Sterling Heights, Michigan — Mack Trucks has initiated a federal recall covering 27,418 vehicles, specifically targeting Granite GR and GU models manufactured between 2015 and 2023. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified that the turn signals on these chassis do not meet updated lighting visibility standards, posing a safety concern for drivers and other road users. This action follows a detailed review by Mack’s Product Safety Working Group, which flagged potential non-compliance related to specific chassis extensions and hood variations.

The core issue stems from a final rule announced by the NHTSA in February 2022 concerning adaptive driving beam technology. While this technology was designed to enhance driving visibility and reduce accident rates, the implementation on certain Mack models has resulted in turn signals being positioned in a way that reduces their visibility. The agency stated in an August 29 letter that these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, which governs lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. This regulatory gap requires immediate correction to ensure that all lighting systems function as intended under current federal laws.

Mack has coordinated with dealerships to provide a free repair solution for affected owners. Technicians will add additional turn signal lighting to bring the vehicles into compliance with the new regulations. Notices have already been distributed to all dealerships as of September 1, and vehicle owners can expect to receive detailed instructions and appointment scheduling information by October 17. This proactive approach allows fleet managers and individual drivers to schedule maintenance without incurring out-of-pocket costs for parts or labor.

What This Means for Drivers

For any CDL-A driver or owner-operator operating a Mack Granite, this recall represents a critical maintenance task that must not be delayed. Since the issue involves safety-critical lighting, ignoring the notification could lead to citations during roadside inspections, particularly as FMCSA regulations emphasize proper equipment compliance. Fleet managers need to cross-reference their VIN lists against the recall database to identify which of their 2015–2023 model-year trucks are affected. Independent owner-operators should monitor their mail or the NHTSA website for official letters, as the repair is mandatory to maintain legal roadworthiness. Scheduling this service now prevents potential downtime later and ensures that the vehicle meets all federal standards before the next annual inspection.

Industry Reaction

While specific carrier reactions have not yet been widely publicized, the trucking industry generally views compliance recalls as a standard part of vehicle lifecycle management. Safety advocates have long pushed for stricter adherence to lighting standards, arguing that even minor visibility reductions can contribute to collision risks in high-speed environments. The fact that this recall spans nine model years highlights the complexity of managing legacy equipment under evolving regulatory frameworks. Drivers should treat this as a routine maintenance item, similar to brake adjustments or tire rotations, rather than a sign of structural failure. Keeping up with these updates is essential for anyone seeking to maintain a clean safety record with their carrier.

Key Points

• 27,418 Mack Granite GR and GU trucks from model years 2015 to 2023 are affected by the recall.
• The issue involves turn signal positioning that fails to meet NHTSA Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108.
• Dealerships will install additional lighting components at no cost to the owner.
• Owners should expect direct notification letters by October 17 to schedule their repairs.

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