Recall 10V245 affects 898 2008-2010 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator fire apparatus chassis cabs for slow air-brake release. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 898 2008-2010 Gladiator and Metrostar incomplete fire apparatus chassis cabs with tandem rear axles and electronic stability control because added brake valving reduced air flow to the brake chambers. The slower service brake release timing fails FMVSS 121, reduces braking performance, and prevents timely vehicle movement; the Spartan dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2008-2010 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator chassis use air brakes, a system that sends compressed air to brake chambers at the wheels. Those chambers convert air pressure into mechanical force, applying and releasing the service brakes when the driver presses or lifts off the pedal. On these fire apparatus chassis, electronic stability control adds valves to help manage braking and vehicle stability.
The problem is in the added valve path for chassis equipped with tandem rear axles and electronic stability control. Spartan says the extra valving reduced air flow and air volume to the brake chambers. Because less air moves through the system during release, the service brakes release more slowly than required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121 for air brake systems.
There is no warning sign before failure. An operator should not count on a dashboard light, sound, or pedal change to identify this brake-release timing problem before the vehicle is inspected.
Who's affected?
Spans Metrostar and Gladiator vehicles across the 2008-2010 model years, all tied to the brake system.
| 2010 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2009 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2008 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2009 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2010 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| Units affected | 898 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
The brake hose sizing issue can slow service brake release timing below the federal standard. That means braking performance is less efficient, and the vehicle will not move as promptly when the brakes release. Use extra care if the vehicle is still in service, and arrange dealer service. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2010 Spartan Metrostar or Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Call Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008 to confirm the current repair status for your VIN.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free brake-hose replacement that restores proper air flow to the brake chambers.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 10V245 when you call.
- Drive with extra space until the repair is complete, since slower service brake release timing reduces braking performance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician replaces the .38 inch inside diameter brake hose with a .50 inch inside diameter hose. The larger hose is meant to restore the needed air flow and volume to the brake chambers so the service brakes release at the required timing. The dealer repair is free once available for the VIN. Before work begins, ask the Spartan service desk to confirm that the hose replacement applies to your 2008-2010 Metrostar or Gladiator configuration.
Timeline
| June 7, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 17, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V245?
Recall 10V245 covers 898 2008-2010 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator incomplete fire apparatus chassis cabs with tandem rear axles and electronic stability control. Added ESC valving reduced air flow to the brake chambers, slowing service brake release timing and failing FMVSS 121 requirements.
What should I do if my 2008-2010 Spartan Metrostar or Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific chassis is included in recall 10V245. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the brake hose replacement. Reference recall number 10V245 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Spartan dealers will replace the .38 inch inside diameter brake hose with a .50 inch inside diameter hose free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is slower service brake release timing. Spartan reported that the condition fails the service brake release requirements of FMVSS 121 and can result in less efficient braking performance or prevent the vehicle from being moved in a timely fashion.
What if I bought this Spartan chassis used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Metrostar or Gladiator chassis is included, then give the dealer recall number 10V245 when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V245000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-800-543-5008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V245 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V245000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →