VehicleVerdict

1998 Spartan Sb problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1998 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 1998 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.

98V173000BrakesJuly 30, 1998 · 441 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOMES, SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH PNEUMATICALLY ACTUATED BRAKING SYSTEM. THE BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT HAD THE SYMBOL BUT NOT THE WORD 'BRAKE' ON IT. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Consequence

THE INDICATOR LAMP WAS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE STANDARD.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INDICATOR LAMP WITH A LAMP MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105.

1998 Spartan Sb — common questions

Is the 1998 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 1998 Spartan Sb have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 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.