2020 Spartan Gladiator recalls and problems
The 2020 Spartan Gladiator has 7 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Spartan dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2020 Spartan Gladiator vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2020 Spartan Gladiator recalls
Recall 21V-436: Equipment
Problem: Four Guys Stainless Tank & Equip., Inc. (Four Guys) is recalling one 2020 Pumper firetruck equipped with an Akron Bass battery-powered 3600 wireless remote controller. The wireless remote controller's sleep mode is disabled, and results in the batteries discharging faster than normal.
Risk: Inability to use the wireless remote controller can hinder firefighting efforts, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Four Guys will request owners return the affected wireless remote controllers to Akron Brass for a software update, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Four Guys customer service at 1-814-634-8373.
Recall 20V-203: Parking Brake
Problem: Marion Body Works Inc. (Marion Body Works) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Spartan Gladiator and MetroStar Emergency Response chassis vehicles modified by Marion Body Works. The park brake control line may loosen and possibly come out the fitting while the vehicle is in motion.
Risk: If the air line comes out of the fitting while the vehicle is in motion, the park brake can inadvertently be applied and the vehicle could suddenly decelerate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Marion Body Works dealers will inspect and properly tighten the park brake control line, free of charge. All of the vehicles will be repaired before being delivered to customers, free of charge. Owners may contact Marion Body Works customer service at 1-715-754-5261.
Recall 20V-163: Parking Brake
Problem: SVI Trucks is recalling certain 2019-2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator and MetroStar Emergency Response vehicles modified by SVI Trucks. The park brake control line may loosen and possibly come out the fitting while the vehicle is in motion. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Risk: If the air line comes out of the fitting while the vehicle is in motion, the park brake can inadvertently be applied and the vehicle could suddenly decelerate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SVI dealers will inspect and properly tighten the park brake control line, free of charge. All of the vehicles will be repaired before being delivered to customers, free of charge. Owners may contact SVI dealers customer service at 1-888-784-1112. SVI Truck's number for this recall is 20V138.
Recall 20V-138: Parking Brake
Problem: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fire Gladiator and MetroStar Emergency vehicles. The park brake control line may loosen and separate, possibly causing the park brake to be unintentionally applied.
Risk: If the park brake is applied while the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle may suddenly decelerate and experience a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the fitting control line, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 26, 2020. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 20005.
Recall 19V-828: Service Brakes, Air
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 19V-674: Service Brakes, Air
Problem: 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 19V-523: Suspension, Steering
Problem: Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Emergency Response Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles equipped with an independent front suspension and Koni shocks. The front shocks may separate from their upper mount on the front suspension. The loose shock may contact and damage the steering gear housing, possibly causing a steering fluid leak and a loss of power steering assist.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will install new shock bolts, and shims if necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 19015.
2020 Spartan Gladiator problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 |
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 4,537 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2020 Spartan Gladiator complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Spartan Gladiator years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2020 Spartan Gladiator have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2020 Spartan Gladiator: 21V-436 (equipment), 20V-203 (parking brake), 20V-163 (parking brake), 20V-138 (parking brake), 19V-828 (service brakes, air) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Spartan Gladiator?
Owners report visibility/wiper problems most often (1 reports). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 4,537 miles.
Are Spartan recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Spartan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.