2015 Spartan Gladiator, 2015 Spartan Metrostar Recall: These pumps have 6" intake strainers that may have been improperly…

The defect

Spartan Motors (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Gladiator and MetroStar Emergency Response vehicles manufactured June 3, 2015, to March 16, 2016, equipped with pumps to provide pressurized water to aid in fighting fires. These pumps have 6" intake strainers that may have been improperly soldered during production and, as a result, the strainers may come apart during use, allowing parts of the strainer and debris to enter the pump, possibly damaging the pump.

The risk

If the strainer and/or debris enters the pump, and the operator is forced to shut down the pump, reducing firefighting effectiveness, there could be an increased risk of injury.

The fix — what to do

Spartan will notify owners to check the strainer for missing solder at the joints. Any strainers missing solder will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008 or Hale Products Customer Service Center at 1-800-533-3569. Spartan's number for this recall is 16012.

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.