Recall 23V542 affects 560 2023 Utilimaster Upfit vehicles with incorrect battery cable connections. Repair is free at franchised Utilimaster service centers.
Utilimaster is recalling 560 2023 Upfit vehicles because incorrectly connected battery cable connections can leave the electrical harness without effective circuit protection. Without that protection, a short circuit on the negative cable can raise the risk of a fire, and Utilimaster dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The harness for the MDD charger on the 2023 Utilimaster Upfit is the wiring assembly that connects the scanning charger to the vehicle's battery system. Battery cables carry electrical current, and the circuit protection on those cables is supposed to interrupt power when current flows where it should not.
On affected vehicles, the battery cable connections for that harness were installed incorrectly. That wiring error leaves the cable protection ineffective, so an electrical fault does not get interrupted the way the system was designed to handle it. The fix is to install the wires correctly so the protected path matches the intended electrical layout.
The warning sign is limited: a short circuit can occur without warning. An owner should not count on a light, sound, smell, or charging problem to appear before the electrical fault happens.
Who's affected?
| 2023 Utilimaster Upfit | battery |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 560 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A short circuit on the negative cable can start without warning and increases the risk of a fire because the circuit lacks protection. Because there is no warning sign before the short, schedule the recall repair promptly if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Utilimaster dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Utilimaster Upfit is included in this recall.
- Contact a Utilimaster service center to schedule the free repair.
- Ask the service center to correct the battery cable and wire connections so the circuit protection works as intended.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 23V542 when you call.
- Call Utilimaster customer service at 1-800-237-7806 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the service center, a Utilimaster technician checks the battery cable connections for the electrical harness and installs the cables and wires in the correct positions. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a related battery cable or electrical harness repair, Shyft Group lists a general reimbursement plan for this recall. Contact Shyft Group customer service at 1-800-237-7806 with your repair documentation and ask how to submit a claim under recall 23-02.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 2, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 8, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 11, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 11, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V542?
Recall 23V542 covers 560 2023 Utilimaster Upfit vehicles with battery cable connections for the electrical harness installed incorrectly. That can leave the cables without effective circuit protection, and a short circuit on the negative cable can increase fire risk. Service centers will install the cables and wires correctly for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Utilimaster Upfit is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V542. If it is, contact a Utilimaster service center to schedule the cable and wire correction. Reference recall number 23-02 or 23V542 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost. Utilimaster service centers will install the affected cables and wires correctly for free, regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. Without effective circuit protection, a short circuit on the negative battery cable can increase fire risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free correction with a Utilimaster service center and ask for guidance before continuing to use the vehicle.
When were owners notified about recall 23V542?
Utilimaster mailed owner notification letters on August 8, 2023. If you own a 2023 Utilimaster Upfit and never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your vehicle is included, then contact Utilimaster customer service at 1-800-237-7806 or a service center.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V542000 |
|---|---|
| Utilimaster customer service | 1-800-237-7806 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V542 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V542000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →