Recall 15V644 affects 448 2011-2014 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) and Pinnacle (Chu) trucks for fifth-wheel lock damage. Repair is free at Fontaine dealers.
Mack is recalling 448 2011-2014 Pinnacle (Cxu) and Pinnacle (Chu) trucks because Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors can suffer cumulative damage that prevents the locking mechanism from operating or engaging properly. If the lock fails, the trailer can unexpectedly detach from the tractor and increase crash risk; Mack dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The fifth wheel assembly on affected 2011-2014 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) and Pinnacle (Chu) trucks is the heavy coupling plate behind the cab. It receives the trailer kingpin and uses a locking mechanism to hold the trailer to the tractor. On trucks equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT Fifth Wheel connectors, that lock is the part that keeps the trailer connection closed while the combination is moving.
On these trucks, cumulative damage to the fifth wheel and its lock can keep the locking mechanism from operating or from fully engaging. That means the driver can connect to a trailer and still not have the lock seated the way it is designed to seat. The problem is tied to the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel connector covered by the supplier recall referenced in campaign 15V644.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not expect a dashboard light, sound, or normal handling change to confirm that the fifth wheel lock is secure.
Who's affected?
Covers both Pinnacle (Cxu) and Pinnacle (Chu) trucks across the 2011-2014 model years, all tied to the fifth wheel assembly.
| 2014 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) | Fifth wheel assembly |
|---|---|
| 2012 Mack Pinnacle (Chu) | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2011 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2013 Mack Pinnacle (Chu) | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2014 Mack Pinnacle (Chu) | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2012 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2011 Mack Pinnacle (Chu) | Fifth wheel assembly |
| 2013 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) | Fifth wheel assembly |
| Units affected | 448 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Damage to the fifth wheel and locking mechanism can keep the lock from working as intended. If the trailer detaches from the tractor, the driver can lose the trailer and the crash risk rises. Schedule the repair soon, and ask the dealer how to handle the truck if fifth wheel damage is suspected. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2014 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) or Pinnacle (Chu) truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mack dealer to schedule the free fifth-wheel replacement with an Ultra NT unit that fixes the damaged locking mechanism.
- Bring the recall notice if Mack mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V644 when you call.
- Avoid hauling a trailer until the fifth-wheel locking mechanism is inspected or replaced.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mack technician replaces the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel assembly with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel. The work follows Fontaine's repair instructions, and the replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. The inspection described by Mack was the interim step before replacement. Because the remedy is available, the final dealer repair is the fifth wheel replacement, not another waiting step.
Timeline
| October 13, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| October 14, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 2, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 18, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V644?
Recall 15V644 covers 448 2011-2014 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) and Pinnacle (Chu) trucks equipped with Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel connectors. Damage to the fifth wheel and locking mechanism can keep the lock from operating or engaging correctly. Fontaine dealers replace the fifth wheel for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2014 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) or Pinnacle (Chu) is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 15V644. If it is, contact Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177 or a dealer service desk and reference Mack recall SC0395. The repair replaces the Fontaine Ultra LT fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be performed at no cost, and Mack's remedy states that Fontaine dealers will replace the affected fifth wheel with an Ultra NT model fifth wheel free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation. If the fifth wheel and locking mechanism are damaged enough, the lock can fail to operate as intended, and the trailer can detach from the tractor. That increases crash risk. Confirm the VIN and arrange the free fifth wheel replacement.
What if I bought this Mack Pinnacle used?
The free recall repair still applies to the truck, not the original owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific Pinnacle (Cxu) or Pinnacle (Chu) is included in recall 15V644, then reference Mack recall SC0395 when you contact the service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V644000 |
|---|---|
| Mack customer service | 1-800-866-1177 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V644 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V644000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →