July 12, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V523000
A loss of power steering assist increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V523
Manufacturer Spartan Motors USA
Components STEERING, SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected 234
Summary
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.
Remedy
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.
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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL – 19V-523
This notice applies to the vehicle identification number below.
Union Fire District
131 Asa Pond Rd.
Union RI 02879
Dear Valued Customer,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Spartan Motors USA, Inc. has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain model year 2014-2020 Gladiator and MetroStar model emergency vehicles equipped with an Independent Front Suspension (IFS) and Koni shocks supplied by Reyco
Granning.
Please note: The Vehicle Identification Number that may be affected by this recall is located at the top of this letter.
What is the defect?
Upper shock bolts may break allowing the shock to possibly sheer the poppet on the steering gear causing a loss of power steering fluid. This could result in a loss of power steering assist increasing the risk of a crash.
While a broken shock bolt may be detected by a rattling noise or rough ride, the shock bolt may break without warning.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will install new shock bolts and shims at no charge to you.
Labor Time:
Removal and reinstallation of the shock bolts with shims may take up to 1 hour.
What You Should Do:
Contact your local dealer to have the work performed. If you cannot locate a dealer, call Spartan at 1800-867-6478 to locate your nearest dealer. Steps will be taken to ensure the recall is performed at the nearest dealer
Leased Vehicles:
The lessor must notify the lessee by first class mail within ten (10) days from receipt of their owner notification letter from the manufacturer; both for the initial notification and all subsequent notifications.
Reimbursement:
If you had this repair performed before you received this letter, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of obtaining a pre-notification remedy of the problem associated with this recall. For more information, contact Spartan at 1-800-867-6478.
Reply Card:
Please fill out the enclosed prepaid postcard and mail it to us if you have changed your address, sold, or traded the vehicle.
If the authorized service center has failed or is unable to remedy the defect without charge and within a reasonable time, contact Spartan at 1-800-867-6478. You may also submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov if you feel the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect without charge
We regret any inconvenience this service may cause you. Your safety and continued satisfaction with the quality and performance of your chassis is of the utmost concern to us.
Sincerely,
Spartan Motors USA, Inc.
14 Affected Products
Vehicles
| SPARTAN | GLADIATOR | 2014-2020 |
| SPARTAN | METROSTAR | 2014-2020 |
6 Associated Documents
Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-1
RCLQRT-19V523-5839.PDF 211.311KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-19V523-2281.PDF 212.777KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-19V523-4075.pdf 245.416KB
Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-19V523-7370.pdf 128.567KB
Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2019-4
RCLQRT-19V523-0724.PDF 211.227KB
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2019-3
RCLQRT-19V523-5911.PDF 211.122KB
Latest Recalls Documents
- Engineered Stop Leak Protection: Specially formulated to condition and rejuvenate worn seals, helping stop existing leaks and preventing future fluid loss for smoother steering performance
- Long-term system durability: Provides advanced protection against wear and tear in the power steering system, ensuring reliable operation and extending component life under demanding conditions
- Anti-foaming and oxidation control: Reduces fluid breakdown, prevents harmful foam formation, and resists oxidation, keeping the steering system clean and responsive over time
- Seal Conditioning Benefits: Rejuvenates aged seals, restores flexibility, and helps reduce cracking or wear that commonly leads to power steering leaks.
- Recommended Applications: Suitable for ABS, disc, and drum braking systems meeting GM 1050017, Chrysler
Spec 5931, and Ford
Spec M2C195-A requirements
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- Stops Noise
- Stops slipping
- Helps prevent unusual wear
- Protects seals
- 50,000 mile fluid life
- Includes Stop Leak additives to prevent and stop power steering system leaks
- Anti-wear protection increases system life; protects against pump failure, squeals and clogs; corrosion protection for metals, rubber & gasket components
- Conventional formula; for use in all manufacturers
- Size: 12 oz.
- Conditions O-rings
- Contains mild seal to help prevent small leaks
- Helps extend fluid lifeSpecifications
- Weight: 10 lbs
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- Recommended for all outboard and sterndrive applications except electric power steering systems
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