPLACE TORQUE ROD BOLTS WITH BOLTS OF THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
1989 Mack R Series — common questions
Is the 1989 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 1989 Mack R Series have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 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.