VehicleVerdict

1996 Spartan Low Profile Gladiator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1996 Spartan Low Profile Gladiator — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Low Profile Gladiator years?

Low Profile Gladiator NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted1 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints
Low Profile Gladiator NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Low Profile Gladiator years to avoid →

Does the 1996 Spartan Low Profile Gladiator have recalls?

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

98V286000SuspensionNovember 6, 1998 · 39 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIRE TRUCKS. IF THE DRIVER ACCELERATES IN A TURN ABOVE 20 MPH FORWARD SPEED, THE LOCK PIN IS ACTUATED AND CAUSES THE AXLE TO RESIST RETURNING TO THE STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION AFTER THE TURN IS COMPLETED BECAUSE THE LOCK PIN IS BINDING ON THE CLAMP PLATE SURFACE.

Consequence

ENGAGING THE LOCK PIN IN THE LCMP PLATE HOLE AT HIGH FORWARD SPEEDS CAUSES EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE LOCK PIN AND/OR THE CLAMP PLATE HOLE. LANE CHANGES AND OTHER VEHICLE MANEUVERS WILL GREATLY INCREASE CONTACT FREQUENCY AND CAUSES WEAR, INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TAG AXLES ON THESE FIRE TRUCKS.

98V077000Latches & LocksApril 24, 1998 · 477 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIRE TRUCKS WITH OCCUPANT SIDE ENTRY DOORS. A DIFFICULTY IN LATCHING THE SIDE ENTRY DOORS TO THE FULL CLOSED POSITION, AND/OR, THE DOORS MAY RELEASE TO THE SECONDARY LATCH POSITION. ALSO LOOSE RIVETS CAN CAUSE THE LATCH CONTROL MECHANISM TO BIND NOT ALLOWING THE DOOR TO LATCH PROPERLY WHEN SHUT.

Consequence

THE CAB DOOR COULD UNLATCH FROM ITS PRIMARY LATCH WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN UNASSISTED TO THE SECONDARY LATCH POSITION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE LATCH AND ACTUATOR ON THE DOORS.

1996 Spartan Low Profile Gladiator — common questions

Is the 1996 Spartan Low Profile Gladiator reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 Spartan Low Profile Gladiator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Spartan Low Profile 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.