1997 Utilimaster WALK-IN VAN

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 1991-2018 Utilimaster Aeromaster and Walk-In Vans. These vehicles were manufactured with front seat belts that do not have an emergency locking seat belt retractor or automatic locking seat belt retractor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

RiskWithout retractors, the seat belts may not accommodate different size occupants, therefore the occupants may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

FixSpartan will notify owners and will install seat belts with retractors, free of charge. The recall began on August 6, 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-582-3454. Spartan's number for this recall is 18019.

ON CERTAIN WALK-IN VANS, A FUSE WAS INSTALLED BY FORD. HOWEVER, UTILIMASTER INSTALLED A WIRE. THE FUSE IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE WIRE GAUGE INSTALLED BY UTILIMASTER.

Risk SHOULD A FAILURE OCCUR IN A VEHICLE COMPONENT SUCH AS A FAN, HEATED MIRROR AND/OR OTHER IGNITION-HOT OPTION, THE INSULATION AROUND THE WIRING TO THE FAN COULD MELT.

FixOWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REPLACEMENT FUSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTONER 1, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT UTILIMASTER AT 1-800-582-3454.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: WALK-IN VAN TRUCKS SUPPLIED TO FLEET ACCOUNTS. THE LED CLEARANCE LAMPS, MOUNTED AT A 30-DEGREE SET-BACK POSITION, DO NOT COMPLY WITH TWO OF THE REQUIRED TEST POINTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

RiskTHE CLEARANCE LAMPS DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

FixOWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH REMEDY INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN AND WILL BE REIMBURSED BY UTILIMASTER FOR PARTS AND LABOR COSTS INVOLVED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT UTILIMASTER AT 1-816-765-2000.

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE FORCE OF THE WIND AGAINST THE HOOD CAN FORCE THE HOOD BEHIND THE BUMPER ALLOWING THE HOOD TO DROP. THIS REDUCES THE TENSION ON THE TWO RUBBER HOLD-DOWNS WHICH THEN BECOME LOOSE.

RiskIF BOTH TIE DOWNS COME LOOSE, THE HOOD CAN SEPARATE DURING VEHICLE OPERATION LEADING TO A POSSIBLE BROKEN WINDSHIELD AND/OR BLOCKING OF THE DRIVER'S VISION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH..

FixDEALERS WILL ADD A METAL BRACKET AND A SECOND BUMPER ABOVE AND BEHIND THE ORIGINAL BUMPER SO THAT THE HOOD CANNOT BE PUSHED OR SLIP BEHIND THE ORIGINAL (BOTTOM) BUMPER.