1998 Spartan Advantage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1998 Spartan Advantage — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Advantage years?

Advantage NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Advantage years to avoid →

Does the 1998 Spartan Advantage have recalls?

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

99V118000Seat BeltsMay 12, 1999 · 1,753 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIRE TRUCKS. THESE FIRE TRUCKS ARE ALL 4-DOOR MODELS WHICH CONTAIN DUAL, FORWARD FACING PASSENGER SEATS. THE HARDWARE UTILIZED TO MOUNT THE SEAT BOX TO THE CAB FLOOR AND TO THE BACKWALL STRUCTURE, AND ALSO TO MOUNT THE TYPE 1 SEAT BELT SYSTEMS, WAS INADEQUATE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NOS. 207/210, ""SEATING SYSTEMS" AND "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Consequence

THE SEAT BOX MOUNTING/RESTRAINING HARDWARE CAN LOOSEN OR FAIL ALLOWING THE SEAT/SEAT BOX ASSEMBLY TO BREAK FREE OF ITS MOUNTING TO THE CAB FLOOR AND/OR BACKWALL WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THOSE SEATS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BOX MOUNTING FASTENERS.

98V264000LightingOctober 29, 1998 · 53 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIRE TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES DID NOT HAVE THE "DO NOT SHIFT" DISPLAY WARNING LAMP INSTALLED IN THE LIGHT HOUSING ASSEMBLY.

Consequence

WITHOUT THIS LAMP, THERE CAN BE NO POSITIVE LAMP CHECK UPON SELECTION OF THE MASTER AND IGNITION SWITCH "ON" AND THEREFORE NO IN-CAB INDICATION OF A POTENTIAL TRANSMISSION FAULT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LAMP IN THE LOWER LEFT SEGMENT OF THE ELECTRICAL PANEL.

98V252000Electrical SystemOctober 7, 1998 · 169 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIRE TRUCKS. A DEFECTIVE ELECTRICAL HARNESS, PART NO. 200185, WAS USED ON THESE FIRE TRUCKS, CAUSING AN INOPERATIVE 'CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT.' THERE WOULD BE NO IN-CAB INDICATION OF A TRANSMISSION FAULT WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INOPERATIVE VEHICLE IF NOT SERVICED ACCORDING TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE CODES.

Consequence

THE TRANSMISSION COULD LOCK IN A RANGE AND UPSHIFT/DOWNSHIFT WOULD BE RESTRICTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE WIRING IN THESE HARNESSES.

1998 Spartan Advantage — common questions

Is the 1998 Spartan Advantage reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Spartan Advantage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Spartan Advantage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1998 compare to other Advantage years?

Does the 1998 Spartan Advantage have recalls?

1998 Spartan Advantage — common questions

Is the 1998 Spartan Advantage reliable?

Does the 1998 Spartan Advantage have recalls?

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