Recall 12V017 affects 8,333 2002-2005 Mack Le and Mr heavy trucks for front axle beam cracking. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
Mack is recalling 8,333 2002-2005 Le and Mr heavy trucks because repeated load stress can crack the front axle beam until it fractures. A complete fracture can lead to loss of vehicle control and a higher crash risk; the Mack dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front axle beam on 2002-2005 Mack Le and Mr trucks is the main crossmember that carries the front suspension load and holds the front wheels in position. It has to stay rigid while the truck carries weight, steers, brakes, and absorbs road impacts. If that beam weakens, the front suspension loses the solid structure it depends on.
On affected trucks, the vehicle's load can create fatigue cracks in the front axle beam. Fatigue means repeated stress opens small cracks in the metal over time. Those cracks can spread through the beam until the axle beam fractures completely, which leaves the front suspension without its intended support.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall filing does not give owners a specific noise, warning light, or handling change to rely on before the axle beam breaks.
Who's affected?
Covers Le and Mr trucks across the 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 model years, all tied to the front suspension.
| 2004 Mack Le | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2002 Mack Le | front suspension |
| 2003 Mack Le | front suspension |
| 2005 Mack Le | front suspension |
| 2002 Mack Mr | front suspension |
| 2003 Mack Mr | front suspension |
| 2004 Mack Mr | front suspension |
| 2005 Mack Mr | front suspension |
| Units affected | 8,333 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A complete axle fracture can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. Use the truck cautiously, limit unnecessary driving, and arrange Mack dealer service soon. The repair path includes axle replacement for certain refuse trucks or inspection with replacement when needed. Repair will be free at any franchised Mack dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2002-2005 Mack Le or Mr is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mack dealer or Mack customer service to confirm the repair path for your truck configuration.
- Schedule the front-axle inspection or replacement that addresses fatigue cracks in the axle beam.
- Bring the recall notice if Mack mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V017 when you call.
- Avoid heavy refuse-duty use until Mack confirms the axle beam inspection or replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mack technician replaces affected axles on Mr and Le front-loader or side-loader refuse trucks. Other Mr and Le trucks receive a mag-particle inspection of the axle beam, and Mack replaces any affected axle beams free of charge. This recall relates to prior axle remedies; after those repairs, the axle beam still showed cracking risk. The source remedy says the safety recall began in July 2012. Confirm the repair path with a Mack dealer before scheduling service.
Timeline
| January 20, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 27, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V017?
Recall 12V017 covers 8,333 2002-2005 Mack Le and Mr heavy trucks with front axle beams that can develop fatigue cracks and fracture. A fractured axle beam can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. Mack dealers inspect or replace the affected axle beams for free.
What should I do if my 2002-2005 Mack Le or Mr is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 12V017. If it is, contact a franchised Mack dealer and ask whether your truck needs axle replacement or a mag-particle inspection. Reference recall 12V017 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Mack replaces affected axles on front-loader and side-loader refuse trucks, and inspects other included Le and Mr trucks with replacement of affected axle beams free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control from a fractured front axle beam. The axle beam can crack over time from vehicle load, then fracture completely. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Mack dealer inspection or axle replacement.
What if I bought this Mack truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Le or Mr truck is included, then contact a Mack dealer or Mack Trucks at 1-800-866-1177 for recall 12V017.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V017000 |
|---|---|
| Mack customer service | 1-800-866-1177 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V017 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V017000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →