2013 Spartan Gladiator Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2013 Spartan Gladiator has 29 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 16,059 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 19V828000 2019-11-19 94 affected
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.

Consequence

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.

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…

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 19V674000 2019-09-23 1,746 affected
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…

Consequence

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.

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.

EQUIPMENT 19V338000 2019-04-30 45 affected
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.

Consequence

If the aerial device becomes unstable, the device may fall, increasing the risk of an injury.

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 18V932000 2018-12-26 138 affected
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,…

Consequence

A delay in the brakes releasing may hinder vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

EQUIPMENT 18V691000 2018-10-03 923 affected
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.

Consequence

If the EMS cabinets become loose during a crash, the cabinets may become projectiles, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18V440000 2018-06-29 865 affected
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.

Consequence

If the battery positive cable arcs, it can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18V424000 2018-06-25 1,243 affected
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.

Consequence

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.

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 18V350000 2018-05-29 309 affected
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…

Consequence

A loss of air to the air brake system could increase the risk of a crash.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17V351000 2017-05-31 721 affected
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.

Consequence

A starter motor that overheats may increase the risk of a fire.

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.

PARKING BRAKE 17V294000 2017-05-01 18 affected
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."

Consequence

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.

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.

SUSPENSION 17V160000 2017-03-13 2,783 affected
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.

Consequence

A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

STEERING 16V676000 2016-09-19 264 affected
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…

Consequence

An intermittent loss of power steering assist could increase the risk of a crash.

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 16V448000 2016-06-20 38 affected
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…

Consequence

If a longer distance is needed to stop the vehicle there would be an increased risk of a crash.

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.

STEERING 15V687000 2015-10-21 2,038 affected
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.

Consequence

If the steering locks, there could be a loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

STRUCTURE 15V540000 2015-08-25 696 affected
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.

Consequence

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.

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.

STRUCTURE 15V466000 2015-07-27 29 affected
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.

Consequence

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.

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.

TIRES 15V448000 2015-07-15 212 affected
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.

Consequence

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.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15V403000 2015-06-24 1,599 affected
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.

Consequence

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.

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.

STEERING 14V812000 2014-12-23 277 affected
Defect

Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Gladiator, K2, K3, MetroStar, and MM motorhome and emergency response chassis cabs manufactured November 28, 2012, to October 15, 2013. The castle nuts for the steering linkage may loosen, allowing the steering linkage to separate.

Consequence

If the steering linkage separates, a loss of steering control would occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the castle nuts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 14023.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 14V747000 2014-11-24 1,059 affected
Defect

Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Gladiator, DR, K2, K3, MetroStar, MM, and NVS vehicles manufactured December 14, 2011, to October 21, 2014, equipped with certain Wabco Quick Release Valves with Double Check. In the affected valves, the rubber diaphragm may be damaged by sharp…

Consequence

The reduced air pressure levels may reduce braking performance and/or the parking brakes could reapply, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the valve, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 14021.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14V664000 2014-10-22 304 affected
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.

Consequence

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.

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.

SEATS 14V630000 2014-10-08 29 affected
Defect

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Gladiator and MetroStar emergency vehicles manufactured February 18, 2013, to August 5, 2014. The seats in the affected vehicles have seats belts that may be too long to fit smaller occupants. As such, these vehicles fail to comply…

Consequence

If the seat belt does not properly fit the seat occupant, the seat occupant has an increased risk of being injured in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan has notified owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle, with a shorter belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2014. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 14019.

POWER TRAIN 14V623000 2014-10-06 389 affected
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.

Consequence

If the engine coolant mixes with the transmission fluid, the transmission may not shift properly, increasing the risk of a crash.

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…

EQUIPMENT 14V513000 2014-08-20 95 affected
Defect

Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Gladiator, and 2011 and 2013-2014 MetroStar emergency vehicles manufactured June 15, 2011, to January 14, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped with a pressure governor or hand throttle supplied by Fire Research Corporation (FRC). Due to an…

Consequence

A surge in engine speed can cause increased water pressure at the end of a fire hose, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 14013.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER 14V359000 2014-06-23 9 affected
Defect

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Gladiator emergency vehicles manufactured October 22, 2012, to February 12, 2014. In the affected vehicles, a high pressure fuel fitting may make contact with the aluminum engine tunnel overlay causing the fitting to wear and possibly…

Consequence

If the fuel fitting leaks in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of fire.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will install a new remote fuel filter mounting bracket to move the filter inboard, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 14009.

SEAT BELTS 13V613000 2013-12-06 3 affected
Defect

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. (Spartan Chassis) is recalling certain model year 2002 MetroStar, 2009 Gladiator, and 2013 Gladiator emergency response vehicles equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the…

Consequence

If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

Remedy

Spartan Chassis will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Owners may contact Spartan at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan Chassis' number for this recall is 13026.

AIR BAGS 13V266000 2013-06-26 70 affected
Defect

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. (Spartan Chassis) is recalling certain model year 2013 Metro Star and Gladiator emergency vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, through June 6, 2013. Due to electrical signal fluctuations, the circuits in the restraints control module may become damaged. If damaged, the airbag or seat…

Consequence

If the seatbelt pretensioner or the air bag inadvertently deploys while driving, it may result in personal injury or increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan Chassis will notify owners, and dealers will add a suppression device to reduce electrical signal fluctuations, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2013. Owners may contact Spartan Chassis at 1-517-543-6400.

AIR BAGS 13V066000 2013-02-28 27 affected
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…

Consequence

An inadvertent air bag deployment could result in personal injury or increase the risk of a crash.

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.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 12V579000 2012-12-10 36 affected
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…

Consequence

If the windshield wipers become inoperative, the driver could have reduced visibility, which may increase the risk of a crash.

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.

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2013 Spartan Gladiator as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.