RoadVitals

2018 Spartan Metrostar 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 Sep 29, 2020
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

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Sep 29, 2020
10 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Fire, LLC is recalling certain Ametek gauges, part number 2101-NN1, sold as replacement parts for the Advanced Protection System (APS) in Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles. The Ametek gauges are not a direct replacement for the Pacific Insight gauges and may result in the APS not engaging.
The risk: If the APS is not engaged, there would be an increased risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan Fire will notify owners and send a remedy kit with instructions and a jumper wire, free of charge. The recall began November 23, 2020. Owners may contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-866-582-2376.
Spartan Fire, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES

Dec 30, 2019
2 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyne Inc. (Toyne) is recalling certain vehicles built on 2018-2019 Spartan Emergency Response Metro Star and Gladiator chassis. The brake relay valve may have an air flow restriction, which may require an extended distance in order to stop the vehicle.
The risk: An increase in stopping distance increases the risk of crash.
The remedy: Toyne will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the valves, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2020. Owners may contact Toyne customer service at 1-712-673-2328.

SERVICE BRAKES

Dec 10, 2019
2 units potentially affected
The defect: Marion Body Works Inc. (Marion Body Works) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Spartan Gladiator & Metro Star emergency response chassis. The brake relay valve may have an air flow restriction, which may result in an extended stopping distance. 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 additional distance is needed to stop the vehicle, there would be an increased risk of crash.
The remedy: Marion Body Works will notify owners, and Spartan dealers will inspect and replace the valve, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 27, 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-360View on NHTSA.gov

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

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

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; SUSPENSION:FRONT

Jul 12, 2019
234 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Emergency Response Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles equipped with an independent front suspension and Koni shocks. The front shocks may separate from their upper mount on the front suspension. The loose shock may contact and damage the steering gear housing, possibly causing a steering fluid leak and a loss of power steering assist.
The risk: A loss of power steering assist increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will install new shock bolts, and shims if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 19015.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 19015View on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES

May 13, 2019
92 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Gladiator, MetroStar, K2, K3, and K4 emergency response chassis cabs and motor home chassis. The brake relay valve may have an air flow restriction, which may result in an extended stopping distance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
The risk: An increase in stopping distance increases the risk of crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify the vehicle manufacturers that purchased the affected chassis, and Spartan dealers will inspect and replace the valves, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2019. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 19012.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 19012View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Apr 2, 2019
3 units potentially affected
The defect: Precision Industries (Precision) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Emergency Vehicles built on Spartan Metrostar chassis and equipped with Whelen brake lights recalled under 18E-063. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Precision will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lights, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2019. Owners may contact Precision Industries customer service at 1-573-346-8387.
Precision IndustriesView on NHTSA.gov

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

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

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Sep 21, 2018
95 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Spartan MetroStar and Gladiator emergency vehicles equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
The risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18026.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 18026View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS

Sep 19, 2018
4 units potentially affected
The defect: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Spartan Metrostar emergency vehicles. The wheel studs may have not been properly heat treated causing them to fail.
The risk: If enough of the improperly heat treated studs fail on the same steer axle hub, the wheel may detach, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: All affected vehicles have been repaired, therefore owner notification letters will not be mailed. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18027.
Spartan Motors USAManufacturer number 18027View on NHTSA.gov

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

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

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