VehicleVerdict

1996 Spartan Sb problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1996 Spartan Sb — 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

Does the 1996 Spartan Sb have recalls?

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

00V001000Speed ControlJanuary 3, 2000 · 623 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH MECHANICAL B5.9 FRONT DIESEL ENGINE SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 26, 1995 THROUGH MARCH 18, 1998. DUE TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET HAVING AN INCORRECT BEND ANGLE, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE HAS A COMPOUND BEND RADIUS WHICH ALLOWS THE INNER CABLE TO WEAR THROUGH OUTER CABLE SHEATH END FITTINGS AND POSSIBLY JAM IN THE GROOVE RESULTING FROM THIS WEAR.

Consequence

THE ENGINE THROTTLE MAY THEN FAIL TO REACT TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL MOVEMENTS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CORRECTIVE ACTION KIT. THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED: (1) EXISTING ACCELERATOR CABLE ASSEMBLY; (2) ENGINE END; CABLE CLAMPING BRACKET, AND (3) ENGINE END; QUICK RELEASE BALL SOCKET.

96V052000EngineMarch 27, 1996 · 52 units

Defect

THE FAN CLUTCH FOR THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM FAN WAS COMBINED WITH AN INAPPROPRIATE FAN, WHICH INTERFERES WITH THE DRIVE AND CAN CAUSE THE DRIVE TO SEPARATE.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHILE THE ENGINE COVER IS OPEN, A PERSON WORKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE STRUCK BY A PORTION OF THE FAN CLUTCH. IF THE FAN CLUTCH SEPARATES, THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN WHICH HAS A CUPPED MOUNTING PLATE WITH A FAN HAVING A STRAIGHT MOUNTING PLATE. THE FAN CLUTCH, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY INTERFERENCE WITH THE FAN, IS BEING REPLACED WITH A NEW DRIVE OF THE SAME MODEL.

1996 Spartan Sb — common questions

Is the 1996 Spartan Sb 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 Sb have recalls?

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