Recall 11V187 covers 12 2008, 2010, 2011 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator vehicles for slack adjuster housing cracks. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 12 2008, 2010, and 2011 Metrostar and Gladiator vehicles equipped with Gunite automatic slack adjusters. The slack adjuster housing can crack under normal braking, causing loss of braking and increasing the risk of a crash; the Spartan dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The automatic slack adjuster in the air brake system on affected 2008, 2010, 2011 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator vehicles keeps the brake shoes set at the correct distance from the brake drum as the linings wear. In normal service, it takes up that extra slack so the air brakes apply with the intended force when the driver presses the pedal.
On the affected vehicles, the Gunite slack adjuster housing was cast with incomplete knitting of the iron. That means the metal did not fully bond together during casting, leaving the housing without enough structural strength. Under normal operating loads, the housing can break at the handle. When that happens, the adjuster no longer holds the brake linkage as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not count on a dashboard light, noise, or change in pedal feel before the housing breaks.
Who's affected?
Spans Metrostar and Gladiator models across the 2008, 2010, and 2011 model years, all involving the brake system.
| 2010 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2008 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2010 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| Units affected | 12 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Slack adjusters with this flow notch can crack during normal braking. A cracked adjuster can cause loss of braking and increase the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008, 2010, or 2011 Spartan Gladiator or 2010 Spartan Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free slack-adjuster replacement that fixes the brake adjuster housing that can crack under normal braking.
- Reference recall number 11V187 when you call the dealer.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan mailed one, and ask the dealer to confirm parts before you bring the vehicle in.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician replaces the affected Gunite automatic slack adjusters. These parts help keep the air brake adjustment in range as the brakes wear. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Spartan. Spartan's notice says the safety recall began during March 2011. If your VIN is included, ask the service desk to confirm that the slack adjusters covered by campaign 11V187 have been replaced before you rely on the vehicle for service.
Timeline
| March 21, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 29, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V187?
Recall 11V187 covers 12 2008, 2010, 2011 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator vehicles with Gunite automatic slack adjusters. The slack adjuster housing can crack under normal braking, causing loss of braking and increasing crash risk. Spartan dealers will replace the affected slack adjusters for free.
What should I do if my 2008, 2010, 2011 Spartan Metrostar or Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V187. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule replacement of the affected automatic slack adjusters. Reference recall number 11V187 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Spartan's remedy says dealers will replace the affected slack adjusters free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 11V187.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of braking. Spartan says the automatic slack adjuster housing can crack under normal braking conditions, which can lead to loss of braking and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair before regular service use.
What if I bought my Spartan Metrostar or Gladiator used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Spartan vehicle is included, then call a franchised Spartan dealer with recall number 11V187 and ask for the free slack adjuster replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V187000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-800-543-5008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V187 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V187000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →