Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1988 Mack RM — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 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
CRACK MAY DEVELOP ON STEERING ARM THAT COULD PROGRESS AND REDUCE THE FATIGUE LIFE OF THE STEERING ARM.
Consequence
STEERING ARM COULD FAIL WITHOUT WARNING RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND POSSIBLY A CRASH.
Remedy
INSTALL A REDESIGNED STEERING ARM.
Defect
THE STEERING SHAFT SPLINE ENGAGEMENT IS ONLY .52, THE RECOMMENDED ENGAGEMENT IS 2 INCHES.
Consequence
UNDER IMPACTS SUCH AS ROAD POTHOLES, IT COULD RESULT INSHAFT DISENGAGEMENT. THE DRIVER WOULD IMMEDIATELY LOSE STEERING CONTROLWITHOUT WARNING AND VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
REPLACE SHAFTS THAT MEASURE UNDER THE MINIMUM ENGAGEMENT DIMENSIONS WITH A LONGER SHAFT.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Mack RM. 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.