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1978 Mack RWL recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

7 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1978 Mack RWL. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Mack been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Mack dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

1978 Mack RWL recalls, newest first

November 18, 1983NHTSA 83V1210001,377 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Gear box › Shaft pitman

Summary
Mounting of the pitman arm may loosen and lead to excessive wear in either the pitman arm splines or the steering gear shaft splines, or both. This condition is due to incorrect tightening of the mounting screws during assembly.
Remedy
The dealer will inspect and properly tighten the pitman arm retaining screws.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

June 1, 1979NHTSA 79V1370006,673 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Linkages

Summary
The pitman arm retaining nut may not have been torqued to manufacturer specifications. This could result in inadequate retention of the nut at the output shaft, allowing the pitman arm to become loose.
Remedy
Dealer will inspect and retorque pitman arm, if necessary, at no cost to owner.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

May 31, 1979NHTSA 79V13300023,000 vehicles potentially affected

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

Summary
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

May 30, 1979NHTSA 79V1300002,187 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar

Summary
It has been determined that two screws that are part of the bearing assembly located at the cab dash sheet may not have been tightened properly. As a result, the upper steering shaft may be free to "float" throughout much of its length which may result in inadequate engagement in the slip splines of the lower steering shaft. Axle articulation could result in disengagement of the lower steering shaft slip splines.
Remedy
Dealer will install a sleeve between the dash sheet bearing and the upper steering shaft lower yoke to assure positive upper steering shaft location.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

October 3, 1978NHTSA 78V21000019,370 vehicles potentially affected

Service brakes, air › Antilock › Interconnecting assembly(wiring)

Summary
Delays of up to about 2 seconds may exist in the brake application times to the brakes on the bogie axles in the presence of certain types of wheel speed sensor signal discontinuities or distortions that may occur as a result of sensor wire failure. This constitutes a non-compliance to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air brake systems".
Remedy
Dealer will install new wheel speed sensors that incorporate improved wiring and the present bogie anti-wheel lock system will be changed to an axle-to-axle system for improved reliability.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

August 8, 1978NHTSA 78V170000850 vehicles potentially affected

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

Summary
The possibility exists that the aluminum engine rear support brackets may fail due to metal fatigue. This type of failure would allow the engine and transmission assembly to dislocate downward. This will result in throttle control loss with the engine operating continuously in the mid to upper range of the governed speed range.
Remedy
Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace aluminum support brackets with brackets made from ductile iron for increased strength.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

No owner complaints about the 1978 Mack RWL were found in NHTSA’s complaint data.

Other Mack RWL years

Other 1978 Mack models

Questions

Does the 1978 Mack RWL have any recalls?
7 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: steering, engine and engine cooling, electrical system, service brakes, air. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1978 Mack RWL recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Mack dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1978 Mack RWL?
0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.