2011–2019 Spartan Gladiator, 2011–2019 Spartan Metrostar Recall: Vehicles with this configuration may have a delay in their brake release…
NHTSA campaign 18V932000 · Service Brakes, Air · filed Dec 26, 2018 · verified Jul 30, 2026
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.
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 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.
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
- 2019–2020 Spartan Gladiator — Wireless remote controller's sleep mode is disabled, and…
- 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 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 18V932000 (manufacturer number 18038). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.