2011–2017 Spartan Gladiator, 2012–2018 Spartan K2, 2011–2018 Spartan K3 and 3 other models Recall: Ball joints on the independent front suspension (IFS) modules can loosen…
NHTSA campaign 17V160000 · Suspension · filed Mar 13, 2017 · verified Jul 30, 2026
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.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
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.
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.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Spartan Gladiator recalls
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- 2019–2020 Spartan Gladiator and 1 other model — Park brake control line may loosen and possibly come out…
- 2019–2020 Spartan Gladiator and 1 other model — Park brake control line may loosen and separate, possibly…
- 2018–2019 Spartan Gladiator and 1 other model — Brake relay valve may have an air flow restriction, which…
Other campaigns involving Spartan vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 17V160000 (manufacturer number 17004). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.