NHTSA vehicle safety data
2008 Spartan Metrostar Recalls & Complaints
The 2008 Spartan Metrostar has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Spartan dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2008 Spartan Metrostar. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2008 Spartan Metrostar owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2008 Spartan Metrostar, describing incidents dated October 1, 2008.
Most-cited components
- Power Train 1 complaint
- Unknown or Other 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #10417419 · Filed
VEHICLE IS IN MOTION (DOES NOT OCCUR FROM A STANDING START); AFTER SLOWING DOWN AND THEN UPON DEPRESSING THROTTLE IN ORDER TO ACCELERATE, THE TRUCK BEGINS A SEVERE HOPPING/JERKING MOTION. SPEED AT WHICH HOPPING/JERKING MOTION OCCURS IS NEAR 35 MILES PER HOUR. INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES…
Tire Chain Air Line Missing Pressure Protection
NHTSA #19V828000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Reservoir/Tank · NHTSA notice
Reported November 19, 2019 · Marion Body Works Inc.
Potentially affected: 94 vehicles
Repair completion: 54.26% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 19V-674 · Owners notified October 22, 2019 · Vehicles built January 1, 2004 – December 31, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Marion Body Works Inc. (Marion Body Works) is recalling certain 2005-2020 Emergency Response Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles equipped with pneumatically-controlled automatic tire chain systems. The air pressure control lines may not be pressure-protected.
Safety consequence
Without the control line being pressure-protected, in the event the control line is severed, air may suddenly be lost from the service reservoir system, causing the brakes to apply unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Marion Body Works will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the routing of the control lines, rerouting them into the auxiliary air reservoir as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 22, 2019. Owners may contact Marion Body Works customer service at 1-715-754-5261 or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008.
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.
Tire Chain Air Line Pressure Protection/FMVSS 121
NHTSA #19V674000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Reservoir/Tank · NHTSA notice
Reported September 23, 2019 · Spartan Motors USA
Potentially affected: 1,746 vehicles
Repair completion: 32.43% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Spartan campaign 19017 · Owners notified October 4, 2019 · Vehicles built September 20, 2004 – August 19, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2004-2020 Emergency Response Gladiator and Spartan vehicles equipped with a pneumatically-controlled automatic tire chain system. The air pressure control lines may not be pressure-protected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Safety consequence
Without the control line being pressure-protected, in the event the control line is severed, air may suddenly be lost from the service reservoir system, causing the brakes to apply unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the routing of the control lines, rerouting them into the auxiliary air reservoir as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 19017.
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.
EMS Cabinets may Detach in a Crash
NHTSA #18V691000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice
Reported October 3, 2018 · Spartan Motors USA
Potentially affected: 923 vehicles
Repair completion: 6.37% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Spartan campaign 18030 · Owners notified November 30, 2018 · Vehicles built March 27, 2000 – August 13, 2018 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2001-2019 Spartan MetroStar and Gladiator emergency vehicles. The mounting fasteners for the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) cabinets may not be the correct size, allowing the cabinets to break free from their mountings in the event of a crash.
Safety consequence
If the EMS cabinets become loose during a crash, the cabinets may become projectiles, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect size fasteners with the correct fasteners, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18030.
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.
Loss of Air to the Air Brake System/FMVSS 121
NHTSA #18V350000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Reservoir/Tank · NHTSA notice
Reported May 29, 2018 · Spartan Motors USA
Potentially affected: 309 vehicles
Repair completion: 3.36% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Spartan campaign 18017 · Owners notified June 26, 2018 · Vehicles built May 30, 2001 – January 3, 2018 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2001-2018 Spartan Gladiator, Diamond, MetroStar, and Advantage emergency response vehicles. The affected vehicles may not be equipped with a pressure protection valve installed between the air reservoir and the lubrication control module. If the air line were to become disconnected between the lubrication control module and the air reservoir, a loss of air to the air brake system could occur. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Safety consequence
A loss of air to the air brake system could increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and install a pressure protection valve, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18017.
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.
Park Brake Actuator Knob Instructions Incorrect
NHTSA #17V294000 · Parking Brake · NHTSA notice
Reported May 1, 2017 · Spartan Motors USA
Potentially affected: 18 vehicles
Repair completion: 53.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Spartan campaign 17009 · Owners notified May 22, 2017 · Vehicles built March 5, 2009 – April 11, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Gladiator and MetroStar emergency response vehicles equipped with a supplemental park brake system (SPBS). The directions to activate the SPBS incorrectly state to "Pull" the actuation knob, when it should say "Push."
Safety consequence
If the operator follows the incorrect directions and believes that the supplemental front park brake is applied when it is not, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Spartan will notify owners and supply a new actuator control knob with the correct directions, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2017. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 17009.
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.
Mirror Lenses may Fall Out
NHTSA #15V547000 · Visibility — Rearview Mirrors/Devices · NHTSA notice
Reported September 1, 2015 · Spartan Motors USA
Potentially affected: 322 vehicles
Repair completion: 30.83% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Spartan campaign 15016 · Owners notified October 30, 2015 · Vehicles built December 12, 2008 – August 6, 2010 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Gladiator, and MetroStar emergency vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, to August 6, 2010. The affected vehicles have mirror lenses that may fall off due to vibration.
Safety consequence
If the mirror lens comes loose and and falls out, the driver's ability to see objects in the mirror would be impaired, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will install a new mirror assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan cutomer service at 1-800-582-3454. Spartan's number for this recall is 15016.
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.
Valve Stems may Rub on Brake Caliper
NHTSA #15V448000 · Tires — Valve · NHTSA notice
Reported July 15, 2015 · Spartan Motors, Inc.
Potentially affected: 212 vehicles
Repair completion: 27.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Spartan campaign 15012 · Owners notified September 2, 2015 · Vehicles built January 18, 2007 – February 9, 2015 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 Advantage, Diamond, Gladiator, and MetroStar emergency response vehicles manufactured January 18, 2007 to February 9, 2015. The front wheels of the affected vehicles have valve stems that may rub against the brake caliper.
Safety consequence
If the valve stems rub against the brake caliper, a hole may develop causing the tire to deflate suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front wheel valve stems and replace any that have wear marks, free of charge. The recall began on September 2, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 15012.
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.
Transmission Fluid And Engine Coolant May Mix
NHTSA #14V623000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Cooling Unit and Lines · NHTSA notice
Reported October 6, 2014 · Spartan Motors, Inc.
Potentially affected: 389 vehicles
Repair completion: 86.46% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Spartan campaign 14017 · Owners notified February 9, 2015 · Vehicles built November 29, 2005 – June 19, 2013 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2006-2013 Advantage, Diamond, Gladiator, and MetroStar emergency vehicles manufactured November 29, 2005, to June 19, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the transmission fluid cooler may fail, allowing the engine coolant to mix with the transmission fluid.
Safety consequence
If the engine coolant mixes with the transmission fluid, the transmission may not shift properly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Spartan will notify owners and dealers will install a new transmission fluid cooler, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on November 25, 2014 and will also be mailed a second letter when parts are available. Parts should be available in mid to late January 2015. The recall began on February 9, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 14017.
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.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM MODULE
NHTSA #11V500000 · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · NHTSA notice
Reported October 13, 2011 · SPARTAN CHASSIS, INC.
Potentially affected: 799 vehicles
Spartan campaign 11026 · Owners notified December 19, 2011 · Vehicles built April 12, 2007 – September 30, 2011 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
SPARTAN CHASSIS (SPARTAN), IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 DIAMOND, MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 FURION ALONG WITH MODEL YEAR 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010 FURION R/T, MODEL YEAR 2007-2012 GLADIATOR, MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 METROSTAR AND MODEL YEAR 2012 SPARTAN FORCE EMERGENCY RESCUE TRANSPORT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 12, 2007, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2011. THE ESC MODULE MAY CAUSE THE ESC SYSTEM TO ACTIVATE UNNECESSARILY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN A PARTICULAR MANNER ON CERTAIN UNIQUE ROAD CONDITIONS AND MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SLIP ANGLE CALCULATION BY THE ESC MODULE.
Safety consequence
THIS MIGHT CAUSE THE ESC TO PERCEIVE AN OVER STEERING SITUATION AND THEREFORE APPLY THE FRONT AXLE OUTER WHEEL SERVICE BRAKE UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PERCEIVED TO BE STABLE BY THE ESC. THESE CONDITIONS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
SPARTAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN AT 1-800-543-5008 OPTION 5.
Notes
SPARTAN SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS 11026.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> .
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM
NHTSA #10V209000 · Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · NHTSA notice
Reported May 14, 2010 · SPARTAN CHASSIS, INC.
Potentially affected: 468 vehicles
Spartan campaign 10010 · Owners notified July 12, 2010 · Vehicles built January 29, 2008 – January 25, 2010 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
SPARTAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 GLADIATOR, METROSTAR, FURION, AND DIAMOND FIRE APPARATUS AND AMBULANCE CHASSIS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 29, 2008 THROUGH JANUARY 25, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR WABCO ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEMS (ESC). IN CERTAIN CASES, THE ESC MAY INADVERTENTLY INTERPRET VEHICLE INSTABILITY, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE MAY BE STABLE, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE INTERVENTION OF BRAKE ACTIVATION TO A SELECTED WHEEL.
Safety consequence
INADVERTENT BRAKE APPLICATION TO A SELECTED WHEEL MAY CAUSE THE DRIVE TO TRY AND OVER CORRECT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
SPARTAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTERS WILL PERFORM THE REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN AT 1-800-543-5008, OPTION 5.
Notes
SPARTAN'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 10010.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> .
IFS CRADLE STEERING BELL CRANK MOUNTING BRACKETS
NHTSA #10V210000 · Suspension — Front · NHTSA notice
Reported May 14, 2010 · SPARTAN CHASSIS, INC.
Potentially affected: 58 vehicles
Spartan campaign 10011 · Owners notified May 26, 2010 · Vehicles built January 1, 2007 – April 15, 2010 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
SPARTAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2009 GLADIATOR, METROSTAR, ADVANTAGE, AND DIAMOND FIRE APPARATUS CHASSIS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1, 2007 THROUGH APRIL 15, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSIONS SUPPLIED BY RIDEWELL CORPORATION. BELL CRANK SUPPORT BRACKETS INSTALLED ON THE SUSPENSION CRADLE MAY CRACK, OR SEPARATE, FROM THE MAIN STRUCTURE (CRADLE ASSEMBLY). CERTAIN WELDS THAT ATTACH THE BELL CRANK SUPPORT BRACKETS MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED DURING THE WELDMENT OPERATION OF THE SUSPENSION CRADLE.
Safety consequence
A COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE BELL CRANK SUPPORT BRACKET(S) MAY CAUSE STEERING IMPAIRMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
SPARTAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 26, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN AT SPARTAN CHASSIS AT 1-800-543-4277 - OPTION 1.
Notes
SPARTAN'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 10011.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> .
CENTER SEAT BELT ANCHORAGES
NHTSA #10V052000 · Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage · NHTSA notice
Reported February 5, 2010 · SPARTAN CHASSIS, INC.
Potentially affected: 650 vehicles
Spartan campaign 10005 · Owners notified June 2, 2010 · Vehicles built January 12, 1998 – November 17, 2009 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
SPARTAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998 THROUGH 2010 ADVANTAGE, BARRON, GLADIATOR, METROSTAR, MOUNTAIN STAR, AND TR-1 FIRE APPARATUS CHASSIS CABS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 27, 2003 AND NOVEMBER 17, 2009 AND BELTS SOLD TO VARIOUS VEHICLE ALTERS. CERTAIN SEAT BELT ANCHORAGES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Safety consequence
THE SEAT BELT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE CAB DURING A VEHICLE CRASH AND FAIL TO PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT. THIS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Manufacturer remedy
SPARTAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN CHASSIS AT 1-800-543-4277 - Option 1.
Notes
SPARTAN'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 10005.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> .
Other Spartan Metrostar model years
Check your 2008 Spartan Metrostar VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Spartan Metrostar at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Spartan VIN