Recall 18V543 affects 9 2019 Mack Anthem (An) trucks for a narrow fifth wheel slider bracket. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
Mack is recalling 9 2019 Anthem (An) trucks under recall 18V543 because a too-narrow outboard slider bracket on the Jost fifth wheel coupling can let the trailer separate from the tractor. If separation happens, crash risk increases; Mack dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The fifth wheel on a 2019 Mack Anthem (An) is the heavy coupling plate mounted behind the cab that locks onto the trailer's kingpin. It lets the tractor pull the trailer while still allowing the trailer to pivot during turns. The slider bracket holds that fifth wheel in position on the tractor frame so the coupling stays aligned and locked.
On affected trucks, a Jost fifth wheel can have an outboard slider bracket that is too narrow. Jost told Mack that a prototype part appears to have entered normal production, and that part does not provide the intended fit. If the bracket does not hold the coupling correctly, the trailer can separate from the tractor.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not expect a dash light, noise, or change in handling to appear before the coupling problem becomes dangerous.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Mack Anthem (An) | Fifth wheel assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 9 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the trailer separates from the tractor, crash risk increases. There is no warning sign before separation, so schedule the fifth wheel slider bracket inspection soon and avoid hauling until the dealer confirms the bracket is safe. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Mack Anthem (An) is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mack dealer to schedule the free fifth wheel slider bracket inspection and replacement if needed; this fixes the narrow bracket that can let the trailer separate from the tractor.
- Bring the recall notice if Mack mailed one, or reference recall number 18V543 when you call.
- Avoid hauling a trailer until a Mack dealer completes the inspection and any needed bracket replacement.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mack technician inspects the fifth wheel slider bracket on the affected Anthem truck and replaces the bracket if the inspection shows it is needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Mack has a reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you've already paid for this fifth wheel slider bracket repair, ask Mack customer service or the dealer how to submit repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 16, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 22, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 22, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 14, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 14, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 25, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V543?
Recall 18V543 covers 9 2019 Mack Anthem (An) trucks equipped with Jost fifth wheel couplings. The fifth wheel slider bracket can be too narrow, which can let the trailer separate from the tractor and increase crash risk. Mack dealers will inspect the bracket and replace it as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Mack Anthem (An) is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V543. If it is, contact a franchised Mack dealer to schedule the fifth wheel slider bracket inspection. Reference Mack recall SC0411 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Mack's remedy says dealers will inspect the fifth wheel slider bracket and replace it as necessary free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation. If the fifth wheel slider bracket is too narrow, the trailer can separate from the tractor while the truck is in use, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then have a Mack dealer complete the free inspection and repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V543000 |
|---|---|
| Mack customer service | 1-800-866-1177 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V543 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V543000 |
Source documents
-
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 →