Recall 17V535 affects 439 2016 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) and Pinnacle (Chu) trucks for loose tie rods. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
Mack is recalling 439 2016 Pinnacle (Cxu) and Pinnacle (Chu) diesel trucks equipped with certain Dana steer axles because the castellated nut and cotter pin on the steer axle were not properly torqued. A loose tie rod can disconnect from the steering knuckle and cause complete loss of steering, and the Mack dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The tie rod assembly on the 2016 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) and Pinnacle (Chu) is part of the steering linkage. It connects steering movement from the front axle hardware to the wheels, so the truck responds when the driver turns the wheel. A castellated nut and cotter pin help hold that linkage in place at the steer axle.
On affected trucks with certain Dana steer axles, the castellated nuts in the tie rods were not properly torqued during assembly. That means the fastener was not tightened to the required force. With use, the tie rod can loosen within the steer axle, and damaged parts need to be replaced if inspection finds the problem.
Before a tie rod disconnects from the truck, Dana said the driver should get warning, including noise and loosened steering. If the steering feels loose or the front axle area makes unusual noise, treat that as a warning sign.
Who's affected?
The steering system and tie rod assembly are called out for both Pinnacle variants.
| 2016 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) | steering system |
| 2016 Mack Pinnacle (Chu) | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2016 Mack Pinnacle (Chu) | steering system |
| Units affected | 439 |
Not every 2016 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) or Pinnacle (Chu) truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loosened tie rod can separate from the steering knuckle, leading to a complete loss of steering and increased crash risk. Noise or loose steering can appear before separation; treat either sign as a reason to stop using the truck and call a Mack dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Mack dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) or Pinnacle (Chu) is included in this recall.
- Wait for Mack's owner instructions before scheduling service if your VIN has no open dealer remedy yet.
- Contact a franchised Mack dealer to ask about the free tie-rod torque inspection that checks the loose steering linkage.
- Reference recall number 17V535 and Mack recall SC0408 when you call the dealer or Mack customer service.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete. Stop driving and call the dealer if the steering feels loose or abnormal.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mack technician checks the torque on the castellated nut and tie rod at the steer axle. If the hardware is loose, the technician tightens it to specification. If the tie rod stud and knuckle do not hold the required torque, the dealer replaces the knuckle and tie rod end assembly. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under recall 17V535.
Timeline
| August 31, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 15, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| September 15, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 16, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 17, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V535?
Recall 17V535 covers 439 2016 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) and Pinnacle (Chu) diesel trucks with certain Dana steer axles. The castellated nut and cotter pin on the steer axle tie rod were not properly torqued, which can let the tie rod loosen. Mack dealers will inspect and repair the steering linkage for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) or Pinnacle (Chu) is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V535. If it is, contact a franchised Mack dealer and ask for recall SC0408. The dealer will inspect the castellated nut and tie rod torque, tighten parts as needed, or replace the knuckle and tie rod end assembly for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and Mack's remedy says dealers will perform the inspection, torque correction, and any needed knuckle and tie rod end assembly replacement free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering. If the tie rod loosens and disconnects from the steering knuckle, the truck can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. Until the repair is complete, confirm your VIN and ask a Mack dealer how to handle the truck safely.
What if I bought my Mack Pinnacle used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the truck, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016 Mack Pinnacle (Cxu) or Pinnacle (Chu) is included, then call a franchised Mack dealer and reference recall SC0408.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V535000 |
|---|---|
| Mack customer service | 1-800-866-1177 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V535 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V535000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →