Vehicle recall 81V087000 · July 8, 1981

Western RWL Series, RWS Series and 2 more models

Due to a deficiency in material strength, the front engine support brackets on the involved vehicles may develop cracks that could lead to bracket failure.

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

Summary: Due to a deficiency in material strength, the front engine support brackets on the involved vehicles may develop cracks that could lead to bracket failure. This would cause the engine to drop down into the radiator, damaging the shroud, engine fan, and other associated parts. The engine throttle could be pulled into full governed position.
Remedy: The existing support brackets will be replaced with brackets made of ductile iron, at no charge to owner.
Notes: Vehicle description: trucks.system: structure; front engine support brackets.consequences of defect: with the throttle locked in this position, the driverwould have no control over vehicle speed. Loss of vehicle control and anaccident could follow.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 81V087000
Reported to NHTSA: July 8, 1981
Filed by: MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED
Owner notification: October 12, 1982
Vehicles potentially affected: 15,000
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Engine and engine cooling › Engine

Recall 81V087000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Western RWL Series (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
Western RWS Series (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
Western WL Series (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
Western WS Series (1978-1981): 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978

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