- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- In the event the primary throttle return fails, failure of the secondary throttle return system would not provide protection against loss of throttle control.
- The fix
- A new production secondary throttle return system configuration will be installed.
Vehicle safety record
1989 Mack RD Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1989 Mack RD have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in February 1994 for the vehicle speed control.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical RD year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1989 Mack RD recalls 3
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
- Interference between steering gear sector shaft and the frame rail through hole can cause sector shaft wear and can weaken shaft cause it to break.
- The risk
- Shaft failure during vehicle operation would cause loss of steering control and a crash without prior warning.
- The fix
- Enlarge frame rail through hole to prevent interference: replace steering gear sector shaft if scored.
- The problem
- A tolerance mismatch in the crank assembly of the bosch windshield wiper motor could cause instantaneous separation of the crank from the linkage assembly in the left hand control arm assembly; this would make the system inoperable.
- The risk
- Wiper failure during vehicle operation could reduce driver's ability to see the road, and creates a potential for an accident.
- The fix
- REPLACE LEFT HAND CONTROL ARM LINKAGE ASSEMBLY.
What owners say
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
No complaints about the 1989 Mack RD yet
Mack RD: every year compared
All RD yearsQuestions about the 1989 Mack RD
Does the 1989 Mack RD have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1989 Mack RD: vehicle speed control (February 1994); shaft sector (March 1990); linkages (March 1990). 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 1989 Mack RD had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1989 Mack RD a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 35 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Mack RD 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.
Which Mack RD years have the most complaints?
2000 (2), 1996 (1). See every Mack RD year compared.
What should I do if my 1989 Mack RD 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