Recall 21V148 affects 34 2017-2019 Utilimaster Mobile Maintenance Truck vehicles for torn generator exhaust tubes. Repair is free at any franchised Utilimaster dealer.
Utilimaster is recalling 34 2017-2019 Mobile Maintenance Truck vehicles equipped with a generator set because the flexible exhaust tube can tear and release hot exhaust gases into the generator compartment. An exhaust gas leak there can increase the risk of a fire, and the Utilimaster dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2017-2019 Utilimaster Mobile Maintenance Truck uses a generator set to power equipment when the truck is on a job site. Its exhaust system routes hot exhaust away from the generator compartment through a flexible exhaust tube. That tube has to tolerate vibration, heat, and movement while keeping hot gases out of the compartment.
On these trucks, the installed flexible exhaust tube was not the right tube for this application. The tube can tear, and once it tears, hot exhaust gases escape into the generator compartment instead of leaving through the exhaust path. The recalled tube is expected to look corroded and galvanized; the repair part is stainless steel.
During maintenance, especially when filling the generator with fuel, a torn tube should be visible if the area is inspected. The tear can also happen without a clear warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Covers a single work-truck model across the 2017-2019 model years, with the same exhaust-system component listed for each year.
| 2019 Utilimaster Mobile Maintenance Truck | Exhaust system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Utilimaster Mobile Maintenance Truck | Exhaust system |
| 2017 Utilimaster Mobile Maintenance Truck | Exhaust system |
| Units affected | 34 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An exhaust gas leak in the generator compartment can raise fire risk. A torn exhaust tube is visible during routine generator fueling or maintenance, but the tear can occur without warning. Stop using the generator if you see exhaust damage, then schedule the repair. Repair is free at any franchised Utilimaster dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 Utilimaster Mobile Maintenance Truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Utilimaster dealer to schedule the free exhaust-tube replacement that stops hot exhaust gas from leaking into the generator compartment.
- Bring the recall notice if Utilimaster mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V148 and Utilimaster recall 21-04 when you call.
- Call Utilimaster customer service at 1-800-582-3454 with questions about the dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Utilimaster technician replaces the flexible exhaust tube for the generator set. The repair addresses the tube that can tear and release hot exhaust gases into the generator compartment. Parts and labor are free under recall 21V148. The recall is already open, so ask the dealer to confirm the VIN, order the exhaust tube if needed, and complete the replacement at no charge.
Timeline
| March 9, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 26, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 26, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 26, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 26, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V148?
Recall 21V148 covers 34 2017-2019 Utilimaster Mobile Maintenance Trucks equipped with a generator set. The flexible exhaust tube can tear and release hot exhaust gases into the generator compartment, increasing fire risk. Dealers will replace the exhaust tube for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 Utilimaster Mobile Maintenance Truck is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 21V148. If it is, contact a franchised Utilimaster dealer to schedule the exhaust-tube replacement. Reference recall number 21V148 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Shyft Group's remedy says dealers will replace the exhaust tube free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at the dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire in the generator compartment. The flexible exhaust tube can tear and release hot exhaust gases into that area, increasing the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the free exhaust-tube replacement with a Utilimaster dealer.
When did this recall begin?
The recall began on March 26, 2021. Since that date has passed, affected owners can contact a Utilimaster dealer about the free exhaust-tube replacement. Have your VIN ready and reference recall number 21V148 when you call.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V148000 |
|---|---|
| Utilimaster customer service | 1-800-582-3454 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V148 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V148000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →