- The problem
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1979 Mack RL Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1979 Mack RL have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in July 1979 for the leaf spring assembly.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical RL year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1979 Mack RL 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
- 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.
- The fix
- Flange head pinch bolts will be replaced with standard grade 8 fasteners without charge to owner.
- The problem
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1979 Mack RL 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 RL: every year compared
All RL years1979 Mack RL vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 Mack RL | 0 | 3 | B | |
| 1979 Mack Mack | 1 | 3 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1979 Mack RL
Does the 1979 Mack RL have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1979 Mack RL: leaf spring assembly (July 1979); steering wheel / handle bar (July 1979); engine (May 1979). 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 1979 Mack RL had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1979 Mack RL a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 68 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Mack RL 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 1979 Mack RL 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