NHTSA vehicle safety data
2012 Spartan K3 Recalls & Complaints
The 2012 Spartan K3 has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Spartan dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Spartan K3. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2012 Spartan K3 owner complaints
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Spartan K3, describing incidents dated May 6, 2012 to February 1, 2013.
Most-cited components
- Service Brakes 1 complaint
- Steering 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #10994629 · Filed
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SPARTAN MOTORS MOTOR HOME (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SPARTAN MANUFACTURER AND THE POWER STEERING UNIT, POWER STEERING, AND POWER STEERING LINE WERE REPAIRED. THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED THREE TIMES; HOWEVER…
ODI #10515987 · Filed
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NEWMAR KING AIRE RV EQUIPPED WITH A 2012 SPARTAN CHASSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE COMPRESSOR BRAKE WAS ACTIVATED AND THEN THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE COMPRESSOR BRAKE…
Starter may Overheat
NHTSA #17V351000 · Electrical System — Starter Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported May 31, 2017 · Spartan Motors USA
Potentially affected: 721 vehicles
Repair completion: 60.19% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Spartan campaign 17012 · Owners notified July 20, 2017 · Vehicles built September 30, 2010 – May 7, 2014 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
A starter motor that overheats may increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
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.
Loose Ball Joints may cause Loss of Steering
NHTSA #17V160000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm · NHTSA notice
Reported March 13, 2017 · Spartan Motors USA
Potentially affected: 2,783 vehicles
Repair completion: 90% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Spartan campaign 17004 · Owners notified March 24, 2017 · Vehicles built April 19, 2011 – March 6, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
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.
Intermittent Power Steering Assist Loss
NHTSA #16V676000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Pump · NHTSA notice
Reported September 19, 2016 · Spartan Motors USA
Potentially affected: 264 vehicles
Repair completion: 43.78% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Spartan campaign 16022 · Owners notified October 11, 2016 · Vehicles built April 12, 2010 – August 31, 2016 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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 power resulting in reduced or intermittent loss of power steering assist.
Safety consequence
An intermittent loss of power steering assist could increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
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.
Flexible Exhaust Tube may Tear
NHTSA #16V313000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System · NHTSA notice
Reported May 17, 2016 · Spartan Motors USA
Potentially affected: 2,582 vehicles
Repair completion: 46.58% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Spartan campaign 16014 · Owners notified June 23, 2016 · Vehicles built September 21, 2006 – March 23, 2015 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Spartan Motors (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 Spartan K3 and MM motorhome chassis manufactured September 21, 2006, to March 23, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the flexible exhaust tube may tear allowing hot exhaust to blow against other components or materials.
Safety consequence
If hot exhaust gas contacts other components or materials, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Spartan will notify the motorhome manufacturers that purchased the affected chassis, and Spartan dealers will inspect the alignment of the tubes, correcting them and replacing any that are torn. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 16014. Note: This recall supersedes 15V-554.
Notes
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.
ABS Modulator Valve Fracture
NHTSA #13V392000 · Service Brakes, Air — Antilock · NHTSA notice
Reported August 30, 2013 · Spartan Motors, Inc.
Potentially affected: 113 vehicles
Repair completion: 64.6% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Spartan campaign 12008 · Owners notified September 17, 2013
Defect description
Spartan Motor Chassis, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 MM, 2011-2014 K2, and 2010-2012 K3 motor home chassis. Due to contact with the steering relay rod, the ABS modulator valve may fracture resulting in air not being applied to the affected wheel end.
Safety consequence
This may increase stopping distance of the vehicle or cause the vehicle to pull to one side. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Spartan will notify owners and dealers will reorient the ABS modulator valve and install spacers for additional clearance, free of charge. The recall began on September 17, 2013. Owners may contact Spartan at 1-517-543-6400. spartan's recall campaign number is 12008.
Notes
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.
Incorrect Wheel Bearings may cause Wheel Fire
NHTSA #13V242000 · Suspension — Front — Wheel Bearing · NHTSA notice
Reported June 10, 2013 · Spartan Motors, Inc.
Potentially affected: 75 vehicles
Spartan campaign 13-009 · Owners notified July 8, 2013 · Vehicles built March 2, 2012 – July 30, 2012 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 K2, K3, and MM motor homes manufactured March 2, 2012, through July 30, 2012 and equipped with a 1660 independent front suspension supplied by Reyco Granning. The motor homes may have incorrect wheel bearings installed in the front suspension.
Safety consequence
Incorrect wheel bearings may cause the vehicle to pull to one side and with continued use, there is a risk of a fire starting at the wheel.
Manufacturer remedy
Spartan will notify owners and dealers will inspect the bearings and replace them, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on July 8, 2013. Owners may contact Spartan at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's campaign number is 13-009.
Notes
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.
V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY
NHTSA #11V425000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice
Reported August 17, 2011 · SPARTAN CHASSIS, INC.
Potentially affected: 212 vehicles
Spartan campaign 11022 · Owners notified October 10, 2011 · Vehicles built September 29, 2010 – June 20, 2011 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
SPARTAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010, 2011, AND 2012 RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, MODELS MM, K2, K3, BUS, FURION, GLADIATOR, AND METRO STAR, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 20, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ISB, ISC, ISL, OR ISX DIESEL ENGINE. THE V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBERS Q187684, Q187685, AND Q187686, USED TO CONNECT THE INLET AND OUTLET CONE SECTIONS TO THE DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC)/DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) INCLUDE A T-BOLT WHICH CAN FRACTURE AND FAIL WHEN SUBJECTED TO STRESS OR LOAD. A FRACTURE OR FAILURE OF THE T-BOLT MAY CAUSE THE CLAMP TO LOOSEN AND THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS ATTACHED TO THE DOC/DPF HOUSING TO DISCONNECT.
Safety consequence
IF THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS DISCONNECT, HOT EXHAUST GASES CAN VENT PRIOR TO EXITING THE TAILPIPE, CREATING THE RISK OF COMBUSTION AND A FIRE. IF BOTH CLAMPS FAIL, THERE IS A RISK IN SOME APPLICATIONS THAT THE DOC/DPF HOUSING MAY DETACH COMPLETELY, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD.
Manufacturer remedy
SPARTAN IS WORKING WITH CUMMINS TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY OWNERS OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED CUMMINS DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 10, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CUMMINS AT 1-812-377-5000 OR SPARTAN AT 1-800-543-5008 - OPTION 5.
Notes
CUMMINS RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS C1154.SPARTAN'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11022.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> .
Air Brake System Guages/FMVSS 121
NHTSA #11V412000 · Service Brakes, Air · NHTSA notice
Reported August 11, 2011 · Spartan Motors, Inc.
Potentially affected: 313 vehicles
Spartan campaign 11018 · Owners notified September 12, 2013 · Vehicles built January 28, 2011 – June 28, 2011 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. (Spartan Chassis) is recalling certain 2011 SU and 2011 through 2012 model year MM, K2, and K3 recreational vehicle chassis manufactured from January 28, 2011, through June 28, 2011, equipped with air gauges supplied by Ametek. An incorrect value may have been used in the formula for calculating the sweep angle of the dial. This may have resulted in the accuracy of the gauge varying as much as eleven percent from the cutout pressure as opposed to the maximum allowable of +/- seven percent. Consequently, these chassis fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Safety consequence
In a condition where constant braking may be necessary, the air systems may deplete sooner than expected. This could cause the application of the spring brake without warning and may result in a vehicle crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Spartan Chassis will notify owners and replace the affected guages with compliant ones, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2013. Owners may contact Spartan at 1-800-543-4277 - Option 1. Spartan's campagn number is 11018.
Notes
In July 2011, Spartan petitioned NHTSA that the noncompliance was inconsequential to motor vehicle safety.In August 2013, NHTSA denied the petition and instructed Spartan to conduct a recall campaign.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.
Other Spartan K3 model years
Check your 2012 Spartan K3 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Spartan K3 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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