1998 Mack RB problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1998 Mack RB — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other RB years?

RB NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RB years to avoid →

Does the 1998 Mack RB have recalls?

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

02V061002SuspensionMarch 21, 2002 · 213 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH DANA SPICER TANDEM DRIVE AXLE MODELS DS463, AN UNDERSIZED ATTACHMENT WELD MAY FRACTURE WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence

THE LOSS OF THIS ATTACHMENT TO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING OR DRIVER CONTROL.

Remedy

THE DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SUSPECT BRACKET, INSPECT THE AXLE HOUSING, AND REWELD THE BRACKET TO THE AXLE HOUSING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 22, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MACK AT 610-709-3337.

99V014001SuspensionJanuary 22, 1999 · 8,025 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS 8 HEAVY DUTY TRUCK CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH MACK 16,000 LB., 18,000 LB., OR 20,000 LB. HEAVY DUTY STEERING AXLES. THE INNER WHEEL BEARING CONE FOR THE STEERING AXLE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY DOES NOT PROPERLY FIT ONTO THE MACK STEERING AXLE SPINDLE ASSEMBLY. IMPROPER FIT OF THE BEARING TO THE SPINDLE INCREASES THE STRESS LEVELS TO THE STEERING AXLE SPINDLE WHICH COULD CAUSE SPINDLE FAILURE.

Consequence

IF THE SPINDLE FAILS, A LOSS OF DRIVER CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE LEFT AND RIGHT HUB/DRUM ASSEMBLIES FROM THE STEERING AXLES AND REPLACE THE INNER WHEEL BEARING CONES AND CUPS.

1998 Mack RB — common questions

Is the 1998 Mack RB 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 1998 Mack RB have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Mack RB. 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.

How does 1998 compare to other RB years?

Does the 1998 Mack RB have recalls?

1998 Mack RB — common questions

Is the 1998 Mack RB reliable?

Does the 1998 Mack RB have recalls?

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