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Mack U — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Mack U model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
26
Years to Avoid
1977
Best Years
1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980
1992
0 complaints1 recalls22 TSBs
1991
0 complaints1 recalls22 TSBs
1990
0 complaints1 recalls22 TSBs
1989
0 complaints2 recalls22 TSBs
1988
0 complaints1 recalls22 TSBs
1987
0 complaints1 recalls22 TSBs
1986Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1985Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1984Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1983Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1982Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1981Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1980Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1979
0 complaints1 recalls22 TSBs
1978
0 complaints5 recalls22 TSBs
1977Avoid
0 complaints8 recalls22 TSBs
1976
0 complaints3 recalls22 TSBs
1975
0 complaints6 recalls22 TSBs
1974
0 complaints6 recalls22 TSBs
1973
0 complaints5 recalls22 TSBs
1972
0 complaints4 recalls22 TSBs
1971
0 complaints5 recalls22 TSBs
1970
0 complaints3 recalls22 TSBs
1969
0 complaints2 recalls22 TSBs
1968
0 complaints1 recalls22 TSBs
1967
0 complaints1 recalls22 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Mack U Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 1977 Mack U is the most problematic year, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Mack U, consider the 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

26 model years analyzed