Mack Trucks is recalling more than 3,000 Pioneer and Anthem trucks after discovering that certain exterior trim pieces may not be properly secured. The manufacturer has also announced a separate recall alongside Volvo Trucks involving braking software on vehicles equipped for tanker operations.
Both recalls were detailed in filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Although the issues involve different components, affected owners will be able to have the necessary repairs completed at authorized dealerships free of charge. Neither manufacturer had reported crashes or injuries associated with the defects.
More Than 3,000 Mack Trucks Affected by Exterior Trim Recall
The larger recall covers model-year 2025–2027 Mack Pioneer trucks and 2026–2027 Anthem trucks. According to NHTSA recall documents, certain intake and grille bezels may detach because they were not correctly fitted to their mounting surfaces during assembly.
The installation issue can prevent the retaining clips from engaging as intended, leaving the components vulnerable to separating from the vehicle. If a bezel comes loose while the truck is moving, it could become a roadway hazard for surrounding traffic.
Mack indicated that the defect is expected to affect only a small percentage of the recalled vehicles. As of October 1, the company had received 243 warranty claims and 95 field reports related to the issue, with no reported crashes or injuries.
Owners may notice a slightly larger gap along the outer edge of a bezel if its retaining clip has disengaged. However, a visual inspection alone does not establish whether a truck is included in the recall.
Authorized dealers will replace the affected bezels and install cable ties where necessary. Mack is scheduled to begin mailing owner notification letters on November 30, 2026.
The manufacturer’s recall number is SC0501, while NHTSA identifies the campaign as 26V631. Owners can contact Mack Trucks customer service at 800-866-1177 for additional information.
Separate Recall Covers Tanker-Equipped Mack and Volvo Models
A second recall involves approximately 850 model-year 2026–2027 Mack Anthem and Pioneer trucks, along with nearly 400 Volvo trucks. The affected Volvo models include the 2025–2027 VNL and 2026–2027 VNR.
Unlike the exterior trim recall, this campaign applies specifically to vehicles equipped with a tanker application package.
The issue involves software that may calculate axle loads inaccurately when the truck is transporting a smoothbore tanker trailer. Those calculations can reduce braking performance, potentially increasing the distance required to stop.
Smoothbore tanker trailers do not contain the internal baffles used in some tank configurations to limit liquid movement. The recall addresses the dynamic trailer braking calculations associated with these applications rather than a mechanical defect in the truck’s braking components.
According to the manufacturers’ reports, Volvo had received three field reports concerning the issue, while Mack had received none. Neither company reported warranty claims, crashes or injuries connected to the braking concern.
The repair involves installing updated software that disables the affected dynamic trailer braking calculations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed after November 27, 2026.
Mack owners can contact 800-866-1177 and reference recall SC0500. Volvo owners can call 800-528-6586 and reference recall RVXX2610.
The corresponding NHTSA campaigns are 26V620 for Mack and 26V619 for Volvo.
How Owners Can Check Their Trucks
The affected model years identify the general recall populations, but not every truck built during those periods is necessarily included. Owners can check their specific vehicle by entering its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the NHTSA recall lookup tool.
Mack Anthem and Pioneer owners may need to check both recalls, since the campaigns address unrelated issues. The braking software recall is also limited to trucks equipped with the specified tanker application package.
Although notification letters are scheduled for late November, owners can contact an authorized Mack or Volvo dealership beforehand to confirm whether their truck is affected and ask about repair availability.
The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.
Last Updated: October 14, 2026
Source: Land Line Media
