Check a VIN

2003 Mack MR problems

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
0
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
37

The worst 2003 Mack MR problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Recalls 4

Suspension: frontReported January 20, 2012 · 8,333 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mack trucks is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 mr and le heavy trucks, manufactured from february 1, 2002, through december 22, 2004. Over time, the vehicle’s load may result in fatigue cracks of the front axle beam. These cracks can propagate and result in complete fracture of the axle beam.
Risk
If complete fracture occurs, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
This recall relates to previous recalls 09v‑240 and 10v‑069. Analysis of these recalls has shown that after the receiving the remedies, the axles may still crack. As such, mack trucks will replace the affected axles on any mr and le models configured as front-loader or side-loader refuse trucks. Axles on all other mr and le models will receive a mag-particle inspection and mack will replace any affected axle beams free of charge. The safety recall began iin july 2012. Owners may contact mack trucks at 1‑800‑866‑1177.

Recall number 12V017000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assemblyReported March 3, 2010 · 15,490 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mack trucks is recalling certain model year 2002 through 2004 cl, cv, le, mr, rb, rd, and model year 2003 through 2004 dm heavy trucks manufactured from february 1, 2002 through september 30, 2003, equipped with axle beams manufactured by bharat forge. The axle beam may have transverse shear lines on the bottom of the axle from the trimming process.
Risk
These lines, if present, can promote initiation of cracks, which over time may possibly lead to axle beam failure and a vehicle crash can occur.
Remedy
Mack will notify owners, inspect and replace any affected axle beams free of charge. The safety recall began on march 5, 2010. Owners may contact mack at 1‑800‑866‑1177.

Recall number 10V069000 · Recall details

Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: pressure relief devicesReported April 7, 2004 · 317 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain chassis built with lng engines, the nexgen lng tank's primary and secondary relief valves could fail to open and relieve tank pressure.
Risk
This could cause ice buildup on the discharge side of the primary and secondary pressure system allowing the relief system to freeze and become blocked resulting in over pressurization of the lng tanks creating the risk of catastrophic tank rupture which could cause serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will retrofit the lng tanks with a new primary relief valve pipe away tube and a new ventilated shroud. The recall began april 6, 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mack at 1‑610‑709‑3337.

Recall number 04V159000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: supply: check valveReported July 17, 2003 · 1,232 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain heavy duty vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "air brake systems." improper seating of the check valve retainer in the brass fitting housing has occurred. It is possible for the air brake system pressure to push the check valve internal parts into the primary system reservoir and a vehicle operator would not know that this has happened.
Risk
In this condition, the vehicle would not meet the emergency requirements of the standard.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the check valve. Owner notification began november 26, 2003. Owners should contact mack at 1‑610‑709‑3337.

Recall number 03V253000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2003 Mack MR

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mack MR 37

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 37 bulletins for the 2003 Mack MR

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2003 Mack MR before you buy

Compare the 2003 Mack MR

Other model years

1999

Questions about the 2003 Mack MR

Is the 2003 Mack MR reliable?

Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2003 Mack MR.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mack MR?

There are not enough complaints to tell.

How many recalls does the 2003 Mack MR have?

4 recalls, covering suspension, power train and fuel system, other.

Share your experience with the 2003 Mack MR

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2003 Mack MR?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN