2008–2010 Spartan Gladiator, 2009–2010 Spartan Metrostar Recall: Service Brakes, Air

The defect

SPARTAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 GLADIATOR AND METROSTAR INCOMPLETE FIRE APPARATUS CHASSIS CABS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2008 THROUGH MAY 25, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH TANDEM REAR AXLES AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). THE VEHICLES FAIL TO MEET THE SERVICE BRAKE RELEASE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS." SPECIFICALLY, ADDITIONAL VALVING REQUIRED FOR THE ESC SYSTEM REDUCED THE AIR FLOW AND VOLUME TO THE BRAKE CHAMBERS RESULTING IN SLOWER SERVICE BRAKE RELEASE TIMING.

The risk

SERVICE BRAKE RELEASE TIMING THAT DOES MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 121 MAY RESULT IN LESS EFFICIENT BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND WILL PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM BEING MOVED IN A TIMELY FASHION.

The fix — what to do

SPARTAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE .38 INCH INSIDE DIAMETER BRAKE HOSE TO A .50 INCH INSIDE DIAMETER HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN CHASSIS AT 1-800-543-5008 - OPTION 5.

SPARTAN'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 10012.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .