Recall 19V896 covers 80 2020 Mack Anthem (An), Pinnacle (Chu), and Granite (Gr) trucks for drag-link separation. Free repair at any franchised Mack dealer.
Mack is recalling 80 2020 Anthem (An), Pinnacle (Chu), and Granite (Gr) trucks because the castle nuts and cotter pins connecting the steering drag link to the pitman arm and steering arm were not installed correctly. If the drag link separates, the driver can lose steering control and crash risk rises; Mack dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering drag link on these 2020 Mack Anthem (An), Pinnacle (Chu), and Granite (Gr) trucks is a metal steering linkage that connects the steering gear to the front steering arms. When the driver turns the wheel, the pitman arm moves the drag link, and the drag link pushes or pulls the steering arm so the front wheels turn. The castle nut clamps that joint together, and the cotter pin is a small locking pin that keeps the nut from backing off.
On these trucks, the steering joints left the factory with a possible assembly error. The nuts were not torqued to the correct specification, and the cotter pin was not installed correctly. If the nut backs off, the drag link joint can separate from the pitman arm or steering arm, breaking the normal steering connection.
The warning sign is visual. Mack says the issue would be visible during the driver pre-trip inspection, so look for a loose or missing cotter pin, a castle nut that is not seated, or a drag link joint that looks out of position.
Who's affected?
This covers Mack's Anthem (An), Pinnacle (Chu), and Granite (Gr), all tied to the same steering linkage.
| 2020 Mack Anthem (An) | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2020 Mack Pinnacle (Chu) | steering linkage |
| 2020 Mack Granite (Gr) | steering linkage |
| Units affected | 80 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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 drag link separates, the driver can lose steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. This issue is visible during a pre-trip inspection, so treat any visible problem at the drag link attachment points as a reason to stop and call a Mack dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Mack Anthem (An), Pinnacle (Chu), or Granite (Gr) is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mack dealer to schedule the free drag-link attachment inspection and repair that secures the steering linkage.
- Bring the recall notice if Mack mailed one, or reference recall number 19V896 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the truck if steering feels loose or abnormal.
- Call Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177 with questions about Mack recall SC0420.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mack technician inspects the steering drag link attachment points where the drag link connects to the pitman arm and steering arm. The technician repairs any attachment point that fails inspection, including the castle nut and cotter pin hardware tied to the recall. Parts and labor are covered under the free recall repair. If you've already paid for this repair before the owner notice, Mack's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 16, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 20, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 20, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 14, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 6, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 6, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V896?
Recall 19V896 covers 80 2020 Mack Anthem (An), Pinnacle (Chu), and Granite (Gr) vehicles with drag link attachment hardware that was not installed correctly. If the drag link separates, steering control can be lost, increasing crash risk. Mack dealers will inspect the attachment points and repair them free of charge.
What should I do if my 2020 Mack Anthem (An), Pinnacle (Chu), or Granite (Gr) is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V896. If it is, contact a franchised Mack dealer to schedule the drag link inspection and any needed repair. Reference Mack recall number SC0420 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mack dealers will inspect the drag link attachment points and complete any needed repair free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. If the drag link separates from the pitman arm or steering arm, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Mack dealer inspection and repair.
When did the Mack recall repair become available?
The recall began January 14, 2020, so the dealer inspection and repair are available now. Mack owners can call Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177 or contact a franchised Mack dealer and reference recall number SC0420.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V896000 |
|---|---|
| Mack customer service | 1-800-866-1177 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V896 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V896000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →