VehicleVerdict

2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 14 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

14

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

Does the 2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator have recalls?

14 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V192000SteeringMarch 23, 2023 · 12 units

Defect

Spartan Fire, LLC (Spartan Fire) is recalling certain 2020, 2022 and 2023 Gladiator and 2023 MetroStar vehicles. The front-drive steer axle fasteners may loosen, resulting in a complete separation of the axle assembly joints.

Consequence

Steer axle assembly separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the pro-torque nut keeper on the steer axle assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 10, 2023. Owners may contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan Fire's number for this recall is 23009.

22V539000Electrical SystemJuly 26, 2022 · 25 units

Defect

Spartan Fire, LLC (Spartan Fire) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Gladiator and MetroStar fire trucks. There may be a loose neutral screw connection within the QO Plug-On Neutral Load Center. If that connection is loose, the affected load center can overheat.

Consequence

An overheated load center can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect, and if necessary replace or repair the neutral screw connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Spartan Fire's customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan Fire's number for this recall is 22003.

21V967000Fuel SystemDecember 13, 2021 · 114 units

Defect

Spartan Fire, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2022 Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles. The fuel tubes between the fuel rail and the injectors for cylinders four, five, and six may fatigue and crack, which can result in a high pressure fuel leak.

Consequence

A high pressure fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

On engines with 75 miles or less, dealers will install vibration isolators to the fuel tubes. Engines with more than 75 miles will receive new fuel tubes with vibration isolators. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 5, 2022. Owners may contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan Fire's number for this recall is 21017.

21V899000TransmissionNovember 18, 2021 · 260 units

Defect

Spartan Fire, LLC (Spartan Fire) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Gladiator, MetroStar and FC-94 emergency vehicles. The rear axle drive pinion may fracture.

Consequence

A fractured drive pinion may contact the brake drop hose, and unintentionally engage the parking brake or activate the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Meritor will inspect and replace the drive pinion, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 3, 2022. Owners may contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan Fire's number for this recall is 21016.

21V567000OtherJuly 26, 2021 · 52 units

Defect

Marion Body Works Inc. is recalling certain 2009-2021 Gladiator and MetroStar emergency vehicles. The pump shift solenoid may corrode internally, causing a loss of power to the pump control module.

Consequence

A loss of power to the pump control module can cause a loss of water pressure for fighting fires, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the solenoids, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owners may contact Marion Body Works customer service at 1-715-754-5261. Marion Body Works number for this recall is 21V-329.

21V535000Electrical SystemJuly 15, 2021 · 11 units

Defect

Toyne Inc. (Toyne) is recalling certain 2020 Spartan MetroStar and Gladiator vehicles equipped with Weldon V-Mux Vista IV Standard LCD displays used for controlling emergency vehicle lighting and HVAC functions. These displays may experience low voltage spikes causing the LCD display to lock up or become nonfunctional, due to varying electrical installations.

Consequence

If the LCD display becomes locked up or non-functional it can delay emergency efforts, which can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will repair or replace the IV Standard LCD displays, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyne's customer service at 1-712-673-2328. Toyne's number for this recall is 07-21.

21V507000Fuel SystemJuly 2, 2021 · 52 units

Defect

Marion Body Works Inc. is recalling certain 2017-2020 Spartan Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot boreholes, allowing the high-pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the rail threads and fuel lines, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 26, 2021. Owners may contact Marion Body Works' customer service at 1-715-754-5261. Marion Body Works' number for this recall is 21V-032.

21V458000SteeringJune 17, 2021 · 8 units

Defect

Marion Body Works Inc. is recalling certain 2019-2021 Spartan Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles. Pressure may build in the power steering pump and break the shaft seal, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Consequence

A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan dealers will replace the power steering pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 24, 2021. Owners may contact Marion Body Works customer service at 1-715-754-5261. Marion Body Works number for this recall is 21V-252.

21V329000Electrical SystemMay 10, 2021 · 2,130 units

Defect

Spartan Fire, LLC is recalling certain 2009-2021 Gladiator and MetroStar emergency vehicles. The fire water pump solenoid may corrode internally, causing a loss of power to the pump control module.

Consequence

A loss of power to the pump control module can cause a loss of water pressure for fighting fires, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace suspect solenoids, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 9, 2021. Owners may contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400.

21V323000Fuel SystemMay 6, 2021 · 1,447 units

Defect

Spartan Fire, LLC is recalling certain 2017-2020 Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the rail threads and fuel lines, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400.

21V252000SteeringApril 10, 2021 · 243 units

Defect

Spartan Fire, LLC (Spartan Fire) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles. Pressure may build in the power steering pump and break the shaft seal, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Consequence

A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan Fire will notify owners, and dealers will provide a new power steering pump, free of charge. The recall began on June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400.

21V103000SteeringFebruary 22, 2021 · 73 units

Defect

Spartan Fire, LLC (Spartan Fire) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles. The steering gear mounting bolts may become loose and back out, resulting in difficulty steering.

Consequence

Difficulty steering, or the inability to steer in both directions, can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan Fire will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and washers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 22, 2021. Owners may contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan Fire's number for this recall is 21-01.

20V812000Electrical SystemDecember 28, 2020 · 2 units

Defect

Marion Body Works Inc. is recalling certain 2020 Spartan Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles equipped with Weldon V-Mux Vista IV Standard LCD displays used for controlling emergency vehicle lighting and HVAC functions. These displays may experience low voltage spikes, and cause the LCD display to lock up or become nonfunctional, due to varying electrical installations.

Consequence

If the LCD display becomes locked up or non-functional it can delay emergency efforts, which can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Marion Body Works will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IV Standard LCD displays, free of charge. The recall began January 19, 2021. Owners may contact Marion Body Works customer service at 1-715-754-5261. Marion Body Works' number for this recall is 20V-762.

20V762000Electrical SystemDecember 10, 2020 · 193 units

Defect

Spartan Fire, LLC (Spartan Fire) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles equipped with Weldon V-Mux Vista IV Standard LCD displays used for controlling emergency vehicle lighting and HVAC functions. These displays may experience low voltage spikes, and cause the LCD display to lock up or become nonfunctional, due to varying electrical installations.

Consequence

Operator of vehicle may not be able to read the LCD screen and may not be able to use buttons or both unless they reset the power. If the LCD display appears blank, emergency personnel may not have immediate access to the functions and controls operated by the LCD screen which could delay emergency operations, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Spartan Fire will notify owners, and dealers will replace the unit or apply a retrofit remedy, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400.

2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator — common questions

Is the 2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 14 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Spartan Fire Gladiator years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Gladiator years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2016, 2012, 2018, 2019, 2017, 2013. The cleanest record among Gladiator years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.