RoadVitals

2012 Spartan Gladiator Recalls

Safety recall campaigns filed with NHTSA that cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
Recall campaignsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
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Newest Nov 19, 2019
Carrying an NHTSA advisoryCampaigns where NHTSA told owners not to drive the vehicle, or to park it outside, until the repair is done.
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Open investigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
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Recall campaigns

24 campaigns cover this model year — what the defect is, what it could cause, and what the remedy is

19V828000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:RESERVOIR/TANK

Nov 19, 2019
94 units potentially affected
The defect: Marion Body Works Inc. (Marion Body Works) is recalling certain 2005-2020 Emergency Response Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles equipped with pneumatically-controlled automatic tire chain systems. The air pressure control lines may not be pressure-protected.
The risk: Without the control line being pressure-protected, in the event the control line is severed, air may suddenly be lost from the service reservoir system, causing the brakes to apply unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Marion Body Works will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the routing of the control lines, rerouting them into the auxiliary air reservoir as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 22, 2019. Owners may contact Marion Body Works customer service at 1-715-754-5261 or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008.
Marion Body Works Inc.Manufacturer number 19V-674View on NHTSA.gov
19V674000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:RESERVOIR/TANK

Sep 23, 2019
1,746 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2004-2020 Emergency Response Gladiator and Spartan vehicles equipped with a pneumatically-controlled automatic tire chain system. The air pressure control lines may not be pressure-protected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The risk: Without the control line being pressure-protected, in the event the control line is severed, air may suddenly be lost from the service reservoir system, causing the brakes to apply unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the routing of the control lines, rerouting them into the auxiliary air reservoir as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 19017.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 19017View on NHTSA.gov
19V338000

EQUIPMENT

Apr 30, 2019
45 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2004-2016 Emergency Response Gladiator Tractor Drawn Aerial vehicles. Cracks may develop and extend into the vertical portions of the tiller frame, resulting in instability of the aerial device.
The risk: If the aerial device becomes unstable, the device may fall, increasing the risk of an injury.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct any cracking, and add reinforcements to prevent any possible future cracking, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 19007.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 19007View on NHTSA.gov
18V932000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Dec 26, 2018
138 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Emergency Response Gladiator and Metro Star vehicles built into fire apparatus and equipped with tandem axles, drum brakes at the rear axles and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Vehicles with this configuration may have a delay in their brake release, preventing them from complying with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The risk: A delay in the brakes releasing may hinder vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will re-route a portion of the brake system to bring the vehicle into compliance, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18038.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 18038View on NHTSA.gov
18V691000

EQUIPMENT

Oct 3, 2018
923 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2001-2019 Spartan MetroStar and Gladiator emergency vehicles. The mounting fasteners for the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) cabinets may not be the correct size, allowing the cabinets to break free from their mountings in the event of a crash.
The risk: If the EMS cabinets become loose during a crash, the cabinets may become projectiles, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect size fasteners with the correct fasteners, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18030.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 18030View on NHTSA.gov
18V440000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Jun 29, 2018
865 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Spartan Emergency Response Gladiator vehicles. The protective sleeve for the cable that connects the battery positive terminal to the alternator can become brittle and allow the cable to chafe and arc.
The risk: If the battery positive cable arcs, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will install brackets to move the cable away from any chafe points, and replace any damaged battery positive cables, free of charge. The recall began on August 27, 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18020.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 18020View on NHTSA.gov
18V424000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Jun 25, 2018
1,243 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2009-2018 Gladiator and MetroStar emergency vehicles. The fire water pump solenoid may corrode internally, causing a loss of power to the pump control module.
The risk: A loss of power to the pump control module can cause a loss of water pressure for fighting fires, thereby increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the solenoids, free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18019.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 18019View on NHTSA.gov
18V350000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR; SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:RESERVOIR/TANK

May 29, 2018
309 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2001-2018 Spartan Gladiator, Diamond, MetroStar, and Advantage emergency response vehicles. The affected vehicles may not be equipped with a pressure protection valve installed between the air reservoir and the lubrication control module. If the air line were to become disconnected between the lubrication control module and the air reservoir, a loss of air to the air brake system could occur. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The risk: A loss of air to the air brake system could increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and install a pressure protection valve, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18017.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 18017View on NHTSA.gov
17V351000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

May 31, 2017
721 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2010-2014 K2 and K3 motor home chassis and Gladiator emergency response chassis cabs. A component within the starter motor may break, potentially resulting in the starter motor overheating or drawing excessive current.
The risk: A starter motor that overheats may increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Spartan will notify the purchasers of the chassis and dealers will replace the starters, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2017. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Spartan's number for this recall is 17012.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 17012View on NHTSA.gov
17V294000

PARKING BRAKE

May 1, 2017
18 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Gladiator and MetroStar emergency response vehicles equipped with a supplemental park brake system (SPBS). The directions to activate the SPBS incorrectly state to "Pull" the actuation knob, when it should say "Push."
The risk: If the operator follows the incorrect directions and believes that the supplemental front park brake is applied when it is not, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners and supply a new actuator control knob with the correct directions, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2017. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 17009.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 17009View on NHTSA.gov
17V160000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

Mar 13, 2017
2,783 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Gladiator, 2016-2017 MetroStar, 2012-2018 K2, 2011-2018 K3, 2017-2018 K4, and 2011-2017 MM vehicles. The ball joints on the independent front suspension (IFS) modules can loosen and separate, leading to a partial loss of steering.
The risk: A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will remove, clean, apply thread locker, and reinstall the properly torqued ball joint, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2017. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Spartan's number for this recall is 17004.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 17004View on NHTSA.gov
16V676000

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

Sep 19, 2016
264 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2010-2017 Emergency Response K3, Metrostar, and Gladiator emergency response chassis cabs and motor home chassis manufactured April 12, 2010, to August 31, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power steering pump that may have an occasional loss of output power resulting in reduced or intermittent loss of power steering assist.
The risk: An intermittent loss of power steering assist could increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pumps, free of charge. The recall began on October 11, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 16022.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 16022View on NHTSA.gov
16V448000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Jun 20, 2016
38 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2004-2016 Gladiator tractor-drawn aerial emergency vehicles manufactured September 12, 2004, to September 30, 2015. The air brakes on these vehicles may have excessive actuation and release timing, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The risk: If a longer distance is needed to stop the vehicle there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles with a new 3/8" control line, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 16017.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 16017View on NHTSA.gov
15V687000

STEERING; STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID

Oct 21, 2015
2,038 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 ER Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, to January 19, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the power steering fluid may overheat and cause the steering to unexpectedly lock during steering maneuvers.
The risk: If the steering locks, there could be a loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will install a cooler to prevent the steering fluid from overheating, free of charge. An interim notice was sent to owners on December 17, 2015. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 15025View on NHTSA.gov
15V540000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Aug 25, 2015
696 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Gladiator and MetroStar emergency vehicles manufactured March 4, 2013, to December 17, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the front splay rails may crack.
The risk: If the front splay rails crack, they may separate, causing the cab to collapse when it is being raised, increasing the risk of injury to those nearby.
The remedy: Spartan will replace the splay rails with new splay rails with certified welds, free of charge. An interim notification was mailed to owners on September 24, 2015. The recall began on October 31, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 15019.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 15019View on NHTSA.gov
15V466000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Jul 27, 2015
29 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan ERV (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 Gladiator emergency vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2007, through June 10, 2015. The affected vehicles were built with aerial devices and the torque frames are susceptible to cracking.
The risk: The supporting frame could fail to support the aerial device, allowing it to fall and strike and injure a bystander, become a road hazard, or startle the vehicle's driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will njotify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by adding reinforcement sections for each side of the frame, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 15013.
Spartan ERVManufacturer number 15013View on NHTSA.gov
15V448000

TIRES:VALVE

Jul 15, 2015
212 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 Advantage, Diamond, Gladiator, and MetroStar emergency response vehicles manufactured January 18, 2007 to February 9, 2015. The front wheels of the affected vehicles have valve stems that may rub against the brake caliper.
The risk: If the valve stems rub against the brake caliper, a hole may develop causing the tire to deflate suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front wheel valve stems and replace any that have wear marks, free of charge. The recall began on September 2, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 15012.
Spartan Motors, Inc.Manufacturer number 15012View on NHTSA.gov
15V403000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Jun 24, 2015
1,599 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Furion, Gladiator, and Metrostar emergency response vehicles manufactured November 10, 2009, to June 16, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the engine cooling fan may crack and the fan blades may detach while the fan is spinning.
The risk: If the cab is raised, such as during a repair, and the engine cooling fan is operating and comes apart, those in close proximity could be injured from the shattered parts.
The remedy: Spartan will notify the vehicle manufacturers that purchased the affected emergency vehicle chassis, and their dealers will install a new engine cooling fan, free of charge. The recall began on August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 15011.
Spartan Motors, Inc.Manufacturer number 15011View on NHTSA.gov
14V664000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Oct 22, 2014
304 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Gladiator vehicles manufactured March 25, 2010, to October 16, 2014. The engine cooling fan may break and separate during severe vibration.
The risk: If the hood to the vehicle is open, such as during a repair, and the engine cooling fan is operating and comes apart, those in close proximity could be injured from the shattered parts.
The remedy: The cooling fans in the affected vehicles will be replaced by dealers free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2014. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for the recall is 14018.
Spartan Motors, Inc.Manufacturer number 14018View on NHTSA.gov
14V623000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

Oct 6, 2014
389 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2006-2013 Advantage, Diamond, Gladiator, and MetroStar emergency vehicles manufactured November 29, 2005, to June 19, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the transmission fluid cooler may fail, allowing the engine coolant to mix with the transmission fluid.
The risk: If the engine coolant mixes with the transmission fluid, the transmission may not shift properly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners and dealers will install a new transmission fluid cooler, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on November 25, 2014 and will also be mailed a second letter when parts are available. Parts should be available in mid to late January 2015. The recall began on February 9, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 14017.
Spartan Motors, Inc.Manufacturer number 14017View on NHTSA.gov
13V066000

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Feb 28, 2013
27 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Metro Star and Gladiator fire trucks manufactured from March 29, 2012, through January 30, 2013 and equipped with a Spartan advanced protection system (APS) supplied by Takata Protection Systems. The circuits on the control module of the APS may short and cause an inadvertent air bag deployment.
The risk: An inadvertent air bag deployment could result in personal injury or increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan Motors will notify owners, and dealers will install a new sub-wire harness on the control module of the APS, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2013. Owners may contact Spartan at 1-800-543-5008 - Option 4.
Spartan Motors, Inc.Manufacturer number 13-004View on NHTSA.gov
12V579000

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Dec 10, 2012
36 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors Chassis is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Gladiator, Metro Star, Metro Star-X, and Force emergency rescue chassis cabs built between October 1, 2012, through October 31, 2012. The wiper motor shaft and the wiper arm shaft have different sized splines which may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative.
The risk: If the windshield wipers become inoperative, the driver could have reduced visibility, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners and replace the wipers free of charge The safety recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may contact Spartan at 1-800-543-5008, Option 4.
Spartan Chassis, Inc.Manufacturer number 12016View on NHTSA.gov
12V279000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Jun 19, 2012
102 units potentially affected
The defect: SPARTAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 GLADIATOR EMERGENCY RESCUE CHASSIS MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 12, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 5, 2012, EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ISX 15L ENGINE AND FAN CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. SHEERING OF THE FASTENERS USED TO MOUNT THE FAN CLUTCH MOUNTING BRACKET TO THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE MAY LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE COOLING FAN, FAN CLUTCH AND MOUNTING BRACKET.
The risk: IF THIS OCCURS AND CAB IS IN THE RAISED POSITION, THE SEPARATION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The remedy: SPARTAN CHASSIS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 10, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN AT 1-800-543-5008.
SPARTAN CHASSIS, INC.Manufacturer number 12007View on NHTSA.gov
11V500000

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

Oct 13, 2011
799 units potentially affected
The defect: SPARTAN CHASSIS (SPARTAN), IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 DIAMOND, MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 FURION ALONG WITH MODEL YEAR 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010 FURION R/T, MODEL YEAR 2007-2012 GLADIATOR, MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 METROSTAR AND MODEL YEAR 2012 SPARTAN FORCE EMERGENCY RESCUE TRANSPORT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 12, 2007, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2011. THE ESC MODULE MAY CAUSE THE ESC SYSTEM TO ACTIVATE UNNECESSARILY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN A PARTICULAR MANNER ON CERTAIN UNIQUE ROAD CONDITIONS AND MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SLIP ANGLE CALCULATION BY THE ESC MODULE.
The risk: THIS MIGHT CAUSE THE ESC TO PERCEIVE AN OVER STEERING SITUATION AND THEREFORE APPLY THE FRONT AXLE OUTER WHEEL SERVICE BRAKE UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PERCEIVED TO BE STABLE BY THE ESC. THESE CONDITIONS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: SPARTAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN AT 1-800-543-5008 OPTION 5.
SPARTAN CHASSIS, INC.Manufacturer number 11026View on NHTSA.gov

What a recall is

Safety recall
A safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
Safety investigation
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
Manufacturer communication
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources