The problem
Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Utilimaster Walk-In Vans. In the event of a crash, the seat belt D-ring mounting may detach, preventing the seat belt from restraining the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
The risk
A seat belt that does not keep the seat occupant restrained increases the risk of injury.
The fix
Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will install a seat belt mounting reinforcement bracket, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2017. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 17020.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Utilimaster dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 17V492000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.