Recall 21V551 covers 76 2021-2022 Utilimaster Walk-In Van vehicles for loose tie rod clamps. Repair is free at any franchised Utilimaster dealer.
Utilimaster is recalling 76 2021-2022 Walk-In Van vehicles because loose tie rod clamps can let the tie rod ends loosen, break, or detach. A broken or detached tie rod end can cause steering loss and raise crash risk; Utilimaster dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tie rod assembly on 2021-2022 Utilimaster Walk-In Van vehicles is part of the steering linkage. It carries steering movement from the steering system to the front wheels, so the wheels turn in the direction the driver commands. The tie rod clamp nut tightens the clamp that holds the tie rod end in place.
On these vans, the tie rod clamps were identified as loose. A loose clamp lets the tie rod end move when it should stay fixed. As that looseness grows, the tie rod end can break or detach, leaving the steering linkage unable to respond as designed.
The warning sign is a decrease in steering response. If the van feels slow to react when the wheel is turned, that is the symptom tied to this recall.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2021 and 2022 Walk-In Van, with the same tie rod clamp nut used in the steering linkage.
| 2021 Utilimaster Walk-In Van | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2022 Utilimaster Walk-In Van | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 76 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Detached or broken tie rod ends can cause steering loss and increase the risk of a crash. A decrease in steering response is the warning sign to take seriously. If the steering feels delayed or vague, stop using the vehicle and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Utilimaster dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Utilimaster Walk-In Van is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Utilimaster service facility to schedule the free tie-rod-clamp bolt and nut replacement that secures the tie rod ends and addresses the steering-loss risk.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 21V551 (Utilimaster recall 21-17) when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra room for steering corrections and avoid unnecessary trips.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Utilimaster technician replaces the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts covered by recall 21V551. The work addresses loose tie rod clamps, which can leave tie rod ends loose enough to break or detach. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered at DTNA service facilities. If you already paid for a related tie rod clamp repair before the recall notice, follow the reimbursement instructions in DTNA's owner letter or contact Shyft Group customer service at 1-800-582-3454.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 21, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 21, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 21, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 23, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 23, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V551?
Recall 21V551 covers 76 2021-2022 Utilimaster Walk-In Van vehicles with tie rod clamps that can loosen. Loose tie rod ends can break or detach, causing steering loss and increasing crash risk. DTNA service facilities will replace the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Utilimaster Walk-In Van is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 21V551. If it is, contact a DTNA service facility to schedule replacement of the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts. Reference recall number 21V551 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V551, DTNA service facilities will replace the tie rod clamp bolts and nuts free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is steering loss. The recall filing says detached or broken tie rod ends can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free tie rod clamp bolt and nut replacement with a DTNA service facility.
When were owners notified about recall 21V551?
Owner notification letters were mailed on December 23, 2021. DTNA mailed the letters on behalf of Shyft Group. If you bought the van used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call Shyft Group customer service at 1-800-582-3454.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V551000 |
|---|---|
| Utilimaster customer service | 1-800-582-3454 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V551 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V551000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →