Recall 13V049 covers 20 2008-2009 Spartan Tda, Rma 103, and Rma 75 apparatus for faulty aerial lift cylinders. Free repair at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 20 2008-2009 Tda, Rma 103, and Rma 75 aerial fire apparatus because hydraulic cylinder rod eyes were not properly heat treated. A rod eye can fracture or separate, and if two affected cylinders are on the same aerial lift, the lift can retract without warning and cause severe injury or property damage; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
On the 2008-2009 Spartan Tda, Rma 103, and Rma 75 fire apparatus, the hydraulic extension and retraction cylinders move the aerial equipment in and out. Each cylinder uses hydraulic pressure to push or pull a rod. The welded rod eye is the attachment point at the end of that rod, and it carries the load as the aerial section moves.
On the affected apparatus, those cylinders were produced by RamRod Industries with welded rod eyes that were not properly heat treated during manufacturing. Heat treatment is the metal-hardening step that helps the welded area reach its intended strength. Without that process being done correctly, the welded rod eye is not built to the same strength as the intended part.
The recall information does not identify an operator warning sign before the defect shows up. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Spans Tda, Rma 103, and Rma 75 vehicles across the 2008 and 2009 model years, all under the Equipment component.
| 2008 Spartan Tda | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2008 Spartan Rma 103 | Equipment |
| 2009 Spartan Tda | Equipment |
| 2009 Spartan Rma 103 | Equipment |
| 2008 Spartan Rma 75 | Equipment |
| 2009 Spartan Rma 75 | Equipment |
| Units affected | 20 |
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?
An improperly manufactured rod eye end attachment can fracture or separate. If two affected cylinders are installed on the same aerial lift device, the lift can retract without warning, creating risk of severe injury and property damage. Treat an affected lift as unsafe for lift operation until inspected and repaired. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2009 Spartan Tda, Rma 103, or Rma 75 aerial fire apparatus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer after Spartan confirms your VIN, and ask about the free hydraulic-cylinder replacement.
- Schedule the cylinder replacement that removes the improperly heat-treated rod-eye attachments from the aerial lift.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 13V049 when you call.
- Keep the aerial lift out of service until the repair is complete because the lift can retract without warning.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician replaces the affected hydraulic extension and retraction cylinders equipped with welded rod eyes that were not properly heat treated. The replacement parts and labor are covered by the recall. Spartan's notice says the recall began on February 25, 2013, and the dealer remedy is cylinder replacement at no charge. If the apparatus is still awaiting recall work, contact a Spartan service desk and ask them to confirm the VIN, parts availability, and where the apparatus should be taken for the free repair.
Timeline
| February 11, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 25, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V049?
Recall 13V049 covers 20 2008-2009 Spartan Tda, Rma 103, and Rma 75 aerial fire apparatus with hydraulic extension and retraction cylinders that have improperly heat-treated welded rod eyes. Spartan dealers will replace the affected cylinders for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Spartan Tda, Rma 103, or Rma 75 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire apparatus is included in recall 13V049. If it is, contact a Spartan dealer to schedule cylinder replacement. Reference recall 13V049 when you call, and ask Spartan at 1-800-867-6478, Option 2, if your department needs scheduling help.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Spartan dealers will replace the affected hydraulic cylinders free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included 2008-2009 Spartan Tda, Rma 103, and Rma 75 vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is aerial-lift retraction without warning if two affected hydraulic cylinders are installed on the same lift device. A fractured or separated rod eye end attachment can allow the lift to retract and cause severe injury or property damage. Have a Spartan dealer replace the affected cylinders for free.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning before the aerial lift retracts in the two-cylinder failure condition described by recall 13V049. The defect is in the rod eye end attachment on the hydraulic cylinders, so inspection and replacement by a Spartan dealer is the repair path.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V049000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-800-867-6478 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V049 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V049000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (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 →