2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab problems

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017 Transit Bus Chassis Cabs manufactured February 17, 2011, to October 19, 2016. The affected vehicles have an exhaust tube that may disconnect at a joint near the underside of the floor, potentially exposing the floor to high temperatures for prolonged time periods.

Consequence

If the floor is exposed to the heat of exhaust gases for long periods, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will remove the current securing clamp and install a sleeve with different clamps, free of charge. The recall began on November 29, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Spartan's number for this recall is 16026.

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Transit Bus Chassis Cabs manufactured June 16, 2011, to December 1, 2015, and built to be completed as transit buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). These chassis cabs have frames that may crack.

Consequence

The cracked frame may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan has notified owners, and dealers will weld any cracked frames as an interim fix. For the final remedy, the dealers will add reinforcement to both chassis rails, free of charge. An interim notice was sent to owners on July 18, 2016. The recall began on October 5, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 16019.

Defect

Spartan Motors Chassis Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Transit Bus Chassis Cab vehicles manufactured February 17, 2011, through March 18, 2014. The affected vehicles have fuel tank mounting crossmembers that could crack and potentially allow the fuel tank to fall to the ground, resulting in a fuel leak.

Consequence

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

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will install new fuel tank mounting crossmembers, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2014. Owners may contact Spartan at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 14005.

Defect

Spartan Motors Chassis Inc. (Spartan Chassis) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Transit Bus Chassis Cab buses manufactured February 17, 2011, through February 22, 2013. The park brake cable may be routed in a manner in which it contacts the rear hydraulic brake line.

Consequence

The contact may cause a hole may be worn into the hydraulic brake line which could result in a loss of rear brakes without warning. Loss of rear brakes would result in an increased stopping distance which may cause a crash.

Remedy

Spartan Chassis will notify owners and dealers will properly secure the park brake cable so that it cannot rub against the brake line. This will be done at no cost to the owner. The recall began on November 13, 2013. Owners may contact Spartan Chassis at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan Chassis' recall number is 13020.

Defect

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. (Spartan Chassis) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Transit Bus Chassis Cab buses manufactured February 17, 2011, through August 8, 2013; and equipped with a front sway bar on the independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes. In the affected vehicles, the fasteners attaching the sway bar to the frame may come loose.

Consequence

If the sway bar detaches, it may damage the hydraulic brake lines resulting in reduced braking power. As such, the vehicle would require a longer distance to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan Chassis will notify owners, and dealers will install new fasteners with appropriate torque requirements, free of charge. The recall began on September 29, 2013. Owners may contact Spartan Chassis at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan Chassis' number for this campaign is 13018.

Defect

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. (Spartan Motors) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Transit Bus Chassis Cab buses manufactured February 17, 2011, through August 8, 2013 and equipped with an independent front suspension. Due to a manufacturing error, the control arms may fracture or break without warning.

Consequence

If a lower control arm breaks, and separates from the mounting bushing, loss of vehicle control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the control arms and mounting hardware, free of charge. The recall began during October 2013. Owners may contact Spartan Motors at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's recall number is 13022.

Defect

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. (Spartan Chassis) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Transit Bus Chassis Cabs manufactured February 17, 2011, through February 14, 2013. Due to an improper connection in the extension harness that connects the main chassis harness to the fuel pump, the fuel pump may inadvertently shut off.

Consequence

If the fuel pump shuts off, the engine will stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan Motors will notify owners and dealers will install a new extension harness, free of charge. The recall began on September 5, 2013. Owners may contact Spartan Motors at 1-517-543-6400. This is Spartan campaign number 13015.