1979 Mack RS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 Mack RS — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1979 compare to other RS years?

RS NHTSA complaints by model year, 1979 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RS years to avoid →

Does the 1979 Mack RS have recalls?

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

79V171000SuspensionJuly 12, 1979 · 1,706 units

Defect

THE SPRING SEAT PLATE, LOCATED BETWEEN THE AXLE HOUSING AND THE SUSPENSION SPRINGS, MAY DEFORM DUE TO SPRING BENDING. AS A RESULT, THE CLAMPING FORCE IN THE ASSEMBLY MAY BE REDUCED. LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE COULD CAUSE SPRING FAILURE AND THE AXLE WILL DISLOCATE. ALSO, THE TIRE COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE SPRING.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING SPRING SEAT WITH A NEWLY FABRICATED SEAT WHICH IS WELDED TO THE HOUSING. AN IMPROVED SPRING CLAMPING PLATE AND NEW SPRINGS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED WITHOUT CHARGE.

79V164000SteeringJuly 9, 1979 · 4,640 units

Defect

THE FLANGE HEAD PINCH BOLTS USED IN THE YOKES OF THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN OVERSTRESSED DUE TO THE BOLTS NOT BEING TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS. AS A RESULT, THE PINCH BOLTS COULD BREAK WHILE IN SERVICE.

Remedy

FLANGE HEAD PINCH BOLTS WILL BE REPLACED WITH STANDARD GRADE 8 FASTENERS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

79V133000EngineMay 31, 1979 · 23,000 units

Defect

IN THE EVENT OF TURBOCHARGER COMPRESSOR WHEEL FAILURE, ONE OR MORE OF THE FOUR CAPSCREWS THAT HOLD THE TURBOCHARGER TOGETHER MAY BE STRUCK BY PARTS OF THE COMPRESSOR WHEEL, RESULTING IN THE CAPSCREWS BEING DAMAGED. IF THESE CAPSCREWS ARE DAMAGED TO THE POINT THAT THEY ALLOW THE COMPRESSOR BACK PLATE TO DISLOCATE FROM THE TURBOCHARGER BEARING HOUSING, ENGINE LUBRICATING OIL MAY BE ALLOWED TO ESCAPE UNDER PRESSURE, CONTACTING THE ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD SECTIONS OR TURBOCHARGER TURBINE HOUSING.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSTALL A SHIELD FOR THE HEADS OF THE FOUR CAPSCREWS, ALONG WITH STRONGER SAE 8 GRADE 8 CAPSCREWS, IF NECESSARY, AT NO COST TO OWNER.

1979 Mack RS — common questions

Is the 1979 Mack RS reliable?

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.

Does the 1979 Mack RS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Mack RS. 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 1979 compare to other RS years?

Does the 1979 Mack RS have recalls?

1979 Mack RS — common questions

Is the 1979 Mack RS reliable?

Does the 1979 Mack RS have recalls?

Related