- The problem
- Seat tether belts may not have been adjusted during assembly.
- The risk
- During an impact, driver and/or rider can move forwardand possibly strike the windshield, even when wearing a seat belt.
- The fix
- ADJUST SEAT TETHER BELT IF NECESSARY.
Vehicle safety record
1983 Mack MH Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1983 Mack MH have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in September 1988 for the seat belts.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical MH year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1983 Mack MH recalls 8
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Left or right cab step may crack in its welded area due to flexing of the step during entering and exiting. Consequence of defect: as the cracks extend, the tubular step could partially collapse and break without warning to the user, and could result in personal injuries.
- The fix
- Install a reinforcement brace if no cracks are found. In addition, replace step if cracks are present.
- The problem
- The dual double check valve may not release the proper air volume to the brake system, causing a slight timing delay between the tractor and the trailer brake system. Consequences of defect: if the brakes are suddenly applied, the trailer could jackknife without warning to the operator, which could result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Install two new sleeves in the dual double check valve which will increase air flow.
- The problem
- The flip out step clevis on the bumper may fail and break under the weight of the person standing on the step to service the front area of the vehicle. Consequence of defect: this sudden break will cause the person standing on the step to fall, without warning, and could result in injuries.
- The fix
- Remove the step clevis and replace with a new improved clevis.
- The problem
- Due to improper and inadequate welding practices, the fifth wheel on the involved vehicles is defective. Frame mounted supports may have incomplete or poor quality welds. The welds could subsequently fail allowing separation of the tractor from the trailer.
- The fix
- The dealer will inspect and remove the fifth wheel and reweld the mounting angles at no charge to the owner.
- The problem
- A manufacturing error resulted in the installation of carbon steel springs in some dual-compartment air reservoir check valves. Carbon steel springs are inadequate for this application because they are subject to severe corrosion and subsequent failure of the check valve.
- The fix
- The carbon steel spring will be replaced with a stainless steel one.
- The problem
- Improper steering clamp bolts and torque applied during installation. The bolt could fail, allowing the steering yoke to become loose.
- The fix
- Inspection and, if necessary, installation of proper steering shaft clamp bolts tightened to specifications.
- The problem
- Under severe strain, a defective weld joining the steering wheel hub to the hub perimeter could fail, causing the steering wheel to separate from the vehicle.
- The fix
- Defective steering wheels will be replaced at no charge to owner.
What owners say
Be the first MH owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
No complaints about the 1983 Mack MH yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Mack MH: every year compared
All MH yearsQuestions about the 1983 Mack MH
Does the 1983 Mack MH have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 1983 Mack MH: seat belts (September 1988); structure (January 1986); service brakes, air (September 1985); bumpers (May 1985) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1983 Mack MH had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1983 Mack MH a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 22 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Mack MH year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 1983 Mack MH has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data