Recall 21V293 affects 272 2019-2020 Mack Lr vehicles for low steering transfer case oil. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
Mack is recalling 272 2019-2020 Lr vehicles because the steering transfer case can be underfilled with oil. Without enough lubrication, the internal bearings can fail and lock the steering, increasing crash risk; Mack dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The steering transfer case on 2019-2020 Mack Lr vehicles is part of the steering system. Mack also refers to this part as a miter box, a geared housing that transfers steering input through the steering linkage so the wheels respond when the driver turns the wheel.
On affected trucks, the steering transfer case left the supplier with too little oil. That oil is needed to lubricate the gears inside the case and keep metal parts moving without binding. Without enough oil, the internal parts are not lubricated as designed and can bind or seize, which can cause the steering to lock up at low speed.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not count on a noise, light, or gradual change in steering feel before the transfer case binds.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same steering transfer case, listed in owner-facing terms as the steering system.
| 2020 Mack Lr | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Mack Lr | steering system |
| Units affected | 272 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
A transfer-case bearing failure can lock the steering and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and drive cautiously until the transfer case is replaced. Repair is free at any franchised Mack dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Mack Lr is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mack dealer to schedule the free transfer-case replacement that corrects the low-oil steering transfer case.
- Bring the recall notice if Mack mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V293 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until the repair is complete because bearing failure can cause steering lock-up.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mack technician replaces the steering transfer case covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free under recall 21V293. Owner letters were mailed on May 12, 2021, so this repair is open. Mack's reimbursement policy addresses defect-related repairs completed before the owner notification. If you already paid for a transfer case repair tied to this defect, bring the repair order, receipt, and payment records to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 26, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 27, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 4, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 12, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V293?
Recall 21V293 covers 272 2019-2020 Mack Lr vehicles with steering transfer cases that have too little oil. Internal bearings can fail without lubrication, causing steering lock-up and increasing crash risk. Mack dealers replace the transfer case for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Mack Lr is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V293. If it is, contact a franchised Mack dealer to schedule the transfer case replacement. Reference recall number 21V293 or Mack recall SC0424 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mack dealers will replace the steering transfer case free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 21V293.
Is it safe to drive my Mack Lr before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the steering risk is serious. The transfer case can have too little oil, which can cause internal bearing failure, steering lock-up, and a higher crash risk. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free repair promptly.
When were owners notified about recall 21V293?
Mack mailed owner notification letters on May 12, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a Mack dealer or Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V293000 |
|---|---|
| Mack customer service | 1-800-866-1177 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V293 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V293000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →