Recall 11V461 affects 113 2011-2012 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) trucks for a fifth-wheel lock defect. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
Mack is recalling 113 2011-2012 Pinnacle (Cxu) trucks under recall 11V461 because the fifth wheel lock can appear coupled after a tug test even when it is not fully locked to the trailer king pin. If the truck drives away with an improperly coupled trailer, the trailer can come loose and result in a crash; the Mack dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The fifth wheel assembly on a 2011-2012 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) is the locking plate on the tractor that connects to the trailer's king pin. During coupling, the king pin slides into the fifth wheel and the lock closes around it. That lock keeps the tractor and trailer connected after the driver backs under the trailer and performs the pull test.
On the affected trucks, the fifth wheel lock can be left only partly closed during the coupling process. A tug test can still feel convincing enough that the driver believes the trailer is locked to the tractor. The problem is that the king pin is not fully captured, so the connection is not properly coupled even though the pull test appears to pass.
There is no warning sign before failure. The risk comes from the coupling check giving the driver the wrong answer, so the visible clue is a fifth wheel lock that is not fully closed before the truck moves.
Who's affected?
The same fifth wheel assembly is listed for both model years.
| 2012 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) | Fifth wheel assembly |
|---|---|
| 2011 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) | Fifth wheel assembly |
| Units affected | 113 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
A trailer that is not properly coupled can come loose after the truck pulls away, which increases crash risk. Before driving, confirm the trailer is fully coupled and the lock bar is secure. If the coupling does not look or feel right, stop and call a franchised Mack dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Mack dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mack dealer to ask about the free lock-bar replacement that helps the fifth wheel lock fully couple to the trailer king pin.
- Reference recall number 11V461 when you call the dealer.
- Bring the recall notice if Mack mailed one to you.
- Inspect the fifth wheel coupling before each trip and do not rely only on a tug test until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
The Mack remedy is a lock bar replacement at the dealer, free of charge under the recall. A Mack technician removes the affected fifth wheel lock bar and installs the replacement part so the fifth wheel lock can secure the trailer king pin as intended. Tell the service desk this is the fifth wheel lock bar recall for the 2011-2012 Pinnacle (Cxu), and ask them to confirm parts and campaign handling before bringing the truck in. Parts and labor are covered by the recall.
Timeline
| September 1, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 7, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V461?
Recall 11V461 covers 113 2011-2012 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) trucks with a fifth wheel lock bar issue. During coupling, the lock can appear secure after a tug test even when the trailer king pin is not properly coupled. Mack dealers replace the lock bar for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 11V461. If it is, contact a franchised Mack dealer to schedule the fifth wheel lock bar replacement. Reference recall number 11V461 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mack dealers replace the fifth wheel lock bar free of charge. Mack listed 1-800-866-1177 for owner questions about this recall.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation. If the fifth wheel lock is not fully coupled and the driver pulls away with the trailer, the trailer can come loose and result in a crash. Confirm the VIN, then have a Mack dealer complete the free lock bar repair.
What if I bought my Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your truck is included in recall 11V461, then contact a franchised Mack dealer and ask for the fifth wheel lock bar replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V461000 |
|---|---|
| Mack customer service | 1-800-866-1177 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V461 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V461000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →