Mack files Granite recall after regulators nix ‘inconsequential’ plea

Noncompliant turn signal angle could increase crash risk

Mack Trucks is recalling Granite heavy-duty trucks from nine model years because of a turn signal visibility issue. (Photo: Mack Trucks)

Mack Trucks is recalling 27,418 heavy-duty Granite trucks over nine model years because the turn signal angle is out of compliance with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS).

The Volvo Group North America subsidiary unsuccessfully petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to consider the issue inconsequential to safety.

“Mack Trucks did not provide any data, views, or arguments supporting its belief that this noncompliance is inconsequential to safety” according to Otto Matheke, NHTSA’s acting associate administrator for enforcement.

Mack studied turn signal visibility issue for nearly 2 years before seeking exemption

The recall of trucks from model year 2015-2023 followed a study of front turn signal angle visibility. The government updated the standard in 2014.

Mack evaluated different axle positions and frame extension configurations of Granite models for the required 45-degree inboard and 15-degree downward angle. Mack found that axle-forward and axle-back trucks built from Sept. 1, 2014, to Sept. 30, 2022, were out of compliance by 8 degrees inboard and downward depending on the model.

The recall includes all trucks built from the effective change of the regulation until a production change in September 2022. The company will add extra lighting to the turn signals to make the recalled trucks compliant with FMVSS 108. 

The lack of turn signal visibility could increase the risk of a crash. Mack asked NHTSA to declare the risk inconsequential to motor vehicle safety. On Aug. 18, the agency refused, saying Mack did not provide evidence to support the request. Mack filed the recall on Aug. 25.

Mack studied the issue from August 2021 to October 2022 when it decided to ask for a finding of inconsequential noncompliance. The company said it has no claims or reports related to the noncompliance. Dealers were told about the recall on Friday. Customers will be informed by first-class mail on Oct. 17.

The NHTSA recall number is 23V-600.

NHTSA denies Mack Trucks’ turn signal lamp exemption

Mack asks NHTSA to overlook lighting compliance on Granite trucks

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Fraud & Security

Freight Fraud Symposium

Double brokering. AI deepfakes. Identity theft. Freight fraud is an existential threat to the industry. Get ahead of it.

May 20, 2026
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame • Cleveland, OH
Register Now
AI & Technology

Supply Chain AI Symposium

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

July 15, 2026
The Old Post Office • Chicago, IL
Register Now
Rail & Policy

Future of Rail Symposium

Reshoring is rewriting freight demand. Join shippers, rail executives, and government officials to shape the next decade.

July 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Fraud & Security Freight Fraud Symposium May 20 • Cleveland, OH

Double brokering. AI deepfakes. Identity theft. Freight fraud is an existential threat to the industry. Get ahead of it.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame • Cleveland, OH Register Now
AI & Technology Supply Chain AI Symposium Jul 15 • Chicago, IL

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

The Old Post Office • Chicago, IL Register Now
Rail & Policy Future of Rail Symposium Jul 28 • Chattanooga, TN

Reshoring is rewriting freight demand. Join shippers, rail executives, and government officials to shape the next decade.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Alan Adler

Alan Adler is an award-winning journalist who worked for The Associated Press and the Detroit Free Press. He also spent two decades in domestic and international media relations and executive communications with General Motors.