- The problem
- 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.
- The fix
- Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace aluminum support brackets with brackets made from ductile iron for increased strength.
Vehicle safety record
1976 Mack WL Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1976 Mack WL have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in August 1978 for the engine.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical WL year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1976 Mack WL 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
- An axle "no brake" condition could result from an eaton controller internal electrical malfunction. This condition may cause the anti-wheel lock valve solenoid to be continuously energized and prevent the brakes from being applied on one of the axles. As a result, the anti-wheel lock warning lamp is not activated.
- The fix
- The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the anti-wheel lock controller without charge to owner.
- The problem
- A design deficiency exists in the air dryer piping in the area of the pressure relief valve and compressor governor control link. Moisture is passed and builds up in this relief valve and control line. In freezing ambient temperatures, this moisture may freeze, allowing the chassis air system pressure to exceed 150 psi. Excessive air system pressure can cause separation of air piping connections and air system valve failure.
- The fix
- The dealer will relocate the air system compressor governor line and pressure relief valve to eliminate moisture accumulation.
- The problem
- The flex blade fans on the involved vehicles may develop cracks in the laminated stiffener as a result of fatigue during operation. If such a condition exists and the cracks go undetected, continued operation could cause pieces of the stiffener to break off.
- The fix
- Dealer will replace the original fan with a steel fixed blade fan, free of charge.
- The problem
- The front wheel aluminum hubs on the involved vehicles may be subject to cracks which may progress circumferentially around the barrel of the hub. This could lead to a fracture in the "barrel" position of the hub and complete hub failure.
- The fix
- Dealer will install steel hubs in place of aluminum hubs without charge to owner.
- The problem
- Cracks may be present in the brake spider. These cracks could eventually cause the brake spider to fail. This could allow separation of that portion of the brake spider that retains the brake camshaft, the brake chamber, and the brake chamber bracket from the foundation brake assembly. Brake pull in the direction opposite the affected wheel location or wheel lock-up on the affected wheel could occur.
- The fix
- The dealer will inspect and modify the affected brake spiders, free of charge.
- The problem
- The lower steering shaft yoke clamp bolts on the involved vehicles may not have been sufficiently tightened. Should these bolts lossen and come off, the lower steering shaft could separate from the steering gear.
- The fix
- The dealer will secure the clamp bolt and make the necessary modifications on the lower steering shaft, free of charge.
What owners say
Be the first WL owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
No complaints about the 1976 Mack WL 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 WL: every year compared
All WL yearsQuestions about the 1976 Mack WL
Does the 1976 Mack WL have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 1976 Mack WL: engine (August 1978); control unit / module (April 1978); hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (February 1978); fan (October 1977) 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 1976 Mack WL had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1976 Mack WL a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 39 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Mack WL 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 1976 Mack WL 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