The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·15V644000·Announced 2015-10-13

Mack Pinnacle Trucks Recalled for Fifth Wheel Locking Mechanism Defect

Mack is recalling 2011-2014 Pinnacle trucks because the fifth wheel locking mechanism may fail, risking trailer detachment and a crash.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect where the fifth wheel locking mechanism may fail, leading to trailer detachment and a crash, which meets the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Mack Trucks, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Pinnacle (CHU and CXU) trucks manufactured between September 10, 2010, and June 17, 2013. The affected vehicles are equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors. Due to cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its locking mechanism, the mechanism may fail to operate or properly engage.

If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are sufficiently damaged, the locking mechanism may fail to operate as intended. This failure could cause the trailer to unexpectedly detach from the tractor, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mack will notify owners, and Fontaine dealers will replace the fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2015. Owners may contact Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177. Mack's number for this recall is SC0395. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
MACK PINNACLE (CXU), PINNACLE (CHU)
Brand
MACK
Manufacturer
Mack Trucks, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Truck
Hazard
Affected units
448

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • PINNACLE (CXU)
  • PINNACLE (CHU)

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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