Recall 11V453 affects 174 2008-2011 Utilmaster Truck Body vehicles with Sure Power battery separators that overheat and cause smoke or fire. Repair is free.
Utilmaster is recalling 174 2008-2011 Truck Body vehicles because a Sure Power battery separator was installed where it can overheat. Overheating can create smoke or fire, and the dealer repair will be free once Utilmaster makes the remedy available.
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What's wrong?
The battery separator in the 2008-2011 Utilmaster Truck Body is an electrical control device mounted near the battery wiring. Its normal job is to manage the connection between battery circuits so charging power goes where it is needed while keeping one battery circuit from draining another.
This recall covers truck bodies equipped with Sure Power battery separator part number 16511893, model 1314, or part number 16512967, model 1315. In the as-built configuration, the separator was installed on the inboard side of the curb side rail. On affected vehicles, that separator can overheat. The recall information does not identify a deeper mechanical cause, so the defect is the separator overheating in that installed location.
There is no warning sign before failure. Treat unusual electrical smells, visible heat damage, or melted wiring near the battery area as a reason to stop using the vehicle and have the system checked.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 model years, all tied to the same electrical equipment on the truck body.
| 2011 Utilmaster Truck Body | Electrical |
|---|---|
| 2008 Utilmaster Truck Body | Electrical |
| 2010 Utilmaster Truck Body | Electrical |
| 2009 Utilmaster Truck Body | Electrical |
| Units affected | 174 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Battery separator overheating can create smoke and a fire risk. If you smell burning, see smoke, or notice heat near the battery area, stop using the vehicle, move away from it, and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Utilmaster dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2011 Utilmaster Truck Body is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Utilmaster owner notice if you have not received one.
- Contact Utilmaster customer service at 1-800-582-3454 to ask about the free battery-separator replacement that fixes the overheating risk.
- Reference recall number 11V453 when you call.
- Avoid using equipment that shows smoke or heat near the battery separator until Utilmaster gives repair instructions.
What happens at the repair
Once the dealer repair is available, a Utilmaster technician replaces the Sure Power battery separator in the affected truck body configuration. The separator sits near the curb side rail and is the part addressed by this recall. The replacement is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. Ask the service desk to confirm parts availability and appointment timing before bringing the vehicle in.
Timeline
| August 29, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 16, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V453?
Recall 11V453 covers 174 2008-2011 Utilmaster Truck Body vehicles with Sure Power battery separators that can overheat. An overheated battery separator can create smoke or fire. Utilmaster will replace the battery separator free of charge.
What should I do if my 2008-2011 Utilmaster Truck Body is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck body is included in recall 11V453. If it is, contact a franchised Utilmaster service location and ask for the battery separator replacement. Reference recall number 11V453 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. For recall 11V453, Utilmaster will replace the affected Sure Power battery separator free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is overheating at the battery separator. The recalled truck bodies had the separator installed on the inboard side of the curb side rail, and overheating can result in smoke or fire.
When did the recall repair begin?
The safety recall began on October 16, 2011. If your VIN is included and the battery separator has not been replaced, contact Utilmaster at 1-800-582-3454 or a franchised Utilmaster service location and reference recall 11V453.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V453000 |
|---|---|
| Utilmaster customer service | 1-800-582-3454 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V453 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V453000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →