VehicleVerdict

2012 Spartan Gladiator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2012 Spartan Gladiator — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 24 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

24

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Gladiator years?

See all Gladiator years to avoid →

Does the 2012 Spartan Gladiator have recalls?

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

19V828000BrakesNovember 19, 2019 · 94 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

19V674000BrakesSeptember 23, 2019 · 1,746 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

19V338000OtherApril 30, 2019 · 45 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2004-2016 Emergency Response Gladiator Tractor Drawn Aerial vehicles. Cracks may develop and extend into the vertical portions of the tiller frame, resulting in instability of the aerial device.

Consequence

If the aerial device becomes unstable, the device may fall, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct any cracking, and add reinforcements to prevent any possible future cracking, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 19007.

18V932000BrakesDecember 26, 2018 · 138 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Emergency Response Gladiator and Metro Star vehicles built into fire apparatus and equipped with tandem axles, drum brakes at the rear axles and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Vehicles with this configuration may have a delay in their brake release, preventing them from complying with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence

A delay in the brakes releasing may hinder vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will re-route a portion of the brake system to bring the vehicle into compliance, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18038.

18V691000OtherOctober 3, 2018 · 923 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2001-2019 Spartan MetroStar and Gladiator emergency vehicles. The mounting fasteners for the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) cabinets may not be the correct size, allowing the cabinets to break free from their mountings in the event of a crash.

Consequence

If the EMS cabinets become loose during a crash, the cabinets may become projectiles, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect size fasteners with the correct fasteners, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18030.

18V440000Electrical SystemJune 29, 2018 · 865 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Spartan Emergency Response Gladiator vehicles. The protective sleeve for the cable that connects the battery positive terminal to the alternator can become brittle and allow the cable to chafe and arc.

Consequence

If the battery positive cable arcs, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will install brackets to move the cable away from any chafe points, and replace any damaged battery positive cables, free of charge. The recall began on August 27, 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18020.

18V424000Electrical SystemJune 25, 2018 · 1,243 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2009-2018 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, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the solenoids, free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18019.

18V350000BrakesMay 29, 2018 · 309 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2001-2018 Spartan Gladiator, Diamond, MetroStar, and Advantage emergency response vehicles. The affected vehicles may not be equipped with a pressure protection valve installed between the air reservoir and the lubrication control module. If the air line were to become disconnected between the lubrication control module and the air reservoir, a loss of air to the air brake system could occur. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence

A loss of air to the air brake system could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and install a pressure protection valve, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18017.

17V351000Electrical SystemMay 31, 2017 · 721 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2010-2014 K2 and K3 motor home chassis and Gladiator emergency response chassis cabs. A component within the starter motor may break, potentially resulting in the starter motor overheating or drawing excessive current.

Consequence

A starter motor that overheats may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Spartan will notify the purchasers of the chassis and dealers will replace the starters, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2017. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Spartan's number for this recall is 17012.

17V294000BrakesMay 1, 2017 · 18 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Gladiator and MetroStar emergency response vehicles equipped with a supplemental park brake system (SPBS). The directions to activate the SPBS incorrectly state to "Pull" the actuation knob, when it should say "Push."

Consequence

If the operator follows the incorrect directions and believes that the supplemental front park brake is applied when it is not, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners and supply a new actuator control knob with the correct directions, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2017. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 17009.

17V160000SuspensionMarch 13, 2017 · 2,783 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Gladiator, 2016-2017 MetroStar, 2012-2018 K2, 2011-2018 K3, 2017-2018 K4, and 2011-2017 MM vehicles. The ball joints on the independent front suspension (IFS) modules can loosen and separate, leading to a partial loss of steering.

Consequence

A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will remove, clean, apply thread locker, and reinstall the properly torqued ball joint, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2017. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Spartan's number for this recall is 17004.

16V676000SteeringSeptember 19, 2016 · 264 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2010-2017 Emergency Response K3, Metrostar, and Gladiator emergency response chassis cabs and motor home chassis manufactured April 12, 2010, to August 31, 2016. The affected vehicles have a power steering pump that may have an occasional loss of output power resulting in reduced or intermittent loss of power steering assist.

Consequence

An intermittent loss of power steering assist could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pumps, free of charge. The recall began on October 11, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 16022.

16V448000BrakesJune 20, 2016 · 38 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2004-2016 Gladiator tractor-drawn aerial emergency vehicles manufactured September 12, 2004, to September 30, 2015. The air brakes on these vehicles may have excessive actuation and release timing, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence

If a longer distance is needed to stop the vehicle there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles with a new 3/8" control line, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 16017.

15V687000SteeringOctober 21, 2015 · 2,038 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 ER Gladiator and MetroStar vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, to January 19, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the power steering fluid may overheat and cause the steering to unexpectedly lock during steering maneuvers.

Consequence

If the steering locks, there could be a loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will install a cooler to prevent the steering fluid from overheating, free of charge. An interim notice was sent to owners on December 17, 2015. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277.

15V540000Body & StructureAugust 25, 2015 · 696 units

Defect

Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Gladiator and MetroStar emergency vehicles manufactured March 4, 2013, to December 17, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the front splay rails may crack.

Consequence

If the front splay rails crack, they may separate, causing the cab to collapse when it is being raised, increasing the risk of injury to those nearby.

Remedy

Spartan will replace the splay rails with new splay rails with certified welds, free of charge. An interim notification was mailed to owners on September 24, 2015. The recall began on October 31, 2016. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 15019.

15V466000Body & StructureJuly 27, 2015 · 29 units

Defect

Spartan ERV (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 Gladiator emergency vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2007, through June 10, 2015. The affected vehicles were built with aerial devices and the torque frames are susceptible to cracking.

Consequence

The supporting frame could fail to support the aerial device, allowing it to fall and strike and injure a bystander, become a road hazard, or startle the vehicle's driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will njotify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by adding reinforcement sections for each side of the frame, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 15013.

15V448000Tires & WheelsJuly 15, 2015 · 212 units

Defect

Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 Advantage, Diamond, Gladiator, and MetroStar emergency response vehicles manufactured January 18, 2007 to February 9, 2015. The front wheels of the affected vehicles have valve stems that may rub against the brake caliper.

Consequence

If the valve stems rub against the brake caliper, a hole may develop causing the tire to deflate suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front wheel valve stems and replace any that have wear marks, free of charge. The recall began on September 2, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 15012.

15V403000EngineJune 24, 2015 · 1,599 units

Defect

Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Furion, Gladiator, and Metrostar emergency response vehicles manufactured November 10, 2009, to June 16, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the engine cooling fan may crack and the fan blades may detach while the fan is spinning.

Consequence

If the cab is raised, such as during a repair, and the engine cooling fan is operating and comes apart, those in close proximity could be injured from the shattered parts.

Remedy

Spartan will notify the vehicle manufacturers that purchased the affected emergency vehicle chassis, and their dealers will install a new engine cooling fan, free of charge. The recall began on August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 15011.

14V664000EngineOctober 22, 2014 · 304 units

Defect

Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Gladiator vehicles manufactured March 25, 2010, to October 16, 2014. The engine cooling fan may break and separate during severe vibration.

Consequence

If the hood to the vehicle is open, such as during a repair, and the engine cooling fan is operating and comes apart, those in close proximity could be injured from the shattered parts.

Remedy

The cooling fans in the affected vehicles will be replaced by dealers free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2014. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for the recall is 14018.

14V623000TransmissionOctober 6, 2014 · 389 units

Defect

Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2006-2013 Advantage, Diamond, Gladiator, and MetroStar emergency vehicles manufactured November 29, 2005, to June 19, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the transmission fluid cooler may fail, allowing the engine coolant to mix with the transmission fluid.

Consequence

If the engine coolant mixes with the transmission fluid, the transmission may not shift properly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners and dealers will install a new transmission fluid cooler, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on November 25, 2014 and will also be mailed a second letter when parts are available. Parts should be available in mid to late January 2015. The recall began on February 9, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan's number for this recall is 14017.

13V066000AirbagsFebruary 28, 2013 · 27 units

Defect

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Metro Star and Gladiator fire trucks manufactured from March 29, 2012, through January 30, 2013 and equipped with a Spartan advanced protection system (APS) supplied by Takata Protection Systems. The circuits on the control module of the APS may short and cause an inadvertent air bag deployment.

Consequence

An inadvertent air bag deployment could result in personal injury or increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan Motors will notify owners, and dealers will install a new sub-wire harness on the control module of the APS, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2013. Owners may contact Spartan at 1-800-543-5008 - Option 4.

12V579000Visibility & WipersDecember 10, 2012 · 36 units

Defect

Spartan Motors Chassis is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Gladiator, Metro Star, Metro Star-X, and Force emergency rescue chassis cabs built between October 1, 2012, through October 31, 2012. The wiper motor shaft and the wiper arm shaft have different sized splines which may cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative.

Consequence

If the windshield wipers become inoperative, the driver could have reduced visibility, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Spartan will notify owners and replace the wipers free of charge The safety recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may contact Spartan at 1-800-543-5008, Option 4.

12V279000EngineJune 19, 2012 · 102 units

Defect

SPARTAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 GLADIATOR EMERGENCY RESCUE CHASSIS MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 12, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 5, 2012, EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ISX 15L ENGINE AND FAN CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. SHEERING OF THE FASTENERS USED TO MOUNT THE FAN CLUTCH MOUNTING BRACKET TO THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE MAY LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE COOLING FAN, FAN CLUTCH AND MOUNTING BRACKET.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS AND CAB IS IN THE RAISED POSITION, THE SEPARATION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

SPARTAN CHASSIS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 10, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN AT 1-800-543-5008.

11V500000Electrical SystemOctober 13, 2011 · 799 units

Defect

SPARTAN CHASSIS (SPARTAN), IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 DIAMOND, MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 FURION ALONG WITH MODEL YEAR 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010 FURION R/T, MODEL YEAR 2007-2012 GLADIATOR, MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 METROSTAR AND MODEL YEAR 2012 SPARTAN FORCE EMERGENCY RESCUE TRANSPORT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 12, 2007, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2011. THE ESC MODULE MAY CAUSE THE ESC SYSTEM TO ACTIVATE UNNECESSARILY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN A PARTICULAR MANNER ON CERTAIN UNIQUE ROAD CONDITIONS AND MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SLIP ANGLE CALCULATION BY THE ESC MODULE.

Consequence

THIS MIGHT CAUSE THE ESC TO PERCEIVE AN OVER STEERING SITUATION AND THEREFORE APPLY THE FRONT AXLE OUTER WHEEL SERVICE BRAKE UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PERCEIVED TO BE STABLE BY THE ESC. THESE CONDITIONS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

SPARTAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPARTAN AT 1-800-543-5008 OPTION 5.

2012 Spartan Gladiator — common questions

Is the 2012 Spartan Gladiator reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 24 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Spartan Gladiator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Spartan Gladiator. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.