Recall 13V316 affects 330 2012-2013 Utilimaster Reach vehicles because software can shut off the engine without warning. Repair is free at any franchised Utilimaster dealer.
Utilimaster is recalling 330 2012-2013 Reach vehicles because a control module software problem can shut the engine down without warning. That sudden shutdown increases crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Utilimaster makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The control module in a 2012-2013 Utilimaster Reach is part of the electrical system that manages engine and ignition signals. It reads switch and software commands, then helps keep the engine running when the vehicle is in normal operation. The ignition switch is the driver's command point for starting and powering the vehicle.
On affected Reach vehicles, the software in that control module has a defect tied to the ignition system. The module can interpret the operating state incorrectly and shut the engine down even though the driver did not command a shutdown. That leaves the vehicle without normal engine power until it is stopped and restarted.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall does not identify a dashboard light, sound, or driving symptom before the engine shuts down.
Who's affected?
The scope centers on the Reach's electrical system, with separate software and ignition switch components listed for both model years.
| 2013 Utilimaster Reach | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2013 Utilimaster Reach | electrical system |
| 2012 Utilimaster Reach | electrical system software |
| 2012 Utilimaster Reach | electrical system |
| Units affected | 330 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine shutdown while the vehicle is moving removes propulsion without warning and increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before shutdown, so confirm your VIN and ask the dealer when the repair can be performed. Repair will be free at any franchised Utilimaster dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Utilimaster Reach is included in this recall.
- Use the owner notice Utilimaster mailed on August 9, 2013, if you have it.
- Call Utilimaster customer service at 1-800-582-3454 with questions and reference recall number 13V316.
- Ask a franchised Utilimaster dealer about the free control-module replacement that fixes the software problem tied to engine shutdown.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete. Pull over safely if the engine shuts down without warning.
What happens at the repair
The listed remedy is replacement of the control modules that control engine operation. Once the dealer repair is available, a Utilimaster technician replaces the affected modules so the software problem tied to inadvertent engine shutdown is removed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm the control module replacement for recall 13V316 before the appointment, since the remedy status is not shown as open in this section.
Timeline
| July 19, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 9, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V316?
Recall 13V316 covers 330 2012-2013 Utilimaster Reach vehicles with a control module software problem that can shut the engine down without warning. That increases crash risk. Utilimaster dealers will replace the control modules for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Utilimaster Reach is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V316. If it is, contact a franchised Utilimaster dealer to schedule the control module replacement. Reference recall number 13V316 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 13V316, Utilimaster dealers replace the affected control modules free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 13V316?
The engine can shut down without warning. That sudden loss of engine power increases crash risk, especially if it happens in traffic or while turning. If your VIN is included, schedule the free control module replacement with a franchised Utilimaster dealer.
Is there a warning sign before the engine shutdown?
No warning sign is listed for this recall. The official consequence says the engine shutdown can happen without warning. That is why the VIN check matters: the year and model narrow the search, but the VIN decides whether your Reach is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V316000 |
|---|---|
| Utilimaster customer service | 1-800-582-3454 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V316 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V316000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (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 →