1996 Utilimaster Walk-In Van Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1996 Utilimaster Walk-In Van has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 11,028 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

SEAT BELTS 18V377000 2018-06-06 3,194 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

Without 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.

Remedy

Spartan 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 03V275000 2003-07-29 4,001 affected
Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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

STRUCTURE 97V027000 1997-02-22 3,132 affected
Defect

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.

Consequence

IF 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..

Remedy

DEALERS 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.

POWER TRAIN 96V190000 1996-10-04 701 affected
Defect

THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING A PROPSHAFT RETAINER STRAP. IN THE EVENT OF A DRIVELINE DETACHMENT, THIS STRAP PREVENTS THE DRIVELINE FROM CONTACTING THE GROUND.

Consequence

IF A DRIVELINE SHOULD COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IT IS IN MOTION, THE DRIVELINE CAN CONTACT THE GROUND RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND IF NECESSARY INSALL A PROPSHAFT RETAINER STRAP.

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1996 Utilimaster Walk-In Van as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.